Reviews

Matilda Bone by Karen Cushman

a_muggle's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

suzannedix's review against another edition

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3.0

A bit slow but a good medieval-era story.

kahale's review against another edition

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4.0

A young orphaned girl goes from living in a manor learning Latin, reading, and writing to a bonesetters shop in midaevil times. shows the importance of different types of learning and people to a young girl. Really good female characters for young readers.

nairam1173's review

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3.0

I enjoyed this book more than Cushman's two others--simple, but sweet-hearted with interesting details and a good douse of humanity. Good book for showing medieval people weren't aliens or idiots--just humans of another time and place, so much the same, and so different.

jennybeastie's review against another edition

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3.0

A good story, in a really interesting setting -- a medical practitioner's alley in a medieval town. I'm astonished that everyone puts up with Matilda's obnoxious upbringing, but I love that they do. They treat her with kindness, and show her a different way, and Matilda eventually blossoms.

icemagetori's review

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It felt too religious for me

emlickliter's review

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Matilda Bone by Karen Cushman – Love this Trina Schart Hyman cover! All of Karen Cushman’s historical leading ladies are cool, but I love the personality on this girl! Happy Reading!
 

toad_maiden's review against another edition

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3.0

I've been a fan of Cushman's since I was wee. I love her snarky, grimy medieval world. I enjoyed the medical milieu of this story, as well as the charming cast of characters. Perhaps it's a little light on character development and plot, but that's not why we read Cushman. We read for the doctor that speaks in rhymes and keeps leeches in a pouch on his belt, for the fishmonger that cheats Matilda into buying a rotten old eel, and for the sniffy replies to her prayers by obscure martyred saints. And we won't be disappointed.

alyssalee2022's review against another edition

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2.0

I had to read this book for 7th grade lit, and I have to say, I started off liking it. Even so, I soon lost interest. So maybe 2.5 stars.

cheriekg's review against another edition

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4.0

I read to my kids and they loved it, even as I had to stop frequently to explain various saints and religious features (that's what we get for being a heathen household). But they loved the gross medieval medicine stuff and the character of Matilda.