American Spirits by Barb Rosenstock Published by Astra Publishing House on April 15, 2025
Genres: Biography & Autobiography, Nonfiction, Young Adult
Pages: 304
Format: Paperback
Where to buy: Affiliate Link
CAN THE DEAD TALK TO THE LIVING? Discover the astonishingly true story of Maggie, Kate, and Leah Fox—the Civil War-era sisters and teen mediums who created the American séance.
A real-life ghost story for young adult readers interested in the supernatural, American history, and women’s rights!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.
What I Thought Going In
I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I picked up American Spirits. The book is marketed for teens, and I’m way outside that demographic. Plus, I had mostly convinced myself that the Fox Sisters were complete frauds. Yet Barb Rosenstock pulled me into their world in a way that few authors ever do.
The Fox Sisters: Frauds or Human Beings?
I have to admit—I hated Leah, the oldest of the sisters. Hate seems harsh, but damn, that girl was infuriating. These sisters were rolling in money—they were making it hand over fist. I still think they were frauds… maybe? But considering the treatment of the younger sisters and the possible motive to discredit Leah, it’s entirely plausible that addiction-fueled rage, depression, and poverty influenced the younger sisters to call the whole thing a sham.
Honestly, I couldn’t stop telling my friend all the tea like this was breaking news in 1848! I was practically live-tweeting the sisters’ drama in my head as I read. Every twist had me leaning forward, whispering, “Did you hear what they did now?!”
Where do I stand now? I’d say they practiced fraudulently most of the time, but perhaps not all of the time. And honestly… maybe that’s what makes the story so fascinating.
Heartbreak and Humanization
Regardless, this book challenged me to see the sisters less as a mystery to solve and more as human beings who ultimately lost a battle with addiction and broken hearts. I’ll leave you with this quote from a letter written by Maggie, and I swear, if you have even half the heart I did while reading it, yours will shatter:
“The Margaret that Dr. Kane loved is dead. I am simply a Margaret without a heart, void of love or affection…”
Wherever Kate and Maggie are in their journey into the afterlife, I hope it has been much kinder than the lives they led here.
Why This Book Works for Any Age
This is an excellent introduction to American Spiritualism for teens, young adults, and even us little old ladies who wandered in way outside the target demographic. The book is well written, thoroughly researched, and incredibly engaging. Rosenstock took great care to share her resources and acknowledge the experts who contributed advice and insights.
And honestly? I kept finding myself whispering to my friend about every dramatic moment—like we were witnessing history unfold live. That combination of solid research, compelling storytelling, and just plain good gossip makes this book impossible to put down.
CW / TW:
This piece contains non to semi-graphic references to:
Alcoholism, Child Death, War, Abolitionist Movement, and Depression
Recommended Age: 13+
About Barb Rosenstock
Barb Rosenstock likes true stories about real people. She is the author of nonfiction and historical fiction children’s books that combine deep research and playful language to bring history to life. Her book, The Noisy Paint Box, illustrated by Mary Grandpré, received a Caldecott Honor. Other awards include an Orbis Pictus Honor, a Sydney Taylor Honor and the California Library Association Beatty Award as well as numerous national and state recognitions. Barb loves sharing stories and inspiring students in schools and libraries across the country. She lives with her family near Chicago.
