Cushman, Karen. 1994. CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. New York, NY. Clarion Books. ISBN 0395681863
Plot Summary
Catherine, called Birdy, was set to write this journal of her days by her brother, Edward the monk. He hoped it would make her more mature. Catherine lives the life of a lady in 1290, but longs to be a common villager so she can run, have fun, and "muck about" with the other villagers. Her father, "the beast," is trying to marry her off at the age of 14 to a string of much older men who seem to be more and more displeasing to her. She loves her Uncle George who traveled in the crusades with the King, but he seems to be in love with one of her best friends. As Catherine writes, she matures and grows and begins thinking of others before herself.
Critical Analysis
Throughout the journal, the reader learns about living in a manor during the middle ages. Cushman describes and explains village life and the experiences Catherine has as she visits the monastery, a fair, a hanging, a wedding, a funeral, etc. Humour abounds in the writing of young Catherine. The reader learns much about her so that she seems like someone you know. I was sad to have to leave her at the end of the book. The author's note included at the end gives a broad and easily understood history of the time period
Review Excerpts
Newberry Honor Book
Golden Kite Award
Starred Review in School Library Journal: "perceptive, scathing, and often raucously funny"Review in Publisher's Weekly: "introduces an admirable heroine"
Connections
*Read THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE by Karen Cushman
*Discuss women's rights (Is it okay for Catherine to be 'sold' into marriage?)
*Discuss how life was different in 1290
*Research the saints that Catherine mentions at the beginning of each entry (after she receives the book of saints from Edward)
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