The Apprenticeship of Lucas Whitaker

by Cynthia C. DeFelice

A Matter of Life or Death It's 1849, and twelve-year-old, Lucas Whitaker is all alone after his whole family dies of a disease called consumption which has swept through the community. Lucas is grief-stricken and filled with guilt. He might have saved his mother, who was the last to die, if only he had listened to news of a strange cure for this deadly disease. Unable to manage the family farm by himself, Lucas finds work as an apprentice to Doc Beecher, doctor, dentist, barber and undertaker. Doc amputates a leg as easily as he pulls a tooth, yet when it comes to consumption, he remains powerless, unwilling to try the cure he calls nonsense. Lucas can't accept Doc's disbelief, and he joins others in the dark ritual they believe is their only hope. The startling results teach Lucas a great deal about fear, desperation, and the scientific reasoning that offers hope for a true cure. A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
An ALA Notable Book for Children
A New York Public Library 1997 Best Books for the Teenage
A CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies for 1997
00-01 Minnesota's Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award Masterlist

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens, Death

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 23, 1996

About the author

Cynthia DeFelice is the author of many bestselling titles for young readers, including the novels Wild Life, The Ghost of Cutler Creek, Signal, and The Missing Manatee, as well as the picture books, One Potato, Two Potato, and Casey in the Bath. Her books have been nominated for an Edgar Allen Poe Award and listed as American Library Association Notable Children's Books and Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year, among numerous other honors.

Cynthia was born in Philadelphia in 1951. As a child, she was always reading. Summer vacations began with a trip to the bookstore, where she and her sister and brothers were allowed to pick out books for their summer reading. “To me,” she says, “those trips to the bookstore were even better than the rare occasions when we were given a quarter and turned loose at the penny-candy store on the boardwalk.” Cynthia has worked as a bookseller, a barn painter, a storyteller, and a school librarian.

When asked what she loves best about being an author, she can’t pick just one answer: “I love the feeling of being caught up in the lives of the characters I am writing about. I enjoy the challenge of trying to write as honestly as I can, and I find enormous satisfaction in hearing from readers that something I wrote touched them, delighted them, made them shiver with fear or shake with laughter, or think about something new.” Cynthia and her husband live in Geneva, New York.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/cynthi...

Reviews

[Gale · Rating 3 out of 5]

MACABRE CON IN CONNECTICUT OR SHOCKING REVELATION?

Did residents of New England actually practice a form of vampirism in the mid 19th century? The conclusions drawn by individual readers will vary, but the hypothesis is both fascinating and chilling. Newly orphaned and the only survivor of a family which was wiped out by tuberculosis (known as Consumption) Lucas Whittaker at 12 signs articles which apprentice him to a respected medical doctor in the community. Lucas diligently learns the primitive medical basics from Dr. Beecher (who also serves a barber, druggist and undertaker), but privately wonders if the local superstitions reguarding vampire protection might be even more effective.

What is shocking about this story is the graveyard "proof" which
recently came to light as cemeteries were excavated. Were the farm folks in Connecticut little better than Bram Stoker's superstitious Romanians? The plot underscores how basic human desperation and grief can work an overwrought mind or vulnerable conscience into a state of near insanity. Did Salem's witch mania merely go underground for two centuries? Even more bizarre than Fleischman's PATH OF THE PALE HORSE, this book examines the extreme reactions which result from self-inflicted guilt--combined with the terrors of a tortured human heart. Despite the protagonist's youth this is a very Adult YA--albeit gripping--read.

(June 12, 2011. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy learns from his master, who is doctor & etc., the wisdom of science and the folly of superstition. If your whole family dies of consumption, it is *not* because the first is undead & visiting the others to sicken them, and it will do no good to remove their heart & burn it. Beautifully written; the reader is with Lucas as he loses his mother, clings to the idea that he could have saved her, and finally learns to move on with the man who has become like a father to him.

A perfect STEM book for those who prefer fiction.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was interesting for its depiction of science versus superstition in the treatment of tuberculosis in the mid-1800s. Author is from central New York State.

[Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so funny story: I had a memory of a book being read out loud during snack time in 5th grade. I remembered nothing about this book except for a scene where the main character goes with a doctor to amputate a man’s leg, and they seal it with tar. I had spent YEARS trying to figure out what this book was. I’ve asked Reddit, i’ve scoured google, to no avail.

A few months ago, i mentioned it to my sister in law. She, during a bout of insomnia, texts me and asks, “is it this book”?

Reader, it was. And now one of my greatest unanswered mysteries has been solved.

Also the book was fine.

[M. Slinger-Carreer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute little chapter book for kids. Life lessons learned. Seemed historically acquired. The main character apprentices for a doctor so there some scene that *could* have been very gruesome but weren't. The author did an excellent job describing the scene without going into too much physical detail. Instead she focuses more on the pain the patient is feeling and the emotions the doctor and Lucas (our main character) are experiencing in the moment.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lucas had some bad breaks and then some better ones, and it was interesting watching him come around to the idea of scientific thinking. The author slanted things a bit his way though. Fun historical fiction with the spice of zombies.

[Sai Srikanth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I ever read, maybe 7 years ago im not sure. Really engaging, loved it, have to read it again.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children’s.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

DeFelice, C. (1996). The apprenticeship of lucas whitaker. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux.

Lucas Whitaker’s entire family has succumbed to consumption. He has just buried the last family member he had. Ready to leave the home that only brings him sorrow, he sets off through the countryside until he happens upon Doc Beecher, who is in need of an apprentice. Doc Beecher teaches Lucas the ways of a country doctor in the mid 1800s, while his sister Mrs. Bunce feeds, clothes, and expects chores of him. While working with the doctor, Lucas learns to pull a tooth and amputate a leg. He also assists at the Stukeley home; their daughter Sarah has fallen ill with consumption. Mr. Stukeley has heard of a cure that Doc Beecher wants no part in. Lucas, fraught with sorrow for the family he couldn’t save, wants to help the Stukeleys. Doc Beecher tries to counsel Lucas toward the ways of the medical community, but ultimately Lucas has to learn for himself that some cures are just superstitions and desperate families will take desperate measures. This book has historical aspects that keep it grounded and realistic. It is also an interesting topic that might pique students’ interest who may be shying away from historical fiction. However, this could also be a drawback as the topic ventures into macabre territory at certain points in the book.

I would recommend this book to teachers or students of the intended age range. The book could be used in a historical fiction unit. It could also be used to integrate with social studies. Students can compare and contrast the past with the present. The book can also be used to illustrate how advances in medicine and technology have changed over the years, from the wagons of the past to the vehicles of today, or the fact that we now understand what germs are and how to stop the spread of them. It could also be used to illustrate how bartering works, as the doctor accepts work to be done on his wagon as payment for pulling a tooth.

Grade level 4-7

Awards/Honors
Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s Book Award Nominee
Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children’s Literature

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Apprenticeship of Lucas Whitaker, a novel of historical fiction set in 1849, tells the touching story of a 12 year-old boy whose entire family is killed by consumption, known better as tuberculosis. With no family left and unable to tend the farm alone, Lucas sets off, grief-stricken, and serendipitously happens upon the house of Doc Beecher in a nearby town and becomes his apprentice. Given the tragic frequency of tuberculosis at the time, Lucas is quickly reunited with the illness that ravaged his family as the assiduous and stoical Doc Beecher tends to the ailing townsfolk; Beecher, unfortunately, knowing no cure, is able to offer little. Many in the town become convinced of a new cure, which, to us now, seems obviously like witchcraft, but in their desperate states decide it is the only option. Lucas, the budding scientist, has to decide between the realism of Doc Beecher’s assessment and the near-hysterical support of the new “cure.” An engaging young adult novel for those with a bent toward history or science.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Lucas Whitaker loses his entire family to tuberculosis, otherwise known as consumption, he begins to wander. He finds himself at the house of Dr. Beecher who takes him on as his apprentice. Lucas begins to learn about the ins and outs of medicine. But before Lucas left his hometown a neighbor told him of a remedy for the consumption that was rampant in Connecticut at the time. There was a superstitious belief that if a family dug up the body of the first family member to die of the disease it would stop the progression and transmission of any other family cases. Once the body was dug up the family had to cut out the heart and burn it in a fire and then mix the ashes in water and have the afflicted drink the mixture.

Lucas quickly learns that Doc Beecher is no believer in this practice. Doc can't stop the villagers from performing this practice. Even though Lucas takes part in the village ceremony, he's beginning to understand that it's just superstition that helps people feel better.

[Books Kids Like · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelve year-old Lucas Whitaker is orphaned during 1849 when his parents and siblings die of consumption. After his mother’s death, Lucas leaves the family farm and wanders the countryside for two days. Then, he sees a notice for a medical apprentice and is hired by Dr. Beecher. The families under the doctor's care are being decimated by consumption just as Lucas' family was. When the doctor sends Lucas to check on Sarah Stukeley, a young consumptive, Lucas finds the family getting ready to perform a cure. The cure is based on the belief that the first person in a family to die of consumption remains “undead” and gives the illness to other family members. Each person subjected to the cure seems to get better. Dr. Beecher doesn't believe in the cure's validity but he respects Lucas' feelings. When, the doctor sends Lucas to Moll Garfield for a supply of herbs and medicines, Moll helps Lucas understand the difference between true medicine and folklore.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A review from my old blog...

The title of this book does not give away anything of the true message/theme of the book. I almost appreciate that because I have to suspend any previous notions I may have about a particular subject.

I learned a great deal about at least one superstition that surrounded the spread of disease, in this case consumption or what is known today as tuberculosis. The doctor that Lucas Whitaker was apprenticed too stood on the cusp of change for the medical profession, one that made great discoveries about the tiny creatures invisible to the naked eye that we now know as microbes.

This is a great children's book to teach about history, science and superstition yet not too burdened with details that would bore a child or make a child put down the book.

I definitely recommend this book.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for a Children's Literature class that I am taking from our Community College. Cynthia DeFelice was the Library teacher at the school where I work when Matt and Dan were in elementary school here. She has published several picture books and novels for young adults. I will be doing a paper and presentation on her writing for my final project. This book deals with a folk remedy for consumption that was practiced in New England in the late 1880's involving digging up the dead. The story is told through the experiences of Lucas, who has lost his whole family to the dreaded disease and then becomes apprentice to a Doctor. It is interesting and well written.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent example of historical fiction for kids at its best. Lucas loses his whole family to consumption and is left on his own feeling guilty that he has not done everything to save his mother. Superstition abounds as science begins to inform medicine and culture. This is a wonderful read for 4th graders and up. It would make a great book club discussion book. Too bad it's not readily available. I found it on my shelf at home and decided to finally read it. I should have done so a long time ago. It's a great recommendation for those who come in to the library asking for historical fiction. Reads very quickly.

[Miss Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

1849 Southwick, CT. 12 year old Lucas is left all alone after the rest of his family dies from TB. He abandons the farm and takes a job as an apprentice to a Doc Beecher. Lucas finds that he has a gift for putting people at ease and enjoys learning from Doc. Then Lucas hears people talking about how some believe that TB is caused by the spirits of the dead haunting the remaining members of the family and sucking their life force. Lucas is torn between this belief and the supposed cure for it and Doc's insistence that spirits not the cause of the disease. Who should he believe?

Great book!!!

[Duane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is based on historical facts about the different ideas people had back then about the diseases and conditions people suffered. Lucas looses all his family to consumption and so he strikes out on his own and soon finds himself becoming the apprentice to a local doctor. Lucas soon learns that what people hear as remedies can sometimes be simply last hopes for their suffering loved ones. A great read for anyone interested in historical medicine or times. Ideal for pre-teen and teenage readers.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great historical novel, especially if you are teaching about the late 1800's in the U.S. during the tuberculosis epidemic. Lucas is a fresh, honest and honorable young narrator who represents the country's shift from superstition to scientific awareness. I think kids who would normally turn up their noses at historical fiction might be won over. There's enough gruesome and fascinating experiences to grab their attention, and they'll surely learn and grapple with some interesting dilemmas throughout. Great for discussion!

[Tonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for a teachers book club. I thought it was a nice historical fiction piece. The author does a good job of drawing the reader into the story. It's also not too long, which might appeal to some students :) I would recommend it to middle school and above.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a great book that had an excelent message to it... when his family died i thought that would be the end of him to... i was sure that the cure wouldn't work and it turns out it doesn't but i learned that disease can never be underestimated.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to read this book for a science project. It wasnt horrible but it was pretty boring. It did teach you alot though. So I would recomend this book to someone who needs a science report book, or needs a scientific book to read.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. dating back to the 1860's, Lucas and the doctor go around town, trying to save those from "consumption" (tuberculosis) before it is too late. Once i started reading, i couldn't put it down.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very intriguing read and I think it did a great job depicting what times were like back in the 1800s.
I believe this book is a good introducing to those who may wish to learn about history of the subject.

[Flower · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look at medical knowledge 150 years ago. Nicely told story.

[Cws]

JAR5-DeF

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a children's book but the topic was so curious I took it home and read it. It's about an alternate cure to TB that involved some macabre practices...based on true stories....

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apprentice to a doctor must overcome superstitions to save lives, see scientifically.

[Novia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cool cool cool. I miss this. I miss reading this kind of books. Cool. Haha. My version of waxing poetic.

[Iris Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know I read it in the 7th grade, and I remember liking it....

[Tara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hated this book. It was terrible. Dont read it.