The Midwife's Apprentice

by Karen Cushman

A nameless, unloved girl becomes "a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone" when she becomes an apprentice to a midwife in this lively, earthy, compelling novel set at the bottom of the social scale in medieval England. Newbery Medal. (Booklist, starred)

  • Format: eBook
  • ISBN-13/ EAN: 9780547350004
  • ISBN-10: 0547350007
  • Pages: 144
  • Publication Date: 03/27/1995
About the Book
About the Author
Reviews
  • About the Book

    From the author of Catherine, Called Birdy comes another spellbinding novel set in medieval England. The girl known only as Brat has no family, no home, and no future until she meets Jane the Midwife and becomes her apprentice. As she helps the sharp-tempered Jane deliver babies, Brat—who renames herself Alyce—gains knowledge, confidence, and the courage to want something from life: “A full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world.” Medieval village life makes a lively backdrop for the funny, poignant story of how Alyce gets what she wants. A concluding note discusses midwifery past and present. A Newbery Medal book.

    This ebook includes a sample chapter of CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY.

  • About the Author

    Karen Cushman

    Karen Cushman's acclaimed historical novels include Catherine, Called Birdy, a Newbery Honor winner, and The Midwife's Apprentice, which received the Newbery Medal. She lives on Vashon Island in Washington State. Visit her online at karencushman.com and on Twitter @cushmanbooks.

  • Excerpts
  • Reviews
    "With simplicity, wit, and humor, Cushman presents another tale of medieval England. Here readers follow the satisfying, literal and figurative journey of a homeless, nameless child called Brat. . . . Earthy humor, the foibles of humans both high and low, and a fascinating mix of superstition and genuinely helpful herbal remedies attached to childbirth make this a truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children’s literature."

    School Library Journal, Starred

    "This novel is about a strong, young woman in medieval England who finds her own way home. . . . Kids will be caught up in this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she’s not ugly or stupid or alone."

    Booklist, ALA, Starred Review

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