At the urging of her brother, 14-year-old Catherine, nicknamed Birdy, keeps a diary of her life. High-spirited and independent, Birdy reveals that life during the Middle Ages (1290 A.D.) is sometimes humorous and sometimes startling. Newbery Honor Book. Teacher Guide available; please contact the Media Center via email to request a copy to be sent with your order. (media@e2ccb.org).