Historical Fiction: "Catherine, Called Birdy"

Bibliography

Cushman, Karen. Catherine, Called Birdy. New York: Harper Trophy, 1994.

Plot Summary

“Catherine, Called Birdy” takes place in the thirteenth century.  Catherine, is thirteen years old, which means it is time to begin thinking about marriage.  Her father is anxious to come into some wealth and begins to negotiate with local well-off bachelors for his daughter’s hand in marriage, no matter what their looks or their age.  Catherine does not take this lying down and instead does everything she can to drive off her perspective suitors.  This all takes place in the midst of her daily life and chores. 

Critical Analysis

Cushman writes this story as stylized entries from Catherine’s diary.   While Catherine’s English, as the narrator, is easy to understand, the book is full of different phrases that are realistic to the time period.  For example, “God’s ears!”, “Corpus Bones” and using the word “mayhap” instead of “maybe”.  This historical fiction novel allows the reader to better understand daily life in the thirteen century.  Cushman describes the lack of bathing, arranged marriages, chores and meals eaten throughout a year, starting in September.   Beginning with October 13^th, each diary entry describes the Saint’s feast day associated with each date.  The reader learns about the strange customs, ointments and foods popular in the 13^th Century while simultaneously reading about Catherine’s fight for independence in a world where young women had little to no rights. 

Awards Won and Review Excerpts

Newberry Honor Book

1995 Notable Children’s Book (ALA)

1995 Best Book for Young Adults (ALA)

Quick Picks for Young Adults 1995 (ALA)

Starred Review in THE HORN BOOK- “Fascinating and thought-provoking.”

Starred Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL- “A feminist far ahead of her time, she is both believable and loveable.”

Connections

Students could research medieval women’s rights and compare them to what they find in “Catherine, Called Birdy” and to what women have today. 

Students can read other books by Karen Cushman: “The Midwife’s Apprentice”, “The Loud Silence of Francine Green” and “Matilda Bone” for further insight into life in the middle ages.