been reading the Newbery winners of late, three in a row and all with orphaned children. the first one, the child who already lost both her parents lost the person who took her in ( Missing May). the next one, the kid who lost her mom loses her grandmother ( walk two moons) It was nice to have one with no deaths for a change. Interesting setting ( 14th century)with lessons about persistence and self doubt that are still relevant ( )

Really enjoyable short medieval fiction about a young foundling who finds her place in the world. Delightful in detail, hard work and hope. ( )

I would recommend this book mainly for grades 5 through junior-high-aged girls. It is accurate historical fiction. Karen Cushman has other great historical fiction books for girls, too. In this story, the midwife Alyce is fairly cruel to Jane, her young apprentice. The women in the village begin to prefer Jane, which makes for an interesting story.
The tiny village knows nothing of germs and too much of superstition. The village midwife is not a kind person, but a midwife is necessary and she is the only choice. At the time of the story, a midwife used common sense and the little training she received in her apprenticeship. College training was not yet available, and things were simply done the way they had always been done. Many mothers and children died in childbirth during the Middle Ages. Until the twentieth century, most women gave birth at home attended by other women. ( )

Engaging story of a 13th century homeless waif who winds up living with a midwife and learning the trade. ( )

Picked this up for the girls -- it's a Newberry medal winner -- and wound up quite enjoying it myself. ( )