The Midwife’s Apprentice

Author: Karen Cushman

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Summary:
This story of medieval England is about a 12 or 13 year-old child who is homeless and nameless. People call her Brat. She lives on her own and strays around seeking for anything to eat and any place to keep place her warm. She encounters an ill-tempered midwife named Jane. Jane takes her in, renames her Beetle, and uses her as free labor. Beetle is always realistic about her life and she grows more courageous every day. She later changes her name to Alyce and befriends a cat. She gains experience in midwifery and helps deliver twin calves. She works hard and struggles to own her place as a midwife and she succeeds.


Reviews:
I was very dotty about this story. It follows the trials and tribulations of a young girl in early medieval times. In this novel we learn about village life, medicine, feudal structure, and the place of women in that society. Most enjoyable to follow is Beetle's growth from a scared, meek little girl to a self-assured young woman who has chosen her own name: Alyce. She is quite ignorant in the beginning of the story. Later on, she begins to gain some knowledge and wisdom in life. She is not all smart and experienced at the end but she is getting there. The interesting part to me is that she still has to rely on her teacher, Jane, once again when she fails to deliver a child. This is definite a must-read if you’re into medieval period.

Award: Booklist Award-Winning Historical Fiction For Youth, 1996 Newbery Winner