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Catherine Called Birdy (Abridged) Audiobook
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(3.00) - 19,683 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Karen Cushman's Newbery Honor-winning book tells the story of a medieval girl who works to avoid the marriage her father has arranged for her during her 14th year. Contained in this program is Catherine's diary -- Catherine, called Little Bird or Birdy, daughter of Rollo and the lady Aislinn, sister to Thomas, Edward, and the abominable Robert. Begun this 12th day of September in the year of Our Lord 1290...I am commanded to write an account of my days. I am bit by fleas and plagued by family...Tangled my spinning again. Corpus bones, what a torture...Spent two hours embroidering a cloth for the church and three hours picking out the stitches after my mother saw it...Picked off twenty-nine fleas today. Catherine's mother wants to teach her the skills of the lady of the manor and to prepare her to be a gentle and patient wife. Her father wants only to see her married off, and profitably. Catherine fancies herself a painter, a Crusader, a maker of songs, a peddler, a minstrel, a monk, a wart charmer...Of all the possibilities, she has ruled out only one: being sold like cheese to the highest bidder. Against a vivid backdrop of everyday life on a medieval English manor, Catherine's earthy, spirited account of her fourteenth year is a richly entertaining story with an utterly unforgettable heroine.
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"Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushan (Newbery Award winner): There must be something of a child in me to so enjoy this book written in the form of Catherine's diary or maybe it's the wit and talent of the author who makes this young woman sound lke children I know and love. I chuckle again and again as I read about Catherine's efforts to avoid betrothal! Cushman write about this period for young girls so that they can in some way understand how life must have been for them. Cathernine, the girl presented in this novel is a mischievous tomboy in every sense of the word. A worthwhile read indeed."
— Rusty (4 out of 5 stars)
Awards
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A 1995 Newbery Honor Book
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Winner of Audie Awards, 1997
Catherine Called Birdy Listener Reviews
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" It was easy to listen too for my 7th grader, but slow reading with some struggles. It was an interesting story. "
— Dawn, 2/19/2020 -
" Much laughing ensued as I read this book, and I still laugh upon rereading. I simultaneously relate to and admire Catherine very much. She has clever schemes, and delightfully yet truthfully describes both living in the middle ages and being a teenage girl. "
— Meisha, 2/18/2014 -
" Such a fun book that makes me know that I was certainly born in the right era for me! "
— kimmie, 2/17/2014 -
" I definitely went through a medieval phase and I love some of the things that that introduced me too, including this book. I enjoyed Catherine's spunk and sense of humor. "
— Beka, 2/17/2014 -
" This little book was just my cup of tea. It's nice to feel like I'm learning a little bit as I'm being thoroughly entertained. Sure, it stretches credibility for the time period (1290), but Cushman made it work. "
— Frances, 2/12/2014 -
" An essential book for young girl readers; I'm glad that I was born late enough to read this growing up. Catherine is sharp, witty, and one of the more engaging heroines in children's literature. The Middle Ages come vibrantly to life--unpleasant aspects included, but we see them through warm and human eyes. And the book is utterly hilarious. "
— Genevieve, 2/9/2014 -
" I love this book! I like the way that Karen Kushman introduced Catherine. Karen clearly showed that Catherine was almost like a tomboy and wished to get married to who she pleased! I highly recommend that you read this book. "
— Kiley, 2/8/2014 -
" Loved the journal style in which Catherine's tale was told. Very fun story and I love that it's so full of what life was actually like back in 1290 a.d. Glad to live in the 21st century! "
— Becky, 1/28/2014 -
" I think my favorite thing about this is how the main character surprises herself with what she's learned about people at the end of the book. "
— Angelina, 1/20/2014 -
" I liked the historical aspects of it. It wasn't a page turner. I liked the girl having a strong voice. "
— Susan, 1/8/2014 -
" read the hilarious journal of a medieval "young lady" "
— Alia, 12/29/2013 -
" One of my favorite books from my childhood. :) My mother-in-law introduced me to this book and "The Midwife's Apprentice". She was my elementary school librarian! "
— Michelle, 12/28/2013 -
" This is by far my all time favorite book about a strong-willed and stubborn girl who refuses to be married off to any number of awful men her father chooses. "
— Krybski, 12/12/2013 -
" I loved this book! A headstrong girl telling us her story in the form of her diary. She is trying to buck her traditional role in medieval England. Great YA book! "
— Katelyn, 10/15/2013 -
" A quirky little novel in the style of a diary. Catherine is stubborn and funny. Great for anyone interested in the Middle Ages. "
— Jessica, 8/11/2013 -
" Enjoyable book about a spirited girl. "
— Mariah, 7/25/2013 -
" Great historical novel for kids and anyone who loves a quick read. Her narrator is always wonderful. "
— Cynthia, 6/5/2013 -
" One of my childhood favorites, I was immediately taken by Catherine's spunk and independence. She is a free spirit and very much a child, but her strength of character and kindness soften her. Always a fun read! "
— Sierra, 3/31/2013 -
" I was a little bored with this book and still a little unsure of what the true message and meaning was. The whole book consists so journal entries. I liked it but will probably never read it again.... "
— ♥Tiffany♥, 10/9/2012 -
" Loved it. Besides a great story, it provides insight into medieval life that I find really interesting. "
— Stephanie, 9/25/2012 -
" Catherine rules. And as she would say, "there is no more to say." "
— Jenni, 9/24/2012 -
" One of the most interesting historical fiction novels I've ever read. Didn't even mind the diary format. "
— Renae, 9/20/2012 -
" Hilarious! I loved this witty little book about a young woman in Medieval times. Catherine is young and doesn't want to be married off at the age of 15 to anyone she doesn't like. She gives her family no end of trouble. Great little book! Easy historical YA fiction. Highly recommend this one! "
— Terri, 7/20/2012 -
" I can't believe how many times I read this book as a kid... "
— Tasha, 4/6/2012 -
" Catherine is a strong 13-year-old who doesn't fall in the mold of what she is supposed to think and do. There are lots of real-life examples of life in the middle ages. "
— Carolyn, 3/27/2012 -
" I read this one over and over when I was about ten to twelve. It's fun historical fiction about a girl that age. "
— Angie, 2/25/2012
About Karen Cushman
Karen Cushman is the author of many acclaimed historical novels including Catherine, Called Birdy, a Newbery Honor winner, and The Midwife’s Apprentice, which received the Newbery Medal.