By Lynn, on June 8th, 2007%
If you are interested in medieval history, including all of the plant lore and magic that went on, The Midwife’s Apprentice by Karen Cushman is a good read.
Karen Cushman is known for her historically accurate writing. I was amazed by the extensive use of herbal lore and herbal medicine in the book. I am studying to be an herbalist myself right now, so this aspect of the book really appealed to me and this book is full of real information about herbs.
My daughter is nearly 9 and we began reading this together as a read-aloud, though the target age for this book may actually be a bit older. Still, I think my daughter is capable of understanding what’s in the book. Alas, once I started the book, I felt led to build a medieval unit study around it.
There is a small touch of foul language in the book, but only to further define the characters. There is an affair in the book, but it is not described in great depth. I could smell the filth and feel the hardship of being poor and young and alone in medieval England, but not to a terrifying degree. There are births described in this book, but not to the extent that it is graphic or in poor taste.
Perhaps the most important lesson in the book is learning to try and fail and try again, as the main character does.
If you want a go-along chapter book for your medieval study for a mature-enough student, this may be a good one for you.
By Lynn, on June 8th, 2007%
Yes, summer is officially here (homeschool-wise), but we will be doing summer school. I want to make it really fun but we need to cover some ground in spelling and math! I feel there are things that some of my children just did not get, and I want them to get it!
We will be taking breaks and having fun for sure. I want to do a couple of road trips – one to the mountains and one to Williamsburg, Virginia. That is what I am really, really looking forward to.
I am going to just have to get organized and make sure I am planning ahead at least two to three weeks at all times so we cover what we need to without getting overwhelmed.
I am in the process of working on some notebooks this morning. I may post some pictures later today.
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About Lynn
I am the mother of four delightful children: a 23-year-old son, a 20-year-old son, a 17-year-old son, and a bright and bubbly 13-year-old daughter. I share an apartment home with my 17-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter. My little home on the internet is called Rose Cottage because of my love for gardening, roses, and all things romantic and Victorian. Welcome.
I'm a North Carolina girl and I love sharing North Carolina links and information. I do medical transcription from home. My hobbies include making sweet little dolls from clay who are named and have their own stories to tell. I also make old-fashioned brooches. These are for sale in my Etsy shop.
For 13 years continuously, I homeschooled some or all of our four children, but the time came that our homeschool had to be closed. It was the end of a beautiful chapter in my life. I will always be a strong supporter of homeschooling and I will continue to review books and maintain my homeschool website, The Healthy Homeschool. The Players
Lil Ol' Me
Son Daniel, 23
Son, Big Joe, 20
Son, John, 17
Daughter, Michaela, 13
Annie Fatso Beagle
My Symphony
To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never. In a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony.
William Henry Channing
1810-1884
What You Do Sow a thought, reap an action.
Sow an action, reap a habit.
Sow a habit, reap a character.
Sow a character, reap a destiny.
Contact Me 
I would  for you to leave a comment, but you can also e-mail me at lynn AT thehealthyhomeschool.com
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