Alchemy and Meggy Swann.

Cushman, K (2010). Alchemy and Meggy Swann. New York: Clarion Books.

Plot Description: Meggy has crooked legs and has to use sticks for walking.  Most people either spit at her or call her names so she doesn’t like to go out much but all that changes when she is sent to live with her father.  He is an alchemist and doesn’t have time for her so she is on her own.  She meets Roger, a boy that becomes her friend, and starts to realize that not all people are mean and inconsiderate.  She starts meeting more people and helps save the Baron from a plot to kill him through a ballad she writes.  Her father then deserts her but she comes to find out that he has left her a coin and hasn’t completely forgotten about her.  Meggy ends up becoming a stronger person both emotionally and physically and learns she can overcome almost anything.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Group: This book would be appropriate for grades 5-8.

Similar Books: The Midwives Apprentice & Matilda Bone by Karen Cushman.

Personal Thought: In this book Meggy learns that people are able to look past her handicap and see who she really is as a person.

Subject/Themes: Family, Disfigurement, Perseverance

Character Description: Meggy is a young girl with crooked legs.  Her mother sends her away to live with her father because she does not want her. 

Louise is Meggy’s goose and her only friend for a long time.

Master Peevish is an alchemist and Meggy’s father.  He is trying to find the secret to immortality.

Roger is a young boy that originally gives Meggy food and advice and they become friends.  He is an apprentice for Master Merryman.

Master Merryman is a player and he is also disfigured.

Master Allyn owns the printing press and allows Meggy to work and live with him after her father leaves her.

Annotation: If only Meggy could dance and walk like everyone else than she might be happy.  She is sick of everyone calling her names and spitting at her and she doesn’t think her move to London to live with her father will make it any better.  Will Meggy learn to ignore the ignorant people that cause her pain or will she continue to hide inside from them?