The Midwife's Apprentice

Bibliography:
Cushman, Karen. 1995. The Midwife's Apprentice.

Plot Summary:
The main character, Brat, begins the story as a homeless young girl in Medieval England, living on the streets. When a midwife takes her in and gives her work in return for food and shelter, Brat begins to feel self-worth. The midwife changes her name to Beetle and treats her badly. Beetle rescues a cat off the streets and nurtures it back to health. Learning as much as she can by secretly watching the midwife as she works, Beetle begins to gain self-confidence. Beetle runs errands for the midwife and is complimented in town and treated with respect. She rescues the town bully from drowning and aids a homeless man get back on his feet. Beetle changes her name to Alyce and she is soon turned to for advice within the village. After being requested to deliver a baby instead of the midwife, Alyce realizes she doesn't know everything necessary and is ashamed to have to ask for help from the midwife. Alyce runs away but then returns after discovering that what she wants in life is to be the midwife's apprentice.

Critical Analysis:
Alyce is an interesting and diverse character throughout the novel. She is first found with no self-esteem, dirt poor, and with feelings of unworthiness. As the story progresses, Alyce slowly regains self-confidence. Her journey of identity within herself allow many readers, especially young adults, to relate to her. At the adolescent age, many feel self-doubt, depression, and lack of self-esteem.

Alyce conquering her fears and becoming an honorable, confident young girl ties into the theme of hope and deterimination. She teaches her readers that with hardwork and not losing hope, one can overcome any obstacles and perservere. Young people this age can relate this this timeless theme, as they search for their own identity and niche in life, and can often feel there are several obstacles in the way of their dreams.

The plot and setting are accurate to the time period. In the Midieval times, midwife's were common (along with the many other occupations discussed), as were herbal remedies and singing songs to deal with emotions. The author uses vivid detail to describe the sights, smells, and sounds within this historical setting.

The style of the story was written in 3rd person narrative and includes dialogue reflective of the time period.

Excerpt Reviews:
Publisher's Weekly: "[Cushman] has an almost unrivaled ability to build atmosphere, and her evocation of a medieval village, if not scholarly in its authenticity, is supremely colorful and pungent."
Booklist: "Kids will like this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone"
School Library Journal Starred Review: "...truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children’s literature."


Connections:
*This book can be utilized as a discussion opener about self-esteem, self-confidence, respect, and self-worth.
*This book can be used to discuss conquering your fears, dealing with change, and perservering.
*This book can be used as a discussion opener about goals, how to achieve them, and helping others achieve their goals.
*This book can enhance a lesson on Medieval times, including the occupations during that time period.