Karen Cushman

Karen Cushman is a Newbery Medal winner for "The Midwife's Apprentice" and a Newbery Honor recipient for "Catherine, Called Birdy." These awards recognize her significant contributions to children's literature.

While many of Karen Cushman's books are standalones, "Catherine, Called Birdy" and "The Midwife's Apprentice" are often considered companion novels due to their shared historical setting and thematic connections, though they feature different protagonists.

Karen Cushman is known for her historical fiction that often features strong, unconventional young female protagonists navigating challenging circumstances in medieval settings. Her writing is characterized by its authentic historical detail, humor, and realistic portrayal of daily life.