Children's Books Too Cool for School

Those approaching this book as fans of Cushman's medieval works may be initially disappointed by Meggy Swann, who is not a medieval character. (The title is somewhat ambiguous. I do, in fact tend to think of medieval characters when I think of alchemy.) Instead, Meggy lives in Tudor England, is crippled, has a mother who doesn't want her and a father who didn't even know she existed. If you've read Cushman's Rodzina, Meggy might feel a little familiar. In fact, Cushman's reputation as a medievalist is somewhat undeserved, as she's written just as many books not set in medieval England as she has written those that do date from that time and place... but I digress.

Meggy's literary ancestor is certainly Francis Hodgson Burnett's Mary Lennox, of Secret Garden fame. Like Mary, Meggy isn't very likable from the get-go, even if the reasons behind her tough exterior are somewhat understandable. Mary's parents don't care much about her, nor does her guardian, and nor do Meggy's. It takes someone capable of sparring with Mary on her own level to draw her out, and the same with Meggy.

The growth of Meggy is great to see, and entirely believable, even in so short a story. Just as Cushman had a knack for making medieval England come alive for us, she's done the same with Tudor London and I'd say Meggy even feels a little more authentic than Catherine, called Birdy.

The story is charming, suspenseful, informative, and funny. Only gripe? Ye toads and vipers! Do all Cushman's characters need to have a catchphrase?

Good for, I'd say, around 12, and probably for girls because it's got a girl on the cover and all. Sigh...