Catherine, Called Birdy

Rating:
Summary: THIS was a Newberry honor award? NOT!
Review: I gave it 2 stars just because I was shocked that this book received the prestigious award of a Newberry honor . No longer will I trust their stamp of approval. It's a mediocre book. I found the earthiness totally unsuitable for the age group that would likely read it( 4th -6th graders). It was also just plain boring. The author does have a way with words at times though. The ending seemed pretty sappy after reading entry after entry of how smart-mouthed she was. She ended up being the docile daughter. No, someone like her would have run away after she saw the ugly old guy her dad had planned for her marital bliss. She would have joined a band of gypsies and it would have been a lot more interesting. I read this book at least 3 years ago, and I tell every teacher I see not to get that book. We really need to expect higher standards for our kids. On the other hand, Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is an excellent example of what a good historical fiction book for children can be.

Rating:
Summary: This is a great book!
Review: I just want to say this was one of the best books I've ever read and I think if you read it, you find you can identify with Catherine, even though the setting is completely different.

Rating:
Summary: Read it - it's great!
Review: If you like hearing about Medieval England, you will love this book. Catherine, called Birdy, or Little Bird writes an account of her life in the year 1290. I think it is funny how she is always saying Corpus Bones and God's Thumbs, it is truly a wonderful book

Rating:
Summary: Teenage girl in Medieval Age avoid marriage by her wit.
Review: Catherine (called Birdy) is a bright girl who uses her wit & cunning to avoid being married off to unlikely suitors. The story takes place during the Medeival Period and it provides a good historical reference for what it was like to grow up during that period. I read this with my eleven year old daughter, and we both thoroughly enjoyed it!

Rating:
Summary: "Corpus Bones!" I couldn't put the book down!
Review: Catherine, also Birdy, is shown in a medieval environment as a typical teenager worried about boys, local news and behavior of her family. In this book, Catherine is forced to do things that she probably wouldn't do if she was paid. God's thumbs! This book is very realistic: crushes on uncles, chores, church, and much more. This book is definitely on the "must read" list. God's thumbs!

Rating:
Summary: Research overwhelming. Journal format overused in YA lit.
Review: Although Cushman has earned many awards for this title, the book itself is not that interesting. Cushman has a tendency to overwhelm the reader with all the FACT, which I'm sure she enjoyed learning, but which detracts from the story. The journal format has been overused in the young adult arena the past few years and students are turned off by it. Most of my girls gave it a PASS.

Rating:
Summary: Great
Review: This was a wonderful book. How a girl, used to dealing with unwated suiters, finds herself with one who won't go away. Meanwhile, she grows up, deals with curses, friends, and family. And at the end, when a horror turns to a joy, this was truly a wonderful story.

Rating:
Summary: It was fairly good...but I thought it could have been better
Review: I enjoy most medieval young adult novels, but reading this one, I found myself rather disinterested. I learned many things from the Middle Ages-some of their customs were fascinating, but many people including me, found it quite dull at some points. It is one of those books you either like it or dislike it.

Rating:
Summary: God's thumbs! It's the BEST book I've ever read!
Review: "Catherine, Called Birdy" is worthy for more than two thumbs up! I would tell you about it,but that would take all the fun out of it. But I'll tell you one thing it's good enogh to make you scream "Corpus Bones!!!"

Rating:
Summary: The BEST book I've ever read!
Review: "Catherine, Called Birdy" is worthy for more than two thumbs up! I would tell you about it,but that would take all the fun out of it.