Review of Alchemy and Meggy Swann by Karen Cushman

Alchemy and Meggy Swannby Karen Cushman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Alchemy and Meggy Swann is set in London during the Renaissance (the era of Elizabeth I, but before Shakespeare). Meggy's father sends for her and her mother is glad to see her gone. She arrives only to discover that her father expected a son, and certainly not a crippled daughter. Meggy must learn to overcome obstacles, including self-loathing, in order to find friendship and her place in the world.

This book is appropriate for strong readers grades 4 and up. The readability level is upper fifth grade. Readers might navigate the text with more confidence if they are given a bit of understanding of the historical context and vocabulary first. Readers might want to read the author's notes first. This book can be connected to science and history.

Meggy starts out rough around the edges, but her terrible circumstances makes her attitude somewhat understandable. The book tended to drag at first, and I began to wonder where it was going, but eventually it took off. Alchemy and Meggy Swann will requires the reader to hang in there, and may lose a kid's interest before getting to the good parts. The ending is satisfying, but the last few pages feel rushed, almost dumped upon. This book is a fairly decent read. I will be curious to place this one in my reading center and see what my 4th grade readers have to say about it.



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