Fever 1793
Laurie Halse Anderson
Fever 1793
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Laurie Halse Anderson
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The heavy scent of smoke and sickness fills the hot summer air as the city streets grow quieter by the day. Mattie’s world is full of the rich aroma of coffee and the buzz of busy markets, but soon a mysterious fever sweeps through Philadelphia, turning everything upside down. How will Mattie find hope and strength when the city she loves is gripped by fear?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in 1793 Philadelphia during a deadly yellow fever epidemic, this historical novel follows Mattie Cook as she navigates the challenges of survival when disease threatens her family and community. Suitable for ages 9-12, it realistically portrays illness and loss with emotional depth, making it a thoughtful introduction to historical health crises. Parents should be aware of themes involving sickness, death, and family hardship.
Why we rated Fever 1793 11ME
Fever 1793 is written at a Level 6 reading level across 252 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Fever 1793 works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Fever 1793 as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Fever 1793 explores historical, illnesses, family, survival, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, illnesses, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Fever, a Flight, and a Fight for the World
Jennifer Myhre
Fever, a Flight, and a Fight for the World
Jennifer Myhre
Plague
Greenhaven Press
Plague
Greenhaven Press
Fever Crumb
Philip Reeve
Fever Crumb
Philip Reeve
Deadly Diseases
Janey Levy
Deadly Diseases
Janey Levy
Epidemic.
Frank G. Slaughter
Epidemic.
Frank G. Slaughter
Leukemia
Adrienne Wilmoth Lerner
Leukemia
Adrienne Wilmoth Lerner
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780689848919
- Pages
- 252
- Publisher
- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Published
- September 1, 2000
- Type
- Fiction