The Midwife's Apprentice (Newbery Medal Book)

Author - Karen Cushman ... [Goo?] [Posters]

This Hardcover Book item from Clarion Books was reviewed on 23-Jul-2008.

Search ISBN:0395692296 offer from Abebooks or used books from Alibris. The Midwife's Apprentice (Newbery Medal Book) Reference Book. Classifications : Medieval Fiction History & Historical Fiction Children's Books Subjects Books General Classics by Age Literature Children's Books Subjects Books General Literature Children's Books Subjects Books Fict . Click the following link to view the cover of The Midwife's Apprentice (Newbery Medal Book).

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1) Hardcover Book The Midwife's Apprentice (Newbery Medal Book) by Clarion Books. I enjoyed Karen Cushman´s novel, Catherine, Called Birdy, so I was excited to read a second offering from her. The Midwife´s Apprentice was published in 1996 by HarperTrophy. The Flesch-Kincaid grade level is 10.6. At 128 pages, it is a shorter novel and lacks some of the charms of Catherine, Called Birdy. For example, the diary format and the inclusion of the stories of the saint´s days were one fascinating aspect of the earlier novel. But still present are Cushman´s use of wit and vivid detail to propel one young woman´s story. Those who were originally engaged by her use of historical detail and her commentary on women´s roles that resonates with modern readers will not be disappointed. Cushman tells her story with a great deal of wit, while maintaining the gritty perspective on medieval life she demonstrated in Catherine, Called Birdy.

Rather than introducing us to a girl of some manner of privilege, Cushman introduces us to Beetle, a nameless orphan who lucks upon a career. As the midwife´s apprentice, Beetle encounters some scenes not for the faint of heart, discovers town secrets, and learns her own strength. The contrast between medieval and modern birthing ideas is fascinating, as is the truly prominent role the midwife actually plays in her society. She plays the wise but stern grandmother, the physician, and even the spiritual authority by turns in the novel. As Beetle, or Alyce, trains for this role, she transforms from fearful to capable. She also faces many challenges of becoming a young woman, including dealing with her sexuality and determining what kind of role she wants to play in her relationships.

As Cushman´s details sometimes lean more toward entertainment or shock value than historical accuracy, it might be an interesting project for students to research the roles of women in medieval times themselves. Comparing Cushman´s ideas to those of historians might broaden students´ perspectives and also help them to engage more with historical records. Another positive aspect of the book is that Cushman sheds light on the interest in the history of women, previously often lost or ignored, that has arisen since the 1970s. Together with Cushman´s books, young readers could be introduced to some of the impressive work that has been done in this field.

This book may initially attract young adult readers who are interested in the historical fiction genre, but the issues addressed will be relevant for many more. As young people toy with the idea of different career paths, watching the way adults themselves fulfill these roles, they make judgments that ultimately guide their future decisions. The decisions Alyce makes in the end reflect the changes she has undergone. Like Catherine, Alyce is an observant and opinionated young woman; an unlikely role model, but certainly an engaging one.¤

2) Hardcover Book The Midwife's Apprentice (Newbery Medal Book) by Clarion Books. The Midwife´s Apprentice is a historical fiction set in a small English village early in the 14th century. The setting allows the reader to compare the values and ways of the culture in which we live to the ways of the past. The exact time the story takes place isn´t really divulged by the author. The setting is shown not necessarily by a date, but more by the speech, dress, and behavior of the characters as well as the ideas contained in the village in which they all reside.

Readers are first introduced to the main character of the book while she is sleeping in an alley; she is unloved, unknown, unnamed, and doesn´t even know her own age. Throughout the story and through many trials of will and strength the young girl discovers that even she has a place in society. The girl, Alyce, pairs up with a cat and a midwife who help her to learn what it means to be needed as well as appreciated. Through her journey Alyce learns some hard lessons and slowly develops a since of purpose and self-esteem. She grows into a person who respects herself and others who work hard and are understanding to those who earn it.

The book contains an author´s note at the end that helps the reader to become aware of the origin and the history of midwifery. The author also takes the opportunity to discuss some of the herbs and superstitions that midwifes of the past have used to help in the delivery of babies. This helps to show that the information presented in the story is authentic as well as a reflection of the values of the past culture.

The story helps to show young readers that times have changed but our basic needs have remained the same throughout history. The need to belong is strong, and it often holds us together even when the odds are against us.
¤

3) Hardcover Book The Midwife's Apprentice (Newbery Medal Book) by Clarion Books. I am glad I read this first before I handed it over to my 8 year old. We´re wrapping up a year of homeschooling using Story of the World Book 2 about the Middle Ages and I was excited to find a relatively short novel from that time period.

I read it in a few hours and because I find the Middle Ages fascinating, I enjoyed the book for what it is: historical fiction. Well written and intriguing, the moral of the story is worthwhile: never give up.

Unfortunately, the situations involving fornication, adultery, and dishonest gain are enough to make me NOT recommend this to anyone, particularly a young person.

This book won a Newberry Award. I suppose I was naive enough before reading this book that the highest honor in children´s fiction would be given to books that exemplify moral behavior in a way that is appropriate for children. Apparently not.

The Midwife´s Apprentice would stand just fine without insinuating immoral sexual behavior. It is suppose to be a children´s book, for heaven´s sake.

So for me, that´s the rub. I will be returning this post haste to the library.¤

4) Hardcover Book The Midwife's Apprentice (Newbery Medal Book) by Clarion Books. I read Catherine, Called Birdy when I was a freshman in high school and very much enjoyed it, so this was a natural choice to look at now. I found the story of The Midwife´s Apprentice to be more melancholy than that of Catherine but still good.

Brat´s journey and her many names of Brat, Beetle, and finally Alice show her development over time from homeless urchin to a girl who knows what she wants and will do anything to be the Midwife´s Apprentice.¤

5) Hardcover Book The Midwife's Apprentice (Newbery Medal Book) by Clarion Books. The time period and setting is very interesting. The acting in the audiobook is top knotch with great accents and realism. This exciting story is for adults too and I can see why it won an important award.
You will be entertained and even learn something new. I listened to it on a business trip and really liked the way it was performed. Just a wonderful story of triumph and learning.¤

6) Hardcover Book The Midwife's Apprentice (Newbery Medal Book) by Clarion Books. 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.¤

7) Hardcover Book The Midwife's Apprentice (Newbery Medal Book) by Clarion Books. Karen Cushman likes to write with her tongue firmly planted in her cheek, and her feisty female characters firmly planted in history. In The Midwife´s Apprentice, which earned the 1996 Newbery Medal, this makes a winning combination for children and adult readers alike. Like her award-winning book Catherine, Called Birdy, the story takes place in medieval England. This time our protagonist is Alyce, who rises from the dung heap (literally) of homelessness and namelessness to find a station in life--apprentice to the crotchety, snaggletoothed midwife Jane Sharp. On Alyce´s first solo outing as a midwife, she fails to deliver. Instead of facing her ignorance, Alyce chooses to run from failure--never a good choice. Disappointingly, Cushman does not offer any hardships or internal wrestling to warrant Alyce´s final epiphanies, and one of the book´s climactic insights is when Alyce discovers that lo and behold she is actually pretty! Still, Cushman redeems her writing, as always, with historical accuracy, saucy dialogue, fast-paced action, and plucky, original characters that older readers will eagerly devour. (Ages 12 and older) --Gail Hudson¤

Page Updated: Robert N. Goolsby, 20-Aug-2008, 0395692296046442692298, 420-960-340-880-150-8EB-1QB-8

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