In early 17th century Rome, 16-year-old Carmela has finally become old enough to work in her mother’s apothecary. There, they provide remedies for a wide array of ailments involving an even wider array of ingredients, ranging from the benign to the repugnant, all the way to the downright deadly. Working at the apothecary requires deep knowledge of the ingredients, as well as the kindness and patience it takes to provide medicine to their varied clientele, from the worryingly vulnerable to those who would call the apothecary women “witches” behind their backs. Carmela thinks she has what it takes, but an error in judgement leads to catastrophic consequences for the shop and for Carmela’s family.
Everything is Poison gives readers an engaging protagonist whose eagerness to start her adult life will resonate with teens. Her growth, both as an apothecary and as a person feels earned. The setting is vividly incorporated; one can almost smell the herbs hanging from the rafters. The poetry interspersed throughout puts forth brief sketches of the other denizens of their Roman neighborhood, many of whose stories dovetail nicely with the plot, often underscoring key points of understanding in Carmela’s journey. The pacing is swift and plot compelling; even those who are not generally fans of historical fiction will find themselves engaged.
Hand this book to readers that appreciate historical fiction with social commentary, as well as fans of mother-daughter stories. Those fascinated with poisonous plants and historical pharmaceuticals and medical practices will be delighted with the attention to detail in the inventory of the Tufana Apothecary. Readers whose interest is piqued by the lives of women living in 17th century Italy will also enjoy McCullough’s debut novel in verse, Blood, Water, Paint. For those wanting to know more about some of the ingredients used in Everything is Poison might enjoy flipping through A Deadly Compendium of Poisonous Plants: wicked weeds and sinister seeds by Rebecca E. Hirsch. For a more magical and modern take on a teen learning to be an apothecary, readers should check out This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron.
– Courtney Waters
The Selected Lists teams read throughout the year in search of the best titles published in their respective categories. Once a book is suggested (either internally or through the title suggestion form), it must pass through a review process to be designated an official nomination.
Each week, the teams feature a review of one of the officially nominated titles. Additional titles to receive this designation are listed as well. At year’s end, the team will curate a final list from all nominated titles and select a Top Ten.
The Best Fiction for Young Adults Committee appreciates teen feedback as members evaluate the nominated titles. Teen librarians are encouraged to share the List of Potential Nominees under consideration with their patrons and solicit feedback using the link: tinyurl.com/bfya2026
