Terrible Typhoid Mary: A True Story of the Deadliest Cook in America by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

"Dear Reader, 
If you’re squeamish and don’t like to read about germs, then you should stop now and find some other book to read. If you don’t scrub your hands with soap and hot water for at least thirty seconds after using the toilet and before eating, if you don’t clean underneath your fingernails, if you don’t sneeze or cough into a tissue or your elbow or your shoulder in order not to spray germs, if you touch doorknobs or share eating utensils or set your sandwich down on the cafeteria table, if you practice the five-second rule, if you don’t change or launder your bath towel at least twice a week, if you don’t wipe your cell phone and keyboard with a disinfectant once a day, if you don’t clean out your backpack or your purse every day, then read on. 
Sincerely, the author"

Bibliography:

Bartoletti, Susan C. 2015. Terrible Typhoid Mary: A True Story of the Deadliest Cook in America. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN: 9780544313675

Plot Summary:

Have you ever heard of the term Typhoid Mary but didn't know where the expression originated from? Terrible Typhoid Mary: A True Story of the Deadliest Cook in America is a compelling biography of Mary Mallon, the first known asymptomatic Typhoid carrier, and her resilient story of unknowingly infecting several wealthy families in early nineteenth-century New York. Recount the story of the deadliest cook in America forced against her will into quarantine twice throughout her life and up until her death, written by the credible award-winning author Susan Campbell Bartoletti. Supported by factual evidence, archival photographs, and a detailed timeline, this true story explores the depths of prevention control and America's history of germs and disease.

Critical Analysis:

Terrible Typhoid Mary: A True Story of the Deadliest Cook in America by Susan Campbell Bartoletti is a YA nonfiction social history biography accurately researched and supported by creditable sources. Bartoletti provides a valid account of Mary Mallon's life as a cook in New York and the investigator, George Soper, who eventually caught her. Presented in a clear layout of authentic examination, reference, archival photographic evidence, and a distinct timeline of events. The author is an award-winning nonfiction writer who sets the enthusiastic tone of fact-based documentation not to be left up to interpretation. 

Readers from middle-grade to adults will enjoy reading this interesting biography, which invokes critical analysis and further investigation. This story will also make readers think twice when washing their hands and handling food as the cringe-worthy graphic text provides enough background to create a realistic germ-saturated depiction of life before the invention of antibiotics; it especially rings true to current events of 2020/2021. Readers will grasp a better understanding of the significance of this remarkable account of American history. 

Review Excerpts:

Awards & Recognitions:

  • NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book 2016
From Booklist, "Expertly weaving together both historical background and contemporary knowledge about disease and public health, Bartoletti enlivens Mallon's story with engrossing anecdotes and provocative critical inquiry while debunking misconceptions."

From Bulletin, ""Bartoletti delivers a fast-moving biography of Mallon herself...Enthusiastic and accessible, but it remains respectful, offering understanding and empathy for the numerous people affected by the outbreaks that followed in Mallon's wake." 

From Horn Book Magazine, "Bartoletti skillfully weaves the answers into the beginning of the story, before moving on to Soper's cat-and-mouse game of tracking Mary down and then keeping her quarantined for most of the rest of her life...excellent nonfiction." 

From School Library Journal, "Bartoletti tells the woman’s story with empathy and understanding [and] explores the myriad violations of Mallon’s civil rights and her unusually harsh treatment in comparison to other healthy typhoid carriers. Energetic, even charming prose will easily engage readers." 

Connections:

  • Teach a lesson about germs, how it is spread, and the importance of handwashing and hand sanitizing. 
  • After the lecture, conduct a moldy bread science experiment: Moldy Bread Experiment.
  • Teach children proper handwashing techniques, including scrubbing their wrists and fingernails. Good handwashing hygiene habits should take 15-20 seconds, encourage children to sing the ABC song (about 15 - 20 seconds long) while washing their hands to help them learn that they've sanitized for the time required. 

Read more nonfiction novels by Susan Campbell Bartoletti:

  • Black Potatoes: The Story of the Great Irish Famine, 1845-1850. ISBN: 9780618548835
  • Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow. ISBN: 9780439353793
  • They Called Themselves the K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group. ISBN: 9780618440337
Extra Content: To Kick Those Boredom Blues

Watch this informational video about Mary Mallon from Weird History: 
Typhoid Mary | The Original Asymptomatic Super-Spreader