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American Spirits: The Famous Fox Sisters and the Mysterious Fad That Haunted a Nation
CCBC Review:
A prank blossoms into a nationwide phenomenon in this meticulously researched account of two acclaimed spiritualists. In Hydesville, New York, in 1848, unexplained rapping noises in the Fox family home, interpreted as messages from a murdered peddler buried in the cellar, drew widespread attention. White sisters Maggie (14) and Kate (11) were the only ones able to communicate with the spirit. Taking advantage of their sudden notoriety, the girls—along with their older sister, Leah—began touring cities to hold séances for wealthy, astonished clients, many of whom longed to communicate with deceased family members. Their long-term popularity spurred the birth of the Modern Spiritualist movement; over the years, Maggie, Kate, and other mediums expanded their repertoire to include not only an alphabet and rapping noises but automatic writing, levitations, and apparitions. Years of constant work, fame, and public scrutiny, however, took a heavy toll on the two women. Maggie’s partner’s family considered her work disreputable and refused to accept her. Both sisters abused alcohol, and Kate nearly lost custody of her sons. Along with liberal use of intriguing visuals, the author examines the news media’s sensationalized portrayal of the women’s work and personal lives, the psychology of belief in Spiritualism, and expectations of and opportunities available to women at the time. While the account concludes with Maggie’s confession that the seances were hoaxes, the Author’s Note invites readers to make their own judgments about the Fox sisters’ controversial work. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: 14 and older
Age Range:
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format:
Substantial Narrative Non-Fiction
Subjects:
19th Century
Celebrity/Fame
Faith, Spirituality and Religion
Girls and Women
History (Nonfiction)
Journalism and Media
Publishers:
Calkins Creek, Astra
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 304
ISBN: 9781635928051
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 133 Rosenstock