Download high-resolution image
Listen to a clip from the audiobook
audio pause button
0:00
0:00

Matilda Bone

Read by Janet McTeer
Listen to a clip from the audiobook
audio pause button
0:00
0:00
Orphaned Matilda is not at all pleased when she arrives at Blood and Bone Alley to become an assistant to Red Peg the Bonesetter. She is a religious, well-educated girl who can’t picture herself doing dirty chores or helping sickly patients.

Each day is very different from her former quiet life. Matilda’s not used to being around so many people who are coming and going, laughing and eating. Not one of them seems interested in prayer or study.

Self-centered Matilda thinks no one understands her. But Peg does, and gives her time to get used to this new way of life and teaches her through kindness and friendship. Matilda is as surprised as anyone when she begins seeing the world around her in a different way.
Karen Cushman’s first book, Catherine, Called Birdy, was a Newbery Honor winner and her second, The Midwife’s Apprentice, was awarded the Newbery Medal. She was an adjunct professor in Museum Studies at John F. Kennedy University for 11 years, before retiring to Vashon Island, near Seattle, Washington, in order to write full time. View titles by Karen Cushman
  • WINNER
    AudioFile Earphones Award
  • SELECTION | 2001
    ALSC Notable Children's Recordings
  • SELECTION | 2000
    Capitol Choices Noteworthy Audiobook

About

Orphaned Matilda is not at all pleased when she arrives at Blood and Bone Alley to become an assistant to Red Peg the Bonesetter. She is a religious, well-educated girl who can’t picture herself doing dirty chores or helping sickly patients.

Each day is very different from her former quiet life. Matilda’s not used to being around so many people who are coming and going, laughing and eating. Not one of them seems interested in prayer or study.

Self-centered Matilda thinks no one understands her. But Peg does, and gives her time to get used to this new way of life and teaches her through kindness and friendship. Matilda is as surprised as anyone when she begins seeing the world around her in a different way.

Author

Karen Cushman’s first book, Catherine, Called Birdy, was a Newbery Honor winner and her second, The Midwife’s Apprentice, was awarded the Newbery Medal. She was an adjunct professor in Museum Studies at John F. Kennedy University for 11 years, before retiring to Vashon Island, near Seattle, Washington, in order to write full time. View titles by Karen Cushman

Awards

  • WINNER
    AudioFile Earphones Award
  • SELECTION | 2001
    ALSC Notable Children's Recordings
  • SELECTION | 2000
    Capitol Choices Noteworthy Audiobook

Books for Hispanic & Latine Heritage Month

This Hispanic & Latine Heritage Month (and beyond!), we’re celebrating authors, creators, and illustrators from the Hispanic and Latine community. Join us in uplifting their voices and stories by bringing them into your classroom. Find a full collection of Elementary School titles here.

Read more