(4) 4-6 Jimmy Murphy, the worst sixth grader at his 1950s Catholic elementary school, is the target of humiliation by a new teacher, Sister Angelica Rose--so much so that he enlists his friends in a revenge prank against her that could be dangerous. Fear not: there's a happy ending. Though occasionally quite funny, there's scant historical detail to anchor the semi-autobiographical story.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(1) 4-6 Murphy tells the story of the medical team in the 1940s that solved the problem of "Blue baby syndrome"--Dr. Alfred Blalock; pediatrician Helen Taussig (a woman in a male-dominated field); and Vivien Thomas, Blalock's African American lab assistant, who developed and refined the surgical procedure. The synthesis of their stories is illuminating, serving also as social commentary on the times. Numerous black-and-white photographs are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2015

(3) 4-6 When the Cardiff Giant was unearthed in 1869 in upstate New York, he caught the attention of the region, the nation, and P. T. Barnum, humbug extraordinaire. Was it really a petrified man? Murphy carefully delineates the events and media frenzy, the theories, and the greedy turn of events that led to the unraveling of the one of the greatest archaeological hoaxes ever perpetrated. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt

(2) 4-6 Tuberculosis has been a medical scourge through much of human history, and new drug-resistant strains keep the threat of a pandemic always on the horizon. This book brings young readers up to speed with a scientific explanation of the microbe as well as medical and social histories of the disease. Despite disparate elements, the information comes together cohesively for an engaging read. Illustrations and photographs are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2012

(2) 4-6 In the first half of the book, Murphy describes 1776's multiple military disasters, noting the colonists' loss of confidence and will. This detailed background leads to Washington's climactic crossing of the Delaware River and subsequent defeat of the British at Trenton and Princeton. Pale sepia-toned text and illustrations (including maps and artwork reproductions) give the book a satisfying historical feel. Timeline, websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2011

(2) K-3 The first part of this book sparely and effectively outlines the causes of the Great War. Murphy then moves into a close-up view of the trenches before providing an account of the 1914 Christmas Truce. This historical background gives the truce emotional resonance; the subsequent carnage is all the more sobering in contrast. Plentiful photographs and period illustrations convey the paradoxes well. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2009

(2) 4-6 Murphy defines the Battle of Antietam, with almost 23,000 casualties, as the military and emotional turning point of the Civil War. Maneuver by maneuver, he recounts the day's myriad skirmishes. Clear maps, showing tactical attacks and retreats, stand in stark contrast to the numerous, affecting photographs of young soldiers, dead bodies, and makeshift hospital sites. Personal quotes reiterate the human toll. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2009

(2) YA Murphy examines rumors and facts about Benedict Arnold. Much of this examination, particularly of the political machinations of the Continental Congress and Arnold's military record, involves tremendous detail. Tactical and political mistakes come to the forefront, along with ugly gossip. Showing respect for his audience, Murphy leaves the ultimate judging to his readers. Detailed source notes complete the book. Ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2008

(3) 4-6 In this richly detailed story set in 1848 on the Erie Canal, twelve-year-old Maggie reluctantly assumes responsibility for delivering a barge shipment to Buffalo after her father is arrested and her mother becomes ill. Along the way, Maggie learns about herself and what she wants to do with her life. The colloquial dialogue provides historical authenticity, and an informative afterword gives context. Glos.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) K-3 Illustrated by John Manders. Inspired by traditional Irish folklore, Murphy's original story tells of Fergus O'Mara, a lazy, fun-loving lad who encounters a Night-Demon. The gouache and colored-pencil illustrations depict both Fergus and the demon as caricatures, which detracts somewhat from the story. But the tale's a lively one, with clever Fergus repeatedly besting the monster, and it's a good choice for reading aloud.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) 4-6 My Name Is America series. A fourteen-year-old runaway from San Francisco records his experiences in 1874 on the ship The Florence. Brian describes life at sea and presents a vividly detailed account of whaling as the ship sails the Pacific, stops in Hawaii, and is eventually abandoned in the icy waters of Alaska. An informational note and some archival images put this fictional account into historical perspective.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(2) 4-6 Moving historical uncertainties about the Battle of the Alamo to center stage, Murphy shows how accounts can differ, either over time or with new information. The strong narrative covers the background of the Texas War of Independence, military and political players, the Alamo battle, and subsequent events. Thoughtful captions extend the inquiry to archival maps, engravings, and paintings. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2003

(2) 4-6 Murphy culls from a number of historical records the story of the yellow fever epidemic that swept Philadelphia, skillfully drawing out the fear and drama of the time and making them immediate to modern readers. Attentive to telling detail, Murphy offers representative images, from black-and-white portraits to plague scenes. Thoroughly documented, with an annotated source list, the work is both rigorous and inviting. Ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2003

(3) 4-6 Dear America series. Orphaned and alone in a Nebraska frontier town in 1881, fourteen-year-old Sarah follows in her father's footsteps to become the town's new teacher. Through Sarah's journal entries, Murphy creates an accurate and engaging depiction of the challenges and triumphs of living on the open prairie. An informative historical note, photos, and a map are appended.

Reviewer: Juliet S. King

(2) 4-6 In 1910, sixteen-year-old D'Angelo and his father left their Italian village to travel to New York City but found life less than rosy for new immigrants. By skillfully interspersing historical details with D'Angelo's own account of his life from his autobiography, and by illustrating the text with documentary photos, Murphy provides a compelling tribute to the indomitable masses who helped to modernize America. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Kathleen T. Horning | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2001

(1) 4-6 In March of 1888, two massive weather systems converged on the northeastern United States, precipitating gale-force winds, heavy snows, and subzero weather. Drawing on extensive newspaper articles, histories of the period, and archived letters and journals, Murphy writes of the storm through the experiences of a number of people. Each provides him entry into background discussions covering the political and social conditions of that time. Ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2001

(3) 4-6 My Name Is America series. Sixteen-year-old James joins the Union Army and is asked by his commanding officer to keep a journal of his company's exploits. A more embellished version than was intended, his journal is a personal reaction to death and privation, to war and blood, to loss and anger, and a sad but moving testament to lost youth. Illustrated with sketches by the author, reproductions, and maps.

Reviewer: Mary M. Burns

(2) 4-6 Murphy's text is a substantive examination of the history of whaling, the socio-economic forces that supported it, the process by which whales were transformed into salable commodities, and the environmental impact of reckless commercialism as technology increased the hunters' success. The book is enhanced by drawings, engravings, and photographs, and also features in boxed inserts information about specific types of whales. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(3) 4-6 Dear America series. Twelve-year-old Zippy strives to understand each member of her family, to decide on a career, and to acclimate to turn-of-the-century America. Fourteen-year-old Teresa describes her family's joys and hardships as they travel from New York to the Idaho Territory in 1883. Both novels contain believable voices and well-developed settings. Appended historical notes and black-and-white photos add authenticity.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.