Super Short Summary

Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman chronicles the life of 14-year-old Catherine, nicknamed Birdy, in 13th-century England through her diary entries. Birdy, living in the manor of Stonebridge under the expectations to marry, resists various suitors arranged by her father while expressing her desires for autonomy and adventure. Throughout the book, Birdy navigates her relationships, societal norms, and personal growth, ultimately reconciling her dreams with the medieval constraints imposed on her. The novel includes themes of arranged marriages, gender roles, and controversial historical events.