Catherine Called Birdy

By Karen Cushman

Cushman, Karen. 1994. Catherine Called Birdy. NY, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN:0-395-68186-3

PLOT SUMMARY:

This is a story of a girl growing in England during medieval times.  When the time comes to marry her off, her father chooses an ugly older man for her. Ever since she was young, Catherine dreamed of marrying a prince so she is very disappointed by the man she was offered. Time passes and she hears that the man died in a bar fight over a tavern mistress.  Catherine is relieved by this news but is also told that the son, Stephen wishes to honor the marriage.  Catherine feels that this is not better or worse than her previous position. 

CRITCAL ANALYSIS:

Catherine’s character is real and believable; we can see and feel the displeasure and angst with growing up not rich enough and being placed with an ugly husband. The plot of the story will not be one that children are familiar with.  The way things were done during these times are very different from the way things are done now.  The children will have trouble with concept of daughters being sold to the highest bidder. The story is set in medieval England, which is very apparent by the language used.  The imagery helps the reader image an old English manor out in the countryside with people who are trying to use their daughter to bring them up in society.  The people spoke differently back then and had different values. 

CONNECTIONS:

*This story would make a good plan to work on in class.  The students could each take parts and create story scenes in groups.  

*This story could also be joined with a social studies unit on the medieval times.

REVIEWS:

"The period has rarely been presented for young people with such authenticity; the exotic details will intrigue readers while they relate more closely to Birdy’s yen for independence and her sensibilities toward the downtrodden.”—Kirkus Reviews,