Characters
What does Matilda dream about?
To go to France and bring back combs, fabric and jewelry.
What is the setting (place/year)?
Philadelphia 1793
Where were Mattie and her mother were invited for tea?
the Ogilvie's
How do Matilda and her grandfather end up stranded?
The men on horseback think Matilda’s grandfather has yellow fever, so they refuse to let him in the town. The family dumps them on the road and goes on without them.
With whom does Matilda reunite?
Eliza.
Who are Silas and King George?
A cat that lives with Matilda. A parrot won in a card game.
Who is the boy Mattie flirts with?
Nathaniel Benson
What is the atmosphere at Matilda’s family business in the afternoon?
The business is packed with people talking about politics and news.
What trick does Matilda use to find water for her and her grandfather?
She looks for a willow tree, knowing water will be nearby.
What is Matilda relieved to find hidden under a stair?
A strongbox where money was hidden.
Who is William Farnsworth Cook?
Matilda's grandfather
Where does Mother want Mattie to go when the Fever breaks out?
the Ludington's farm
What is Matilda’s mother feel about the boy Matilda has a crush on?
What is Matilda’s mothers feeling about the boy Matilda has a crush on?She thinks he is going nowhere in life and is therefore not a suitable match.
What hospital is Mattie in?
Bush Hill
How does Matilda help her grandfather the night they are being robbed?
She takes her grandfather’s sword and stabs the robber.
What happened to Matilda's father?
He fell off a ladder and broke his neck, causing him to die.
Why do they ring the church bells?
For the dead yellow fever victims
What rumor is circulating through the city in the beginning of the book?
What rumor is circulating through the city?A fever is plaguing people, and it is originating from the area around the docks.
Who is Mrs. Flagg?
The nurse that cares for Matilda and flirts with Grandfather.
Why does Matilda go to the newspaper printer?
To place an ad to try and find her mother.
Who is Polly?
She used to work for the Cooks in their coffee house and was Matilda's good friend.
What historical event sparked an increase in Matilda’s family business?
George Washington built his home a few blocks away.
How is the community dealing with the many deaths that have been occurring?
They are all fleeing to the country to avoid the possibility of death and the city is becoming abandoned.
After gathering fresh pears, Matilda heads back to feed and care for her grandfather. What happens on the way back?
Matilda feels cold all over and passes out.
Who is Nell?
A little girl Matilda finds crying stating that her mother is "broken too".