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Reading age
10+
Genre
Historical fiction
Publisher
Clarion Books
Publication date
September 13, 2022
A poetic and daring story about a young noble girl in medieval Europe wanting to live her own life the way she desires.
Catherine was not your average girl in 1290. She was the opposite of what anyone wanted; a rebellious teenage girl going off on mini adventures. Her father wants her to settle down and marry some boorish man. No way is Catherine going to let that stop her!
Usually, I’d read about sixteenth-century England, but this is new to me. The setting in medieval fourteenth-century England is spot on! I learned much about life in a Medieval manor, village, etc. The food also sounded weird but in an exciting way. I’m learning about this era at school, so that book was perfect timing.
Catherine is one of the best Historical Fiction protagonists I’ve encountered so far. She is curious and makes some hilarious songs. Catherine also harbors a deep kindness that makes you love her even more. Also, I didn’t like her father as much because he was incredibly mean.
The theme of Catherine Called Birdy is to be yourself. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to learn about medieval Europe and loves a daring story about a rebellious teenager.
I watched the movie, and I got to say I liked the movie better than the book. The film was more engaging than the book.
My rating
About the author
“Karen Cushman was born in Chicago, Illinois, and lives now on Vashon Island west of Seattle, Washington. She received an M.A. in human behavior and one in museum studies. Ms. Cushman has had a lifelong interest in history. She says, “I grew tired of hearing about kings, princes, generals, presidents. I wanted to know what ordinary life was like for ordinary young people in other times.” Research into medieval English history and culture led to the writing of her first two novels, the Newbery Honor book CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY and the Newbery Medal-winner THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE. She is also the author of MATILDA BONE, THE BALLAD OF LUCY WHIPPLE, RODZINA, and most recently ALCHEMY AND MEGGY SWANN.” – Amazon.
