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Jim Murphy

    This author delves into American history, crafting compelling narratives for young adults and general audiences alike. His extensive body of work explores the rich layers of the past with a distinctive style that resonates widely. He focuses on themes that shape American identity and collective memory, making history accessible and engaging. His writing is celebrated for its vivid storytelling and insightful exploration of historical subjects.

    The Great Fire
    Dinosaur for a day
    True Stories
    The Memphis Sun
    Real Philly History, Real Fast: Fascinating Facts and Interesting Oddities about the City's Heroes and Historic Sites
    Across America on an Emigrant Train
    • 2023

      Versions of May

      • 86 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      Exploring the interplay of beauty and loss, Jim Murphy's collection delves into contemporary anxieties with profound depth. The poems combine elegiac tones with influences from Zen, jazz, and popular music, creating a rich tapestry of emotion. Each line resonates with echoes of terror and celebration, inviting readers to experience moments of silence and light. Murphy captures the essence of the present, urging us to savor each poem, which lingers in the mind long after being read.

      Versions of May
    • 2023

      Crashed Wagon Canyon

      • 356 pages
      • 13 hours of reading

      Set against a backdrop of historical intrigue and modern adventure, the narrative follows a hoard of treasure dating back to 1311, hidden by fleeing Knights Templar. In 2525, Mary and James McGoldenck, passionate treasure hunters from Wyoming, embark on a quest to uncover this lost fortune. Their journey is fraught with danger as they confront the nefarious Jean Pierre LaCroix, a ruthless criminal. Along the way, they encounter a mysterious American Indian and an old rancher, navigating ambushes and treacherous landscapes in their pursuit of riches.

      Crashed Wagon Canyon
    • 2021

      This guide offers a lively exploration of Philadelphia's notable figures and historical landmarks, presenting them in a fast-paced and quirky manner. Readers will discover intriguing stories and lesser-known facts about the city's heroes and significant sites, making it an engaging resource for both locals and visitors. The book combines humor and history, providing a fresh perspective on Philadelphia's rich cultural heritage.

      Real Philly History, Real Fast: Fascinating Facts and Interesting Oddities about the City's Heroes and Historic Sites
    • 2020

      This engaging story, complemented by captivating illustrations, aims to inspire confidence in children as they face life's challenges. Suitable for readers of all ages, it encourages resilience and positivity, making it a valuable read for both young and old alike.

      Donovan's Dream
    • 2014

      True Stories

      • 272 pages
      • 10 hours of reading
      4.0(30)Add rating

      The collection features ten extraordinary tales from real-life adventurers, each story promising to be larger-than-life, hilariously entertaining, and bizarrely captivating. These narratives delve into the unique experiences and challenges faced by the adventurers, showcasing their remarkable journeys and the unexpected twists that reality can offer. Readers can expect a blend of humor and wonder as they explore the wild and unpredictable nature of these true accounts.

      True Stories
    • 2012

      The Giant and How He Humbugged America

      • 112 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      Exploring the theme of deception and gullibility, this book delves into the infamous Cardiff Giant hoax that captivated the public in the 19th century. It examines the characters behind the scheme, including David Hannum, and how their actions reflect societal tendencies towards belief in the extraordinary. The narrative offers insights into human psychology, the allure of spectacle, and the impact of sensationalism on culture, making it a compelling read for those interested in history and the art of conmanship.

      The Giant and How He Humbugged America
    • 2001
    • 2000

      Engaging with American history and culture, this poetry collection showcases a diverse range of styles and subjects. The poems feature both straightforward narratives and experimental forms, exploring iconic figures like Elvis Presley and Holly Golightly. The collection employs various poetic structures, including the intricate sestina and rondau, as well as loose blank verse and syncopated free verse, reflecting a rich tapestry of American voices and experiences.

      The Memphis Sun
    • 1998

      The first humorous book in the Dear America series follows an Italian girl's immigrant family as they move from New York City to a utopian community in the frontier West.While traveling in 1883 with her Italian American family (including a meddlesome little sister) and other immigrant pioneers to a utopian community in Idaho, fourteen-year-old Teresa keeps a diary of her experiences along the way.

      West to a Land of Plenty
    • 1995

      The fire of 1871 left Chicago a wasteland with nearly 100,000 homeless people, but they were able to rebuild the city.

      The Great Fire