Synopsis
In medieval England, a nameless, homeless girl is taken in by a sharp-tempered midwife, and in spite of obstacles and hardship, eventually gains the three things she most wants: a full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world.
Set in medieval England, this is the story of a homeless, orphaned girl named Brat whose life changes when she becomes an assistant to a midwife named Jane. Although the short-tempered Jane wants a mindless assistant, someone who will anticipate her needs and silently help her with her work, the observant Brat (whom Jane has renamed Beetle) begins to pick up the art of delivering babies. As Brat/Beetle gains confidence, she adopts an actual name--Alyce--and begins to dream of becoming a midwife herself. Thoroughly researched, THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE is full of realistic details about life in medieval England and concludes with a historical note about the history of midwifery. Winner of the 1996 Newbery Medal.
| Details | | Publication Date: | 1996-09-01 | | Series: | Trophy Newbery | | Edition Description: | Reprint |
| Size | | Height: | 8.0 in | | Width: | 5.3 in | | Thickness: | 0.2 in | | Weight: | 3.2 oz |
Publisher's Note
"Like Cushman's 1995 Newbery Honor Book, "Catherine, Called Birdy", this novel is about a strong young woman in medieval England who finds her own way home. . . . From the first page, (readers) are caught by the spirit of the homeless, nameless waif . . . (who) gets the village midwife to take her in, names herself Alyce, and learns something about delivering babies. . . ".--ALA "Booklist", starred review. 1996 Newbery Medal Winner. "School Library Journal" Best Books of the Year, 1995. ABA Pick of the Lists, 1995. A 1996 ALA Notable Children's Book. A 1996 ALA Best Books for Young Adults.
‘Like Cushman's 1995 Newbery Honor Book, Catherine, Called Birdy, this novel is about a strong young woman in medieval England who finds her own way home. This is a world, like Chaucer's, that's . . . dangerous, primitive and raucous. From the first page you're caught by the spirit of the homeless, nameless waif, somewhere around 12 years old. She gets the village midwife to take her in, befriends a cat, names herself Alyce, and learns something about delivering babies. When she fails, she runs away, but she picks herself up again and returns to work and independence.' --ALA Booklist (starred review). ‘. . .A fascinating view of a far distant time.' -- The Horn Book (starred review) Winner, 1996 Newbery Medal; New York Public Library 1995 List of Recommended Books; Booklist for Youth Editor's Choice 1995; School Library Journal Best Books of the Year, 1995; An American Bookseller Association Pick of the Lists, 1995; A 1996 Notable Children's Book (ALA); A 1996 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA)
Industry Reviews
"It is an object lesson in perseverance and common sense, inspiring, entertaining, and even educational."
NAPRA ReView - Patricia Monaco
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