CATHERINE CALLED BIRDY

 

Bibliography:

Cushman, Karen. 1994. CATHERINE CALLED BIRDY. Quill Tree Books. ISBN: 0060760907.

Plot Summary:

This book is historical fiction that is told in the form of a diary. It is about a 14-year-old girl named Catherine living in the year 1290. Catherine feels trapped and her father is determined to marry her off to a rich man, and it doesn’t matter if they are nice or not. Catherine is a witty, tricky, and lucky girl who can send off a few of her possible suitors with her trickery and wit. Then the oldest, ugliest, and most disgusting suitor of all arrives and to make it even worse he is the richest. Will she lose the battle against her father?

Critical Analysis:

This book is a true gem. Catherine, Called Birdy, is set in the Medieval period and written in the form of a diary. The 14-year-old is detailing her life and great dislike for her father. She hated that she was a girl in this period as women had limited prospects. You read of her daily life of sewing, nursing, and counting linen to other mundane activities that she doesn’t care for, and spending her time daydreaming of fighting in the crusades and leading an adventurous life like the men in her family can do. Catherine’s character is one you quickly feel for, and she is like any teenager even today with lots of multi-dimensions and complexity. She wants something more fun in life.

One day she finds herself in a predicament with her father who wants to marry her off to someone for lots of money. They are all poor choices for Catherine, and she uses her wit to trick into getting suitors to leave. Finally, though she is betrothed to a disgusting man named Shaggy Beard. What will she do to win this battle with her father and medieval expectations of women?

Review Awards and Excerpt(s):

★ “Regimented, responsible, strong-willed Delphine narrates in an unforgettable voice, but each of the sisters emerges as a distinct, memorable character, whose hard-won, tenuous connections with their mother build to an aching, triumphant conclusion.” — Booklist (starred review)

★ “The setting and time are as vividly realized as the characters, and readers will want to know more about Delphine and her sisters after they return to Brooklyn.” — Horn Book (starred review)

★ “Emotionally challenging and beautifully written, this book immerses readers in a time and place and raises difficult questions of cultural and ethnic identity and personal responsibility. With memorable characters (all three girls have engaging, strong voices) and a powerful story, this is a book well worth reading and rereading.” — School Library Journal (starred review)

“Delphine’s growing awareness of injustice on a personal and universal level is smoothly woven into the story in poetic language that will stimulate and move readers.” — Publishers Weekly

Connections:

Karen Cushman has created and/or linked any discussion and activity ideas. Check it out on her website.

Depending on what grade you are using this book for there are so many things you could use this book for such as learning more about medieval times, comparing what women were allowed to do in the past and now, and even tying into art with learning embroidery. Some so many activities and discussions could lead off this book.