iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

In 1997, The Ballad of Lucy Whipple won the John and Patricia Beatty Award from the California Library Association. I am delighted that Lucy and I received this recognition. We find ourselves among an outstanding list of books. I hope you’ll read them. bit.ly/4hBYmBo

Selected books that have won the John and Patricia Beatty Award from the California Library Association, including The Ballad of Lucy Whipple.

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

“We heal in community … we heal with the support of others who have been through what we’ve been through, even if their personal stories differ from ours. “ I invite you to read about the important storytelling projects led by poet, writer, and educator Merna Hecht. bit.ly/4AFmCLC

Author, poet, and educator Merna Hecht is interviewed about immigrants in community through writing

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

I used David Macaulay’s Castle for researching my books. Read one or both; watch the PBS video “Castle.” You might even find a castle-building kit to apply what you’ve learned. www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcK1...

David Macaulay's book Castle, Caldecott Award winner, in both black-and-white and full color

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Around the time of my novel The Midwife’s Apprentice, Joan of Navarre became Queen of England after marrying Henry IV (in 1402). Her mother was Jeanne de Valois, daughter of the king of France. Her father was Charles II, King of Navarre. Learn more about Joan of Navarre. bit.ly/3ThL5Gc

Effigy of Joan of Navarre and King Henry IV

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

A big thanks to Erica for recommending Catherine, Called Birdy as one of her favorite Newbery Award Books: "This short novel is told in a diary format and is 100% hilarious. Ages 9 and up." #medieval #historicalfiction #humor What Do We Do All Day: bit.ly/4gYM6vP Book: bit.ly/3xGYDvS

My Favorite Newbery Award Books from Erica at What Do We Do All Day?

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

60 years before Catherine, Called Birdy is set (1290), Richard, Earl of Cornwall (brother of Henry III) “exchanged three of his manors for a small parcel of land on the north Cornish coast.” Why? Tyntagel features prominently in the story of King Arthur. #BritishHistory #KingArthur bit.ly/46YgZdR

drawing of Tintagel and the arrival of Uther Pendragon and Merlin, from the Bibliotheque National de France

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

In BookPage Alice Cary wrote: “Despite serious topics, Millie McGonigle is a lively book filled with humor, love and transformation. Millie gradually learns to navigate her grief, deal with her fears and shift her focus from war and death to life and the living.” bit.ly/4zUZYi1 Book: bit.ly/3uFu1sM

War and Millie McMonigle by Karen Cushman

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

When and what were the “Dark Ages”? Generally, 5th-10th centuries. Concept most assoc with Francis Petrarch, 14th-century Italian scholar, poet, humanist. Saw classical antiquity as age of light due to cultural achievements, what followed as an age of darkness. (Tony Dunnell, HistoryFacts, 7-6-2026)

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Enjoying my three books set in medieval times? You may enjoy The Time Traveler’s Guide to Medieval England: A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century by Ian Mortimer. He transports you back in time, providing answers to questions typically ignored by traditional historians. bit.ly/4dfQWCs

The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England by Ian Mortimer

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Road trip? Perhaps you remember the Battle of Hastings in 1066? Ruins of Battle Abbey built by the Normans when William, Duke of Normandy, was crowned King of England. William built the abbey to commemorate lives lost during the Battle, after Pope Alexander II ordered him to do so. bit.ly/3VbAxZB

Battle Abbey, built after the Battle of Hastings in 1066

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Our summer road trips involved a number of medieval sites around England. Catherine, Called Birdy is set in 1290. Kirkus Reviews said about my first book: “Birdy’s tenacity and ebullient naiveté are extraordinary; at once comic and thought-provoking, this first novel is a delight.” bit.ly/3172bXA

Karen Cushman's book Catherine Called Birdy with the photo of an English moor.

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Road trip? Rievaulx Abbey was founded in 1132 by Cistercian monks from Burgundy. They became sheep farmers and miners, soon known as one of England’s wealthiest abbeys. In 1538, Henry VIII dissolved Rievaulx to inherit their wealth. He gave the land and abbey to the Duncombe family. bit.ly/45HZnm7

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Looking for an alchemy experiment? Head to your school chemistry lab. Learn how to turn pennies into silver pennies, and then gold pennies. This Beals Science video demonstrates the process. bit.ly/4xUKn0j Meggy’s father probably conducted similar studies. #alchemy #STEM book: bit.ly/4wPqgAA

While reading Alchemy and Meggy Swann in class, consider performing Craig Beals experiment, How to Make Gold Pennies, to add to your discussion about alchemy.

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Road trip? In Suffolk, you’ll find the remnants of Orford Castle. Read the fascinating history involving King Henry 1, Stephen de Blois, Richard the Lionhearted, and Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Castle built in 1165. Parts of it are still in remarkable condition. Tours available. bit.ly/4wCwToX

Orford Castle in Suffolk County, Great Britain

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Kit Vaughan, SLJ: “A fascinating glimpse into the colorful times of the 14th century. Orphaned Matilda, 13, has lived the good life in a manor where she was well educated by Father Leufredus. Things change drastically, however, when he abandons her." This tale that feels fresh today! bit.ly/3VXcM26

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

What do you really know about Westminster Abbey? First constructed in the 11th century by King Edward the Confessor, site of many weddings, burials, and coronations, you can tour this UNESCO world heritage site. A guided tour is recommended. www.westminster-abbey.org

Westminster Abbey, photo Adobe Stock, Richie Chan

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

In my book Alchemy and Meggy Swann, Meggy’s father is pursuing his “Great Work” of turning base metals into gold. What was alchemy? How was it pursued during this time period? Article (and podcast) by author Icy Sedgwick: “What is alchemy and did it ever work?” bit.ly/4wPqgAA

Karen Cushman's book Alchemy and Meggy Swann and a look at an alchemist's engraving from the Cathedral of Siena

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Road Trip? 40 miles from Bath, Wells Cathedral and Vicar's Close in Wells date back to the 13th century. The city began as a Roman settlement and King Ine of Wessex founded the first church in 704. A good deal of filming is done in this town because of the medieval surroundings. bit.ly/4wvDn9G

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

For Classroom Connections for War and Millie McGonigle, download the Educators' Guide, aligning to Key Ideas & Details, Craft & Structure, Speaking and Listening, Knowledge of Language, Text Types & Purposes, and the history of World War II in America. images.penguinrandomhouse.com/promo_image/...

Educators' Guide for War and Millie McGonigle

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Archaeology in the Community: In 2006, Dr. Alexandra Jones realized many young students didn't know what archaeology is. Today, her nonprofit offers workshops in DC, MD, and VA. Calendar for upcoming Young Archaeologists' Club: bit.ly/4pJYmTK Look up Archaeology for Kids for other US locations.

Archaeology in the Community for kids in the DC area

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

To prep for reading The Loud Silence of Francine Green, explore the Hollywood ten blacklisting in 1948. Bleecker Street, distributor of the movie Trumbo, share who the Hollywood Ten were and how they fought the blacklisting that followed their time served. bit.ly/4gSagIT book: bit.ly/4ehHhMA

Bleecker Street, distributor of Trumbo, have a good resource about the Hollywood Ten, background of the book The Loud Silence of Francine Green.

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Road trip? The High Bridge in Lincoln, England, was first built in 1160 AD over the River Witham. One of only 3 bridges remaining with buildings on it. The travelers' chapel was removed in 1762, with more characteristic shops taking its place. #medievalarchitecture #bridge

High Bridge in Lincoln, England, one of three remaining bridges with buildings on it in the UK

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Rainy day? The movie Catherine, Called Birdy is available for streaming on Amazon Prime. Then read or listen to Karen Cushman's book and have a discussion about Book or Movie? Why are books changed when adapted to the screen? For better or worse? bit.ly/3xGYDvS #medieval #booktomovie

Catherine, Called Birdy as a book and a movie. Enjoy a discussion: book or movie?

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

In which forest does my book Grayling's Song take place? The best forests in your imagination! Take a road trip to The New Forest in the UK or to Superior National Forest in the US, which is three million acres of boreal woodland, rocky ridges, and glacially carved lakes. bit.ly/3Nz33x2

New Forest, Hampshire, United Kingdom, sun shining on a stream among the leafy trees

Kashiwishi Falls, Superior National Forest

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Visiting the UK? Stop at Stokesay Castle in Shropshire where much of Catherine, Called Birdy was filmed. This article relates some of the goings-on, including an intentionally-set fire in a privy. #castlehopping #catherinecalledbirdy #historicalfiction article: bit.ly/4vloWUq book: bit.ly/3xGYDvS

Lena Dunham, Bella Ramsey, and Isis Hainsworth in front of Stokesay Castle for filming Catherine, Called Birdy

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Thanks to Erica at What Do We Do All Day for recommending The Midwife's Apprentice for her 8th Grade Reading List. A fine group of books! bit.ly/4xTIYHZ Midwife's Apprentice: bit.ly/3whPlFS

What Do We Do All Day blog recommendations for 8th grade reading

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

8 places to visit in California this summer, all of which have ties to the California Gold Rush, whether it's whitewater-rafting, cavern exploration, museums, steam locomotives, or panning for gold. Read or listen to The Ballad of Lucy Whipple to set the scene. bit.ly/4wo9rfn book: bit.ly/45e3HZu

Karen Cushman's book The Ballad of Lucy Whipple would be good to read before visiting California Gold Country this summer.

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

If you're enjoying The Ballad of Lucy Whipple, set during the California Gold Rush in the American West, you'll find these books keep you turning the pages, too. @kirbylarson.bsky.social

Books set in the American West included in a post by Karen Cushman, author of The Ballad of Lucy Whipple

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

The discovery of a probable prototype for Stonehenge: “It doesn’t matter whether you are a resident of Wiltshire or a resident of the Earth – everybody knows about Stonehenge. And to be able to contribute something to expanding our knowledge of Stonehenge is an incredible privilege.” bit.ly/4vYNKlF

bit.ly

Solstice-aligned 5,000-year-old monument ‘once in a lifetime find’, say archaeologists

Wessex Archaeology suspect they have uncovered a prototype for world-famous Stonehenge site in Wiltshire

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

I've written two books set in Elizabethan England, a distinctly different time than the medieval ages. Here are some of the books I read to research language and culture to make my books more authentic. #ElizabethanAge #historicalfiction #research www.karencushman.com/bookshelves_...

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Road trip or staycation, enjoy the collections of British archaeology at The Ashmolean Museum at Oxford University. Founded in 1682, its website is a trove of information. You can easily spend hours on their site. bit.ly/4vRVlmb Photo: Lewis Clarke, CC BY-SA 2.0

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

"I would like the book to speak to young people in this time when they might understandingly be anxious and worried like Millie, but for different reasons. Maybe the process of her finding comfort and solace will help them believe there is comfort for them also." (link in comments)

War and Millie McGonigle, change does not only come with the tides

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

If you're traveling in Britain this summer, don't miss the American Museum in Bath. Opened in 1961, it's the only museum featuring American decorative and folk art outside the US. www.americanmuseum.org

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

More research to do? There's a Historical Society in each state, too. Visit virtually or in person. In Washington state, one current exhibit is "An American Experiment," reimagining constitutional ideas as scientific concepts. WHS: bit.ly/4fT002m State Historical Societies links: bit.ly/4nXKdRP

Washington Historical Society building with An American Experiment exhibition through November 2026

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

In When Sally O'Malley Discovered the Sea, she is fond of Ned Buntline's dime novels. They often motivate her to be brave. Here's an article by Eric Rossburgh that sheds light on Ned Buntline and his "discovery of Buffalo Bill." Buntline: bit.ly/4wVoXQW Book: bit.ly/4br0wk3

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Most of my books are set within a framework of history. Did you know that each state in the US has a state archaeologist? Here in Washington state, it's the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. Great for research, idea starters, photos. dahp.wa.gov

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

If you're a fan of my book The Midwife's Apprentice, which is set in medieval England, or you're a fan of Call the Midwife, the stories for which began in the 1950s, you'll find this website from the Royal College of Midwives to be filled with intriguing resources. bit.ly/49WVa0a Bk: bit.ly/3whPlFS

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

If you're traveling to Britain, don't miss going to the Yorkshire Museum to see "Chariots, Treasure & Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard." The exhibit opened May 15th and it displays the largest hoard of Iron Age metalwork ever found in Britain. Open through Summer 2027. Intrigued? bit.ly/4tLNhSq

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Ready to travel? Some of my favorite museums are in Balboa Park, in the heart of San Diego: 18 museums including Museum of Us and San Diego History Center. On your drive, Read War and Millie McMonigle, then look for places and events that are part of the story. bit.ly/4f54uCT Book: bit.ly/3uFu1sM

The Museum of Us in San Diego's Balboa Park

Karen Cushman's book War and Millie McGonigle

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

I enjoy recommending museums and experiences you can visit on your summer vacation, but what if it's a staycation this year? Susan Marie Ward at The Savvy Museum Visitor wonders if we should consider the museum in our home. At-Home Museum: bit.ly/4uejLpi

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

I did an interview with Vick Mickunas on WYSO/NPR, The Best of the Book Nook, about my book Matilda Bone. Listen in! bit.ly/4ngLWBt About Matilda Bone: bit.ly/4uDV4mm

Vick Mickunas at WYSO interviews author Karen Cushman about Matilda Bone

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

"The origins of the library at Merton are certainly different from how we think of such institutions now. There was no librarian and there were no shelves for browsing." "The enchanting history of Oxford University's 750-year-old medieval library," Christian Kriticos, BBC.com, 24-04-26

Merton Library at Oxford University, a medieval library

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Libby Romfh: "They are strong girls, who set their jaws and survive the mistakes they make, and get stuff done, trying hard to find their way in a world in which they are marginal, and who find a way to survive in the end ..." bit.ly/42gWbMF

Libby Romfh recommends The Ballad of Lucy Whipple

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

For a sense of the history and questions still surrounding the Orphan Trains, watch this 5-minute video from the National Orphan Train Complex in Concordia, KS. You or your family may wish to read my book Rodzina before you visit. Orphan Trains: bit.ly/4cu8DOQ Rodzina: bit.ly/3HRUR71

Rodzina, a book by Karen Cushman, and the National Orphan Train Center in Concordia Kansas

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Fascinating. Article about storage pits excavated on the site where the proposed Sizewell C power station will be built in Suffolk, looking at hydrological change from 6,000 years ago. [Photo from article: OCA field team with Beaker pits. Oxford Cotswold Archaeology] Read more: bit.ly/3ORNzJ5

The OCA field team with Beaker pits: 32 pit groups have been excavated to-date. IMAGE: Oxford Cotswold Archaeology

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Keep your eye on Illyria, the traveling theater troupe, often performing Shakespeare but also plays such as Pinocchio and The Three Musketeers. My character Will Sparrow joined a traveling group of players in Elizabethan times. Illyria: www.illyria.co.uk Will Sparrow's Road: bit.ly/3ABAjhQ

Illyria Summer Theater and Will Sparrow's Road by Karen Cushman

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

If you're heading to Tuscany, don't miss a visit to Monteriggioni, a walled town constructed in 1214-1219 by the Sienese to protect their people against battles with Florence. Discover Tuscany: bit.ly/3QkFI76 photo: Simone Tinella - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

If you or a young person in your life is thinking about a career as an archaeologist, CIFA, the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, has a Careers Kit online that will be helpful. www.archaeologists.net/careers/kit

flints used in work, photo from the Careers Kit pages at CIFA

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Karen Cushman @karencushman.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

On becoming a writer, a talk I gave at an SCBWI conference a number of years ago. Whose advice should one follow? www.youtube.com/watch?v=97si...

youtube.com

Karen Cushman: No one knows anything

YouTube video by Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators

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