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Book Detail
Midwife's Apprentice, The |
Publication Information
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Author: Cushman, Karen |
Illustrator: |
Title: Midwife's Apprentice, The |
Date: 1995 |
Publisher: Clarion Books |
City: New York, NY |
ISBN, paperback: 0-395-69229-6 |
ISBN, hardback: |
Recommended audience:
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ABE/ABLE:
Yes |
ESOL:
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Family:
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Young Adult:
Yes |
Picture:
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General Information:
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Book Type(s):
fiction, historical fiction
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HSE Descriptor(s):
science| social studies
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Summary: |
This award-winning novel, set in 14th century England, tells the story of Brat/Beetle/Alyce, a "homeless waif who became the midwife's apprentice-a person with a name and a place in the world" (book jacket). |
Teaching Ideas: |
Teachers might want to read this novel aloud or have students (level 2 or beyond) read one chapter a day. Beetle/Alyce's character is very well developed, so a character sketch would be a good choice. Lots of "then and now" discussion/writing is also possible: a) put yourself in Alyce's place. What would the story be if told in present time? b) How did the midwife and Alyce assist childbirth with medicine, psychology, magic? Repeat the categories for today. c) Herbal remedies are used in the book. How are they used today? Students might also be interested in other aspects of life in 14th century England--the monarchy, literacy practices, other occupations described in the book (miller, baker, scholar, innkeeper, farmers). Finally, teachers may wish to focus on Alyce's gradual recovery/healing from years of neglect and general abuse. Students could trace the stages of Alyce's development and decide if her progress is realistic.
www.midwifeinfo.com |
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