Skip to main content
The AR Booklist
Midwife's Apprentice book cover

Midwife's Apprentice

by Karen Cushman

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Trade & Reference Publishers 2019

Great fit for 6th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

6th grade English
133
Pages
3
AR Points
2.1h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.

Learn more about Accelerated Reading →
Newbery Medal

Genre

Historical Fiction

Themes

  • self-discovery
  • resilience
  • identity
  • mentorship
  • poverty and survival
  • courage
  • female empowerment

About this book

In medieval England, a homeless girl taken in by a sharp-tongued midwife becomes her apprentice and begins to learn the mysteries of birth and healing. As she faces hardships, she discovers her own grit, wit, and growing sense of worth. Short, vivid chapters and earthy humor make the history feel real. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy strong heroines and richly textured historical worlds.

Setting: a small village in medieval England

Readers also enjoyed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Midwife's Apprentice right for my child?

Yes — Midwife's Apprentice is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include self-discovery, resilience, identity.

How long does it take to read Midwife's Apprentice?

At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Midwife's Apprentice takes around 2.1h to finish. The book has 22,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Midwife's Apprentice have an AR quiz?

Yes — Midwife's Apprentice has an AR quiz available, worth 3 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.

What grade level is Midwife's Apprentice?

Midwife's Apprentice has an AR reading level of 6, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.