1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, Karen. 2000. MATILDA BONE. New York , NY
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Set in Medieval England, MATILDA BONE is about a girl named Matilda who was sent to assist Red Peg the bonesetter on Blood and Bone Alley. Matilda wishes to return back to the manor and live with Father Leufredus but she realizes that she has no choice but to stay and assist Red Peg the bonesetter in her medical practice. Her new life is strange to her and she feels “like a duck, a duck living among chickens.” The book gives us a glimpse of day to day life in medieval times as we follow Matilda through her experiences and adventures. On Blood and Bone Alley, Matilda begins to find her place in the world.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
“You will also be brewing our lotions, potions, tonics, and ointments.” Medieval life was busy with hard work. Cushman lets the reader experience medieval life through the eyes of Matilda. The characters in the story are well rounded and the reader gets to know them gradually like Matilda does since the book is written from her perspective. Many idioms are sprinkled throughout the book like “You beef-brained ninny!” The unusual sayings make the conversations seem authentic for the time period and socioeconomic class that the story is set in.
Young readers can relate to Matilda struggles since many children today struggle with feelings of not fitting in. As the story continues, Matilda begins to develop friendships with others and to feel like she is a part of the community. Cushman included author’s notes and a list of sources that she used in writing the book. The table of contents and titles of chapters are set in an old-fashioned style and make the book look old. MATILDA BONE is truly a fascinating book.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Horn Book Magazine: “Matilda's very seriousness accounts for much of the humor in Cushman's novel: her heroine cannot see her own foolish single-mindedness.”
School Library Journal: “A fascinating glimpse into the colorful life and times of the 14th century.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* Great book to include when studying medieval history.
*Other books by Karen Cushman:
Cushman, Karen. THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE. ISBN 0395692296
Cushman, Karen. ALCHEMY AND MEGGY SWANN. ISBN 9780547231846
Cushman, Karen. CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. ISBN 0395681863
No comments:
Post a Comment