I survived the Black Death, 1348

Gr 3--5--A small English village faces death and disease in Tarshis's 24th historical page-turner in the popular series. Eleven-year-old Elsie and her best friend, Humphrey, are hunting in the forest outside their small village when they encounter a group of outlaws conspiring with a corrupt sheriff. The two friends share the news with Jonah, a family friend who has just returned from traveling. While helping Jonah with the fabric he has brought back to sell, Elsie gets several flea bites and narrowly avoids a rat hiding in his wagon. Shortly afterward, as rumors circulate about a deadly new disease racing through Europe, Jonah falls ill and dies, Elsie and Humphrey narrowly escape the sheriff, and Elsie herself gets terribly sick. Tarshis is a master of bringing in just enough details of the horrific, frightening, and true events of history to keep kids hooked. She has skillfully constructed a story of the plague, while also providing a glimpse into everyday life in a medieval village. Background information on the plague and Tarshis's research process is appended. VERDICT Recommended for purchase in all collections, especially where the rest of the series is popular.