Who wrote the 1996 Newbery Medal winner The Midwife's Apprentice?

Who wrote the 1996 Newbery Medal winner *The Midwife's Apprentice*? The answer is Karen Cushman.

Cushman’s historical novel follows a homeless medieval girl initially known as Brat or Beetle. After being taken in by Jane, a village midwife, she gradually learns practical skills, gains confidence, and adopts the name Alyce as her sense of identity develops.

The novel won the 1996 Newbery Medal for its vivid portrayal of medieval village life and its carefully shaped coming-of-age story. Cushman drew on research into medieval England, including childbirth practices, social class, work, superstition, and daily survival.

The story is sometimes remembered as a straightforward account of midwifery, but its central subject is Alyce’s transformation. Patricia Reilly Giff, Nancy Farmer, and Sharon Creech are accomplished children’s authors, yet none wrote this Newbery winner. Cushman later wrote other historical novels, including *Catherine, Called Birdy*.