The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman

This educated gentleman strikes up a friendship with Purr and, by association, Alyce. Fascinated by his daily writings and readings, Alyce silently observes Magister Reese, as he teaches Purr to read. One day the gentleman challenges Alyce, startling her out of her determined silence by asking “And what, inn girl, do you want?” Her answer surprises them both “I know what I want. I full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world.”

Her declaration improves Alyce’s outlook, if only marginally. She still views herself as “stupid and nothing”. An unexpected visitor from the past reminds her of her personal accomplishments and deep-rooted ties to the village. Will Russet, the boy whom she had helped birth twin calves, speaks the truth to Alyce of her failure: “Just because you don’t know everything don’t mean you know nothing.”

Will’s advice goes straight to Alyce’s heart, as do the comments of another familiar visitor to the Inn, Jane Sharp herself. Though Alyce hides while Jane is speaking with Magister Reese, she strains to hear Jane’s thoughts regarding her former apprentice. Expecting Jane to degrade her for failing, Alyce is shocked to discover that her true failure to please the midwife was in giving up!

Does it all come right in the end? Does Alyce find her “full belly, contented heart and place in this world? And what of Edward at the Manor?

Readers may be sure that in seeing their task through to the end, and reading this marvelous and finely wrought tale, that all will be revealed. Encourage your children to discover, along with Brat, that self-worth only comes from within!

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