Karen Cushman was born in Chicago and grew up there and in Southern California. Before she started writing full-time, she was assistant director and adjunct professor in the Museum Studies department at John F. Kennedy University in San Francisco. She now lives on Vashon Island in Washington State with her husband. Ms. Cushman’s seven previous novels have helped historical fiction take a prominent place in children’s literature. The first, Catherine, Called Birdy, received a Newbery Honor. The second, The Midwife’s Apprentice, was awarded the Newbery Medal.
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Orphaned Matilda is not at all pleased when she arrives at Blood and Bone Alley to become an assistant to Red Peg the Bonesetter. She is a religious, well-educated girl who can’t picture herself doing dirty chores or helping sickly patients. Eac... SEE MORE