Matilda Bone

Matilda Bone follows a fourteen-year-old girl in medieval England who becomes an apprentice to a bonesetter named Red. After living with a priest who raised her on religious texts and Latin prayers, Matilda must adjust to life in Blood and Bone Alley, where she assists with treating injuries and ailments. The daily work of medieval medicine comes alive through details of herbs, treatments, and the realities of healing in the Middle Ages. Matilda navigates a world of townspeople, merchants, patients, and fellow healers while questioning her place between her religious upbringing and her new practical education. This historical novel explores themes of growing up, questioning authority, and finding one's own path in life. Through Matilda's experiences, the story examines the tension between book learning and practical knowledge, as well as the role of faith and medicine in medieval society.

Readers found this medieval story slower-paced and more serious in tone compared to Cushman's other books. Many note it provides detailed historical information about medieval medicine and religious life. Readers appreciated: - Historical accuracy and medical details - Character growth and development - Religious themes handled with nuance - Educational value about medieval life Common criticisms: - Slow start and pacing issues - Less humor than expected from Cushman - Main character initially unlikeable - Religious elements too heavy for some young readers Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (45 ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 (parent reviews) Multiple reviewers noted the book works well for classroom discussions about medieval history. One teacher wrote: "My students were fascinated by the medical practices, though some struggled with Matilda's attitude in early chapters."

Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman A medieval girl's diary chronicles her resistance to arranged marriage while revealing life in a manor house during the Middle Ages.

The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman An orphan girl in medieval England learns the healing arts and discovers her place in the world as a midwife's helper.

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park A twelfth-century Korean orphan becomes an apprentice to a master potter and strives to create celadon ceramics while navigating the craftsman's world.

The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock A medieval servant with a hump on his back joins a pilgrim's quest for holy relics across medieval France, uncovering secrets about his identity.

The Healers Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson A woodcutter's daughter in medieval Germany trains as a healer while becoming entangled in castle intrigue and matters of medicine.

🌟 The author, Karen Cushman, extensively researched medieval medicine and healing practices to create an authentic portrayal of a medieval bonesetter's work. 🩺 Medicine in medieval England often combined religious beliefs with practical treatments, which is reflected in Matilda's struggle between her religious upbringing and Red's practical healing methods. 📚 The book won the 2001 Golden Kite Honor Book Award for Fiction from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. 🏰 The story takes place in Blood and Bone Alley, a fictional street name that reflects the real practice of naming medieval streets after the trades practiced there. 🌿 Many of the herbal remedies mentioned in the book, such as comfrey for broken bones and willow bark for pain, are still used in traditional medicine today.