Jim Murphy

Includes diary entries, personal letters, and archival photographs to describe the experiences of boys, sixteen years old or younger, who fought in the Civil War.

Award-winning author Jim Murphy whisks you back in time to witness the disastrous 1871 Chicago Fire. He depicts the tragedy so vividly, you can almost feel the scorching heat and hear the roar of the blaze as it reduces the bustling city to a smoldering wasteland. On a warm Sunday evening, a fire breaks out in a barn. No one worries about it-fires are common in Chicago. But soon a sea of flames is sweeping up and down the streets, devouring everything...

Presents a series of unusual inventions, along with description of how they worked including such items as a transparent travelling sphere, a machanical dance partner, talking watch, and portable sleeping cushion.

Describes the events of the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 as seen through the eyes of two actual participants, nineteen-year-old Confederate lieutenant John Dooley and seventeen-year-old Union soldier Thomas Galway. Also discusses Lincoln's famous speech delivered at the dedication of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg.

Describes the Christmas truce that occurred along Western Front trenches in 1914 and features quotations from young men on both sides, a timeline, and additional source material.

Learn how George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River helped save the American revolution.

Newbery Honor and Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor recipient Jim Murphy has written numerous stories based on historical events, such as The Boys' War and The Great Fire. In An American Plague, he tells the story of the 1793 yellow fever epidemic. Bizarre medical practices of the time are discussed, as well as popular historical figures, such as George Washington and Benjamin Rush, who were involved in finding a cure for this horrific outbreak. Pat Bottino's...

In September 1862, two great armies faced each other across Antietam Creek. The outnumbered Confederate forces were led by General Robert E. Lee. The Union army was led by General George B. McClellan. Jim Murphy uses archival photographs, maps, and firsthand accounts to recreate one of America's most important battles.