Catherine, Called Birdy

Reach for this book when your child is pushing back against social expectations or struggling with the feeling that their future has been decided for them. Set in 1290, this witty diary follows Birdy, a sharp-tongued teenager determined to sabotage her father's attempts to marry her off to wealthy, repulsive suitors. It is a brilliant resource for children navigating the transition into young adulthood, as it validates their desire for autonomy while providing a hilarious historical perspective on gender roles and personal agency. While the setting is medieval, the emotional core is timeless. Parents will appreciate the way Catherine processes her anger and frustration through writing, making it a great pick for kids who feel 'different' or misunderstood. The book contains some earthy medieval humor and frank mentions of bodily functions and menstruation, handled with a realism that grounds the story. It serves as a fantastic conversation starter about how much, or how little, the expectations placed on young people have changed over centuries.