An Inspirational & Cautionary Tale about the 1918 Pandemic
/PHARMACY GIRL Review by Eileen Harrison Sanchez
Historical fiction can create empathy and understanding of the challenges of the times through fictionalized characters. The characters in PHARMACY GIRL leap out to caution us to follow the guidelines from over 100 years ago. “Wash your hands” and “keep your distance from others” are familiar to all of us today. Follow the characters as some heed the advice, others ignore it and some who are caregivers do the best they can under the circumstances. Although the author wrote this as a middle grade novel it is informative for more mature readers to guide and caution young readers and to be reminded of forgotten lessons. PHARMACY GIRL is based on research and most interestingly on Kate Szegda’s own family’s experiences during the 1918 pandemic. Written and published before the 2020 pandemic we are managing today, it presents the heartache of loss, the heroism of many and finally, life that returns to normal.
About Kate Szegda : A Jersey girl by birth, Kate Szegda grew up in the small, New Jersey towns of Highland Park and Point Pleasant Beach. As a kid, she played the trumpet and loved riding bikes, ice skating, and reading Nancy Drew mysteries. Kate taught middle school language arts and loved reading books with her students. Two favorites were Johnny Tremaine and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Writing Pharmacy Girl has been the best experience yet. Historical research — especially about your own family — is a lot like being a detective, and that, she says, is fun. Kate@Kateszegda.com
For classroom or library visits, contact: Kate@Kateszegda.com
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