The Midwife's Apprentice

karen cushman

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.

Genres historical fictionyoung adultfictionmiddle gradechildrenshistoricalmedievaljuvenilecoming of agebritish literature

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1995

Literary awards

newbery medal, vermont golden dome book award, pacific northwest library association young readers choice award,

Places

united kingdom,

This edition

Format: 128 pages, Paperback
Published: August 16, 1996 by HarperCollins
ISBN: 9780064406307
ASIN: 006440630X
Language: English

Characters More characters

About the author

karen cushman

Karen Cushman was born in Chicago, Illinois.

She entered Stanford University on a scholarship in 1959 and graduated with degrees in Greek and English. She later earned master's degrees in human behavior and museum studies.

For eleven years she was an adjunct professor in the Museum Studies Department at John F. Kennedy University before resigning in 1996 to write full-time.

She lives on Vashon Island, Washington with her husband, Philip.

(source: http://karencushman.com/about/bio.html & http://www.arnenixoncenter.org/findin...)