Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman

Catherine, Called Birdy is set in an English manor house in the year 1290. The main character is fourteen-year-old Catherine, nicknamed, Birdy because of her love of birds. Catherine is unusual for her time in that she can read and write. Birdy has been promised in marriage to a much older man she calls the “Pig” by her father, whom she calls the “Beast”. She is also unusual in that she rages against the constraints of medieval society and the narrow roles available to women.

Through Birdy journal entries readers get a detailed picture of life in late medieval England. Each journal entry begins with a short description of day as it remembered through a book of saints given to her by her brother Edmond. For example: “26^th Day of July, Feast of Saint Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary.” These introductions give the reader a glimpse into the inescapable nature of the Catholic Church during the time. They also are the springboards for many of Birdy observations about life, her station, and the plight of women. Through her we attend funerals, weddings, fairs, and feasts. We learn about herbal medicines and barbaric medical practices. We glimpse into the intimate details of medieval bathing and hygiene. Birdy is delightful engaging read.

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In the classroom:

Birdy would make a wonderful companion to a unit on feudalism in Western Europe. Some of the concepts can be difficult for seventh graders to grasps, namely the lack of social mobility and the absence of choice or self-determination. Birdy is a good bridge between students modern  of self and medieval concepts of self. Students will find Birdy's camera into daily life entertaining.

Lexile level: 1170

Grade level: 6-8