Books by Karen Cushman

4 books · Ages 4–14

Karen Cushman writes picture books and middle grade and young adult for ages 4–14, exploring themes of self-confidence & identity, being different, resilience & perseverance.

Standalone Books (Ages 8–11)

Cover of The Ballad of Lucy Whipple
The Ballad of Lucy Whipple
Karen Cushman
Lucy Whipple is miserable when her family moves from Massachusetts to a dusty California mining town in 1849. She longs
Ages 8–12
Cover of Matilda Bone
Matilda Bone
Karen Cushman
In a bustling medieval English village, 14-year-old Matilda trains as a bonesetter and healer. She grapples with deep qu
Ages 4–11
Cover of Rodzina
Rodzina
Karen Cushman
For a child navigating big changes and new, intimidating environments, this story offers a poignant look at finding cour
Ages 10–14
Cover of The Loud Silence of Francine Green
The Loud Silence of Francine Green
Karen Cushman
For the thoughtful preteen grappling with peer pressure and the courage to speak up, this story explores finding your vo
Ages 11–14

By Age Range

Ages 4–7
1 books
Matilda Bone
Ages 8–11
4 books
The Ballad of Lucy Whipple
Matilda Bone
Rodzina
Ages 12–18
3 books
The Ballad of Lucy Whipple
Rodzina
The Loud Silence of Francine Green

Common Themes

Self-Confidence & IdentityBeing DifferentResilience & PerseveranceFamily & SiblingsGrowing UpHistoryLoneliness & BelongingFriendship & Loyalty

If Your Family Loves Karen Cushman, Also Try

This Place Has No Atmosphere
Paula Danziger
This Place Has No Atmosphere
Josh Baxter Levels Up
Gavin Brown
Josh Baxter Levels Up
New Kids in Town Oral Histories of Immigrant Teens
Janet Bode
New Kids in Town Oral Histories of Immigrant Teens
Blind
Rachel DeWoskin
Blind
Every Man for Himself: Ten Short Stories About Being a Guy
Nancy Mercado
Every Man for Himself: Ten Short Stories About Being a Guy