American Spirits

The Famous Fox Sisters and the Mysterious Fad that Haunted a Nation

Narrated by Sophie Amoss
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Pub Date Apr 15 2025 | Archive Date May 02 2025
RBmedia | Recorded Books

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Description

Could the Fox sisters actually speak to the dead—or were they frauds?

Rap. Rap. Rap. The eerie sound was first heard in March of 1848 at the home of the Fox family in Hydesville, New York. The family’s two daughters, Kate and Maggie, soon discovered that they could communicate with the spirit that was making these uncanny noises; he told them he had been a traveling peddler who had been murdered. This strange incident, and the ones that followed, generated a media frenzy beyond anything the Fox sisters could have imagined. Kate and Maggie, managed (or perhaps manipulated) by their elder sister Leah, became famous spirit mediums, giving public exhibitions, and advising other celebrities of their day.

But were the Fox sisters legitimate? In the years that followed their rise, the Civil War killed roughly 1 in 4 soldiers, increasing the demand for contacting the dead. However, media campaigns against the sisters gathered steam as well...

This thrilling and mysterious true story from veteran author Barb Rosenstock (Caldecott Honor winner) will spark teens’ interest in American history, encourage media literacy, and reveal insights into the Civil War era, fake news, and women's rights.

Could the Fox sisters actually speak to the dead—or were they frauds?

Rap. Rap. Rap. The eerie sound was first heard in March of 1848 at the home of the Fox family in Hydesville, New York. The...


Advance Praise

"A biography of the Fox sisters, mysterious 19th-century mediums whose spirit circles led to the foundation of a new, highly influential religion... Rosenstock effectively and objectively presents historical facts alongside primary sources—journal entries, letters, newspaper clippings, photos—as she explores whether the Foxes truly experienced supernatural phenomena or whether it was a hoax all along. She also excels at integrating the larger social and historical context in which Spiritualism rose to prominence, drawing clear connections between the facts presented. A suspenseful, well-researched read filled with fascinating and evocative visuals." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"A detailed and engaging account of the Fox sisters, who started the 19th-century Spiritualist movement. Pages turn quickly with short chapters and Rosenstock’s intriguing ghost story–writing style. Extensive documentation is provided, ­including source notes, bibliography, and index. A great choice for teens who enjoy ghost stories and those interested in con artists or history. Recommended for all libraries." —School Library Journal

“Rosenstock, known for her award-winning informational picture books, turns to an older audience as she examines how the Fox sisters drove the Spiritualism movement in the nineteenth century. In meticulous detail… Rosenstock frames their rise and fall with the state of the nation, from deadly diseases to political divisions over slavery. By the end of this intriguing account, which is supported by copious source notes, readers must decide if the Fox sisters were mediums or tricksters, famous or infamous—or a bit of both.” —Booklist

"A biography of the Fox sisters, mysterious 19th-century mediums whose spirit circles led to the foundation of a new, highly influential religion... Rosenstock effectively and objectively presents...


Available Editions

EDITION Audiobook, Unabridged
ISBN 9798895943090
PRICE
DURATION 5 Hours, 30 Minutes

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