Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman has long been one of my favorite books and I've recommended it more times than I can count. It's funny, witty, has a splendidly irreverent heroine and is also nice and short! No doubt after reading it, reading fans everywhere will be hunting for more books like Catherine, Called Birdy and after they zip through the rest of Cushman's works, this book list will come in very handy!
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While this list contains both middle grade and YA books, it is organized by topic like books with a medieval setting or historical fiction featuring strong girls. Be sure to note the age recommendations at the end of each "blurb." Books don't often fit neatly into categories, and so there is a lot of cross-over, too!
Books by Karen Cushman
Cushman has quite the oeuvre, including many books with medieval or Renaissance settings. The following is just a small sampling of my favorites of her work, which you can also find curated at my list at Bookshop.
CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. The very un-meek Catherine refuses to give into her father's wishes that she marry a distasteful, older man. Find it: Bookshop | Amazon
THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE. In medieval England, "Brat" gains confidence and learns who she wants to be after she becomes a apprentice to a gruff midwife. Find it: Bookshop | Amazon
MATILDA BONE. Raised to be pious, Matilda finds herself working for a medieval barber-surgeon, Red Peg the Bonesetter instead of pursuing her preferred studious endeavors. Find it: Bookshop | Amazon
WILL SPARROW'S ROAD. After his father sells him to an innkeeper, Will runs away and finds his place among a group of outcasts. Find it: Bookshop | Amazon
Medieval Stories
THE MAD WOLF'S DAUGHTER (series) by Diane Magras
I quite enjoyed this 13th-century tale set in Scotland about a strong girl warrior learning about what sets her apart from her brothers and father, even as she embarks on a treacherous mission to rescue them. Along her journey she must make choices based on her code of honor but she learns not all is as it seems and she has to decide what her values are. Ages 8 and up.
MORE: Historical Fiction with Strong Female Protagonists
A PROUD TASTE FOR SCARLET AND MINIVER by E. L. Konigsburg
The author of From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler also wrote this clever story featuring Eleanor of Aquitaine. It's the late 20th century and Eleanor and her peers, Abbot Sugar, William Marshall, Empress Matilda are up in Heaven waiting to see if Eleanor's husband Henry II will finally be allowed to come "Up." While they wait, each in turn recounts parts of Eleanor's life. Konigsburg does a wonderful job of evoking the medieval world and giving life to one of its most powerful female players.
THE DOOR IN THE WALL by Marguerite de Angeli
This very short Newbery Award winner tells the tale of young Robin and his transformation from the whiny son of a Lord to selfless hero. Robin's father goes off to fight in Scotland and his mother is called to the Queen's court. Their plans for Robin go awry when he falls ill and loses the use of his legs. A kindly abbot takes him in and under his care, Robin grows in maturity and develops his abilities and interests. When attacks by the Welsh threaten the village, Robin undertakes a daring and dangerous mission to alert others to the threat.
THE PATRON THIEF OF BREAD by Lindsay Eagar
This is one of the best books I've read recently! Set in a fictional location reminiscent of medieval France, a group street orphans called "The Crowns" eke out an existence through petty thievery. The leader of the group concocts a plan whereby the youngest of the gang, Duck, an 8 year old girl found in the river as an infant, will apprentice to a baker and sneak food and coins to the rest of the gang. But Duck's new life with the kindly baker changes her and she is torn between her old family and her new one. An incredibly moving and thought-provoking story. Ages 10 and up.
MORE: Diverse Historical Middle Grade Fiction
THE INQUISITOR'S TALE: OR, THE THREE MAGICAL CHILDREN AND THEIR HOLY DOG by Adam Gidwitz
Multiple narrators describe the adventures of several children and their (potentially) holy dog. This book is an amazing mix of morality tale and puzzling mystery, set in the 13th century. Jeanne with her psychic visions, Willian, a biracial Muslim monk with superhuman skills, and Jacob, a Jewish fleeing his destroyed village who has healing powers come together for an adventure that enriches their lives, as well as the lives of the readers. Ages 10 and up.
THE WICKED AND THE JUST by J. Anderson Coats
In the 12th century, Cecily and her English family have come to the Welsh frontier as part of England's plan to subdue the "primitive" Welsh. Gwinny is a Welsh girl who serves in Cecily's house and who bitterly resents the uppity English. The narrative alternates between both viewpoints, brilliantly preventing the reader from choosing one side over another. Both girls have outsized personalities and their narrative voices are very charismatic. Ages 12 and up.
CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD (series) by Avi
Set in the 14th century, this award-winning book is a page-turning adventure! Asta's son doesn't have a real name, and he doesn't know who is father is. When his mother dies, he comes under the guardianship of Father Quinel, who gives him a cross of lead owned by his mother. But before Father Quinel tell him his paternity, the boy (now named Crispin) must flee. He goes on the run from the wicked lord who owns the village and a hair-raising adventure begins. Ages 8 and up.
Strong Girls
THE TRUE CONFESSIONS OF CHARLOTTE DOYLE by Avi
Set in 1832, this Newbery Honor book tells the absolutely riveting story of Charlotte, who sets out on a sea voyage from England to Rhode Island. Instead of being chaperoned by other families on the journey, she unexpectedly finds herself alone with the crew and becomes entangled in a nail-biting and dangerous adventure. Ages 10 and up.
THE TROUBLED GIRLS OF DRAGOMIR ACADEMY by Anne Ursu
When 12-year-old Marya Lupu upsets an important visit by sorcerers come to test her older brother for magic, she is sent away to Dragomir Academy. Dragomir is a boarding school housed in a castle donated by a Count for the purpose of educating "troublesome" girls. The teachers, while not unkind, insist that girls follow rules. Marya, and her new friend, Elana, find this difficult. At the academy, Marya, starts to build relationships and questions what she's told about magic, who can wield it, and why it threatens the land. Her discoveries lead to uncovering secrets about the structure of Illyria's society. Ages 8 and up.
MORE: Books to Read if You Like Harry Potter
A CEILING MADE OF EGGSHELLS by Gail Carson Levine
Taking place just before the expulsion of the Jews from Spain, Levine's intensely moving and suspenseful tale follows the adventures of Paloma as she grows up in a relatively well-off Jewish family. Loma's grandfather is well-connected and famed for his ability to deal with Christians. Loma accompanies him on his travels around the country as religious and political tensions grow, facing dangers, prejudice and the constant threat of forced conversions. This is a page-turning book with an extremely strong girl at its heart.
THE OUTLAWS OF SHERWOOD by Robin McKinley
My son and I really enjoyed McKinley's version of the medieval Robin Hood story, and I'm not surprised, given her popularity as a writer of modern adaptations of folk lore and fairy tales. I particularly appreciated McKinley's elevation of the role of women in the story. In fact, Maid Marian is the winner of the archery contest, not Robin! An excellent version of a classic tale. Ages 12 and up.
MORE: Books for Kids Based on Robin Hood
Epistolary/Diary Narrative
BOOK OF A THOUSAND DAYS by Shannon Hale
This is an adaptation of Grimms' fairy tale, "Maid Maleen." In the steppes region, a mucker, Dashti, volunteers to be shut up in a tower with Lady Saren when Saren refuses to wed the man her father has chosen for her. In the tower, Dashti and Saren survive, but Saren's mental health deteriorates and Dashti plays her Lady's role. They finally escape the tower and Dashti's perseverance and cleverness save the girls. Ages 11 and up.
MORE: Books for Kids Who Loved Mulan
I CAPTURE THE CASTLE by Dodie Smith
Through journal enteries, 17-year-old Cassandra tells her story of living in genteel poverty with her siblings, eccentric stepmother and father in a crumbling castle. Her father once published a brilliant novel but has been suffering from writer's block for years. A wealthy American and his brother move into the manor next door and while the family thinks it will be their salvation, things don't go as planned! There is also a fantastic film production of I Capture the Castle. Fun fact: Dodie Smith also wrote 101 Dalmations. Ages 12 and up.
MORE: YA Retellings of Jane Austen Novels
THE NIGHT DIARY by Veera Hiranandani
I could not put this book down! Nisha and her twin brother are half-Muslim, half-Hindu siblings living with their father in India just before the time of Partition. When word comes that their town is to become part of the new Pakistan state, Nisha, her brother, her Hindu father and grandmother must make the harrowing and dangerous journey to the Indian border. Each chapter is an entry in Nisha's diary as she leaves her comfortable life behind and struggles with her own questions of identity. Highly recommended! Ages 9 and up.
Megan Buhler says
We have read more than half this list and LOVED them all. I am so excited to try the rest. Because the ones we haven't read I have never even heard of. Love your lists so much!! I just read your list on one screen and keep my library page open on the other screen so I can request as I go.
Erica says
Your comment made me so happy. I'm delighted to help you find new books!