| "THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE"
Author: Karen Cushman
Interest Level: Middle Grades (4-8)
ATOS Reading Level: 6.0
AR Points: 3.0
Publisher Recommended Age: 12+
Publisher: HarperCollins/Harper Trophy
Book Type: Paperback
Pages: 128
Book Description:
The Midwife's Apprentice is a historical fiction children's novel written by Karen Cushman set in the Middle Ages. It tells of how a homeless waif becomes a midwife's apprentice--and establishes a name and a place in the world, and learns to hope and overcome failure. It won the John Newbery Medal in 1996.
Book Reviews:
School Library Journal: "Earthy humor, the foibles of humans...a fascinating mix of superstition...genuinely helpful herbal remedies...make this...truly delightful..." Grades 6-9.
Publishers Weekly: "Cushman has an almost unrivaled ability to build atmosphere, and her evocation of a medieval village is supremely colorful and pungent."
Book Awards:
USA: Newbery 1996
USA: ALA, Notable Children's Book
USA: ALA, Best of the Best Books for Young Adults
USA: ALA, Booklist Editors' Choice
USA: American Bookseller, Pick of the Lists
USA: New York Public Library, One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing
USA: School Library Journal, Best Book
USA: Horn Book Fanfare
About the Author:
Karen Cushman has a long-standing interest in history. She says, "I grew tired of hearing about kings, princes, generals and presidents. I wanted to know what life was like for ordinary young people in other times." Research into medieval English history and culture led to the writing of Catherine Called Birdy,winner of the 1995 Newbery Honor Award, and The Midwife's Apprentice, winner of the 1996 Newbery Medal. Her research moved in a new diredtion as she learned about nineteenth century women and children for The Ballad of Lucy Whipple. Ms. Cushman was born in Chicago, Illinois. She received an M.A. in Human Behavior and one in Museum Studies. She and her husband and daughter share their Oakland, California, home with two cats, a dog and a rabbit. |
