Historical Fiction: Karen Cushman style

I'd like to introduce you to a great historical fiction author, Karen Cushman. I recently read a new addtion to Lakeview's IMC and thought you might want to hear about some of her other books, too. Here are some great suggestions:

Rodzina

It's 1881, and Rodzina is a 12 year-old orphan. Having recently lost her father to an accident, her mother to the 'fever' and her brothers to a fire, she is left alone in the world. Rodzina feels she is coping quite well. However, social services become aware of her situation and she finds herself traveling west on a orphan train to be adopted into a needy family. Rodzina wonders who will want her...she is big and strong, not pretty or young. But as the train makes its way west, she befriends many of the smaller waifs who need comfort and reassurance, and she also is a help to the adults on the train. She is nearly adopted by two different families with dire consequences, but using her quick wit and intelligence she fashions for herself a place in the west with an unconventional family structure which gives her both love and acceptance.

The Midwife's Apprentice

Brat is an ophan on the streets of a 14th century English village. She does not know her true name, her real age or who her parents were. She survives by scavenging for scraps of food and staying warm by sleeping in the dung heap. Jane Sharp, the town's crusty, brass midwife needs an apprentice and she decides Brat fits the bill. Brat decides to change her name to fit her new-found status and calls herself Alyce. Alyce works hard and long, listens and watches Jane with the intention of becoming the best apprentice she can be. But Jane criticizes and belittles Alyce constantly resulting in Alyce's decision to run away. She finds herself at an Inn near the Manor and is employed as an Inn maid. With subtle encouragement from a guest at the Inn, she eventually finds her way back to her true calling in life...when she realizes that all she wants in the world is a "full belly, a contented heart and a place in this world."

Catherine, Called Birdy

Catherine, daughter of Rollo and lady Aislinn, is one feisty, quick-witted maid. Her father is determined to marry her off to any suitor who will handsomely contribute to his financial wealth. Catherine will have none of it...she wants to be independent and successful. She resorts to trickery, one-up-manship and deceipt to keep these suitors her father has found as far away as possible. Written in diary form during Catherine's 14th year, her antics and ploys are both humorous and ingenious. In the background of this entertaining novel, you be introduced to life in medieval England.