Matilda Bone
Karen Cushman

Macmillan Children's Books 2001

147p pbk $12.95

0-330-36819-2

Genre: Historical           

Matilda is a saintly girl who was staying with Father Leufredus. When Leufredus had to go to Oxford he leaves Matilda with Peg the Bonesetter, a kind of doctor who fixes sore limbs and broken bones. Matilda at first does not like the idea of staying with Peg, but soon fits in and learns how to mix brews and lotions and how to set bones. She befriends Tildy and Walter who help her feel that she is as good as everyone else. Then Tildy gets a wound on the forehead and is on the verge of death. Will Matilda be able to help?

Matilda Bone is a realistic book and quite good for people who like family/historical books. It is a good one to read aloud. The style and quality of the storyline is excellent and the language is easy to understand. I recommend it for ages between 12- 15. This book is worth buying and I give it a rating of 9/1 0.

Naveen, aged 13, Canberra, ACT

Matilda Bone is a great novel written by Karen Cushman. Her parents died when she was young so she spent her early years being raised by the church and Father Leufradus. When Father Leufradus had to go, he left her at Peg the Bonesetter's in Blood and Bone alley. Here, Peg teaches her to mend bones and to boil up potions and to do some daily chores. This is a big change for Matilda who was used to prayer and study.

Matilda Bone is suitable for the ages of 10 - 14 years and is a great read-alone book. I really enjoyed reading the novel.

Victoria, 13, rural SA