Bibliography:
Cushman, Karen. 1995. The Midwife’s Apprentice. Prince Frederick, MD: Recorded Books; Made available electronically by NetLibrary, p1996.
Plot Summary:
The story opens with a young girl who is orphaned, homeless, and has no name. She is eventually called Brat, then Beetle, and finally through her trials and tribulations deems herself worthy of a real given name, Alyce. Alyce also gains new friends, the cat, Purr, a boy named Will, and even a tutor-of-sorts by way of the magistrate. As a relucant apprentice, and much to the dismay of the midwife, Alyce learns the trade that will provide her with everything she wants out of life.
Critical Analysis:
Cushman has written a short and simple novel full of details and imagery. The diction and colloquialisms provide a glimpse into how interpersonal relationships existed in the Middle Ages. Other details provide insight into the life of children: such as the drunken boys terrorizing animals. Also interesting was how mesmerized Alyce was by taking a simple dip in the water: ”Water was for horses to drink and an occasional quick bath before weddings and such.” Cushman seems to provide no further context for many of the historical details she provides, but the way in which the story is weaved, readers will gain a clear idea of how life was at the time.
The unabridged e-audiobook version of this novel is narrated by Jenny Sterlin, who provides the authentic British voice to the characters in the story. The e-audiobook contains no other music or sound effects. The recording is relatively short, clocking in at 2.75 hours. Users can download the e-audiobook via software such as NetLibrary.
Awards:
Newbery Award Winner - 1996
Review Excerpts:
Booklist: “Kids will like this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she’s not ugly or stupid or alone.” – Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved.
School Library Journal - “With simplicity, wit, and humor, Cushman presents another tale of medieval England. Here readers follow the satisfying, literal and figurative journey of a homeless, nameless child called Brat, who might be 12 or 13?no one really knows.” – Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Connections:
- Read other books by Karen Cushman, including Catherine, Called Birdy, or Matilda Bone, which are also set in the medieval time period.
- Have students discuss the different ways in which the midwives supposedly delivered babies.
