Why read The Midwife's Apprentice?

Book cover of The Midwife's Apprentice

Book description

A poor girl in medieval England gains a name, a purpose, and a future in this “delightful”* and beloved Newbery Medal-winning book. Now with a new cover!

* “A truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children’s literature.” —School Library Journal*, starred review

* “A fascinating view of…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked The Midwife's Apprentice as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Andrew Beattie

Author

I enjoyed this comparatively short book as it portrays Medieval England from an unusual perspective – that of a young apprentice to a midwife in a small village.

The main character, a young girl named “Brat” (rechristened “Beetle”), serves as an apprentice to Jane the Midwife, and the book is remarkable for its incorporation of lots of fascinating detail about medieval medicine and herbal remedies associated with childbirth – a world rarely seen in children’s books.

From Andrew's list on middle grade children’s books set in the Middle Ages.

Nancy McConnell

Author

This book was a Newberry Award winner and it’s easy to see why. It is hard not to love Alyce and root for her as she grapples with the difficulty of learning midwifery under the not to tender tutelage of Jane the Midwife. The story is at times funny, poignant and fascinating. I was moved by the courage and persistence Alyce shows. This book transported me to another era and left me wanting more.

From Nancy's list on kids who love a medieval quest.