My Words on Children's Literature

Genre 4 NONFICTION AND BIOGRAPHY

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cushman, Karen. 1995. THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE.

New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395692296

Audio book narrated by Jenny Sterlin. 1996. Recorded Books, Inc.

ISBN 0788705776

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Set in medieval England, a skinny young girl has no name, no home, and no shelter. She is smart enough to find some warmth in a foul smelling dung heap and is then surprised by a kick from Jane the Midwife. Jane takes her home to be her servant/apprentice. The girl is called Brat and then Beetle, but finally names herself Alyce as she grows more confident and begins to take pride in herself. Sharp-tongued Jane teaches Alyce to gather herbs, make poultices, and ease the pain of childbirth for the village women. In spite of obstacles and hardship, Alyce eventually gains the three things she most wants: a full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This medieval world is neither pretty nor sweet. It is rough, dangerous, primitive, and raucous. Cushman writes with simplicity and makes this world come alive with her description. Readers will feel compassion for Alyce at the beginning of the story when "it was a cold and dark inside her as out in the frosty night." But as she learns self respect through midwifery, readers will identify with her growth and change. Despite the differences in time and place, young teens will relate to the heroine as she gains knowledge, confidence, and the courage to want something from life. Alyce says it beautifully, "I know what I want. A full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world." The plot is not based around a certain historical event, rather it is merely set in this medieval time and place. Cushman's description of what one might find in this time period is as accurate as it is difficult: hiding in a dung heap, the threat of having one's hands cut off for stealing, and washing self and clothes in the sheep's washing pool. The theme is meaningful to readers even though the time and place is far removed.

The unabridged audio book was a delight to listen to. The narrator had a many different voices and a great British accent. The story along with her wonderful interpretation of the reading kept me listening.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT

Bulletin of the center for Children’s books: "Cushman blends earthy realism with a certain pastoral coziness in her picture of early England, which, added to an appealing heroine, make the story an absorbing tale of another time.

School Library Journal: From the author of Catherine, Called Birdy comes another spellbinding novel set in medieval England.

5. CONNECTIONS

*Lead a discussion about confidence, courage and finding a way amidst difficulty.

*Great book to go along with a medieval England unit.

Other related books:

Gray, Elizabeth Janet. ADAM OF THE ROAD. ISBN 0142406597

Cushman, Karen. CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY.

ISBN 0064405842

// posted by catalogblog @ 6:23 AM