Catherine, a spirited and inquisitive young woman of good family, narrates in diary form the story of her fourteenth year—the year 1290. A Newbery Honor Book.
Set in a 13th century English Manor, this hilarious book is has strong messages about girl power, as well as interesting information about medieval England woven in. Catherine’s parents want to teach her how to be a gentle and caring wife, married off to whoever is the wealthiest suitor. 14 year old Catherine has other ideas. The book is mostly about Catherine’s various ingenious plots on how to keep suitors away, and her complaints about spinning and other jobs reserved for women of the time. It’s pretty great. Told from the perspective of Catherine’s diary, anyone who enjoys historical fiction, humor, and strong female protagonists is sure to love this book.