THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE by Karen Cushman

Somewhere in medieval England in the fourteenth Century, a small girl known only as Brat is asleep in a pile of dung in order to keep warm.  The little girl has no home, no family, no name, and does not know her own age.  She believes she has no future until she meets Jane, the midwife, and becomes her apprentice.  Jane is short tempered and calls Brat useless, but provides her a bed and food as long as she works.  Brat helps Jane deliver babies and gains knowledge of the midwife skill.  Brat renames herself Alyce and begins to have the courage to want something in life:  "A full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world" (Cushman 1995).

Jacket illustration by Trina Schart Hyman 1995

Cushman, Karen. The Midwife's Apprentice. New York: Clarion Books, 1995. ISBN 0395692296


Alyce, or Brat, is a very strong and courageous girl.  The story is told from Alyce's point of view, and gives the reader a great view of the way life was in fourteenth century England.  Cushman uses medieval England as a fantastic backdrop for the story, with explicit detail of the time's clothing and the difficult work people did to survive.  Village superstitions are even described in detail to give the reader an insight into beliefs centuries ago.  While the history is not watered down, children of middle school age will relate to this story, as the main character is their age.  Readers will find the theme of the story, Overcoming Difficult Situations or Finding One's Identify, one they can relate to.

Awards for The Midwife's Apprentice

Newbery Medal

ALA Best Book for Young Adults

Parents' Choice Gold Award

Booklist Editor's Choice

Horne Book Fanfare Selection

Reviews for The Midwife's Apprentice

"This novel is about a strong, young woman in medieval England who finds her own way home... Kids will be caught up in this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone"  ~ Booklist

"With simplicity, wit, and humor, Cushman presents another tale of medieval England."   ~ School Library Journal

More Nonfiction Books by Karen Cushman

Will Sparrow's Road. Clarion Books, 2012.  ISBN 9780547739625

Alchemy and Meggy Swann. Clarion Books, 2009.  ISBN 9780547231846

The Ballad of Lucy Whipple. Clarion Books, 1996.  ISBN 9780547722153    

Catherine, Called Birdy. Clarion Books, 1994.  ISBN 9780547722184  



Read about the author, Karen Cushman. 

Classroom Connections

Students can research the fashion of dress in England in the fourteenth century.

Students can research life in England during the middle ages, then write a short story that is set during that time.

Students can research and find pictures of the herbs and plants that Jane, the midwife, uses throughout the book.  Then find out what they are used for today.