Alchemy and Meggy Swan by Karen Cushman

Bibliography
Cushman, Karen. 2010. Alchemy and Meggy Swann. Boston, MA: Clarion Books.  ISBN 978-0-547-23184-6

Plot summary
Meggy Swan, and her only friend, a goose named Louise, have been sent by her mother from their beautiful country village to live with her father in Elizabethan London which looks big, dirty and not very friendly.  Once her alchemist father finds out Meggy is a girl with handicapped legs, he doesn't want her either. Lonely and angry about being made fun of her whole life because of her legs, Meggy soon explores London and discovers that she's stronger than she realized. Before long, she learns how to let go of her anger and to let new friends into her heart.

Critical analysis
Newbery medalist, Karen Cushman has once again written a wondrous tale.  Alchemy and Meggy Swan was nominated for the Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2010, National Council of Teachers of English Notable Book 2011, and School Library Journal Best Books of 2010. Cushman brings the Elizabethan times to life for readers with her descriptive writing and use of easily readable Elizabethan dialect. 

Written in the point of view of Meggy, the reader will feel for her when she's badly treated because of her legs; she's kept inside by her mother so Meggy doesn't ruin business, or people saying she's handicapped because of her sins. It's no wonder that she sings a misery song learned from her grandmother - "I wail in woe, I plunge in pain, with sorrowing eyes I do complain."  After making her first friend that's not an animal, Meggy says "...I feel like the sun is shining inside me." Although the ending was predictable, Cushman has tapped into the emotions a lonely young girl would have as she begins to learn more about herself and to find that her anger is disappearing as she discovers her strengths.

Cushman includes authentic situations, such as the famous "Barge Incident" in which there was an assassination attempt on Queen Elizabeth I.  Meggy helps stop an assassination attempt on a Duke by singing the details in a ballad she created, which was a common way to spread news during this time period.  Cushman also includes interesting details about alchemy, which is considered the beginning of modern science and chemistry.

There is a bibliography and internet links in the back for readers who would like to learn more about the world in which Meggy lived.
      

Review excerpt(s)
"Writing with admirable economy and a lively ability to re-create the past believably, Cushman creates a memorable portrayal of a troubled, rather mulish girl who begins to use her strong will in positive ways."—Booklist, starred review

...Cushman has the uncanny ability to take a time and place so remote and make it live. Readers can hear and see and smell it all as if they are right beside Meggy. She employs the syntax and vocabulary of the period so easily that it is understood as if it’s the most contemporary modern slang. A gem."—Kirkus , starred review

"Cushman adds another intrepid, resourceful, courageous girl to her repertoire in this tale set in 16th-century London...Her courage and confidence grow with each obstacle overcome. Cushman fans who loved Catherine, Called Birdy (1994) and The Midwife's Apprentice (1995, both Clarion) will not be disappointed"—School Library Journal, starred review


"Cushman's (Catherine, Called Birdy) newest novel has all the elements that have made her earlier books so beloved. With flawless historical prose, Cushman introduces Meggy Swann....There is no unequivocally happy ending for Meggy, but a better life awaits her, and readers will gladly accompany her on the journey."—Publishers Weekly

Connections
-Students can listen to a 7 minutes excerpt of the book at http://www.karencushman.com/av_files/av_files.html

-For students who want more information about the author or about the time period, Karen Cushman has links to videos and podcasts that talk about her books, influences, the Elizabethan era and more. http://www.karencushman.com/av_files/av_files.html

-If you would like to use this book in a reading club, Houghton Mifflin has posted discussion questions. http://hmhtrade.com/bookclubs/discussion-guides/alchemy-and-meggy-swann-by-karen-cushman/

-Meggy had to walk with 2 sticks because of her leg condition.  Often, we don't realize how difficult it is to move around with a disability.  Have a pair of crutches or sticks for students to use so they can gain an understanding of how Meggy walked and to create sympathy for others with disabilities. 

-Meggy is often made fun of and called names like crooked legs, crookleg, freak, and Mistress Duck. Have a discussion with students about bullying and name calling; has it ever happened to them? How did it make them feel? Have they ever called someone else names and why? 

-This book is set in Elizabethan times and there are many other topics that can be researched related to this era.  Have students look up recipes and bring in food from this time period.  In art class, have students research miniature portraits and produce a portrait in the style of Nicholas Hilliard.