Catherine, Called Birdy

Catherine, Called Birdy transports the reader to the 13th century, and even though the reality of life in that time was harsh by our standards, this book makes you see that thirteen year old girls have many of the same feelings no matter what century they live in. It's amazing how Karen Cushman is able to mix humor and melancholy without it feeling "forced."

Reader reviewed by Ralph Wahlstrom

I read Catherine, Called Birdy to both of my daughters years ago. Today, as I was looking for examples of historical fiction for a class, I remembered this lovely book and found the excerpt at ybookscentral.com. It's a wonderful read: clever, honest, engaging, and true to the history. Catherine is a strong young girl/woman whose view of the world is hopeful, humorous, and hard-nosed at times.

Reader reviewed by safia

This book is set during the Middle Ages in England. Catherine, whose nickname is Birdy, is neither rich or poor. Instead, her father is a knight with a manor house and receives taxes from the villagers in the form of crops and livestock.


14 year old Catherine loathes the sewing she must do and longs to be outside with the villagers gathering crops and fishing in the stream. However, her father has plans to marry her off and to anybody rich. Most of the suitors are ugly, old, or just awful. Catherine must use her clever wits and trickery to send them off.

Story contains humor and adventure. Not your average princess tale.

Reader reviewed by ik

This book takes you to the REAL middle age England through the eyes of a 13 year old girl. The book shows the reality of that time period in a very funny and clever way. This book will leave the reader laughing and thinking over their way of living at the same time.

Reader reviewed by Amanda

Catherine (AKA Birdy) is a young woman in medieval times. She is a noble, but feels like a servant. She’s funny, but stubborn. Her annoying and stupid father is trying to find a suitable, pig-like suitor for feisty Catherine. Catherine doesn’t like any of his choices. She’s thinking why can he pick a more” nice and pleasant one. What trick should I play on him next? How can he be such a devil? Can he clean his teeth? Please!!!!” Read about the adventures of Birdy, party girl of medieval times, with dancing bears, the goat boy, Aelis, Shaggy Beard, the “devilish” visitors, and mother’s pregnancy in Catherine Called Birdy.


This is a witty book. You might imagine The Princess Diaries crossed with The Royal Diaries: Elizabeth I in genre. I was giggling inside from Catherine’s revolt against Shaggy Beard, poking fun with her father, and dealing with life’s problems. In my mind, Catherine Called Birdy is an eagle with a broken wing, soaring above the clouds. Even with her problems, she succeeds!


Catherine Called Birdy is recommended for girls 10 and up for laughs, smiles, and a chance of the giggles.


Cue: rock music. Catherine dancing her way through the 1290s! If you are 10 and up, a girl, and a reader, this will be your savior!

Reader reviewed by L. Eustace

Catherine is forced to wed by her father, only thing is she doesn't know who yet. While the usual girl in her place would just give in, she goes around to scare off her intended suitors. A funny and wild story about a wild girl of the middle ages.