62 pages 2 hours read

Karen Cushman

Catherine, Called Birdy

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1994

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

CHAPTERS 1-3

Reading Check

1. What event is Birdy forced to miss as punishment for impudence?

2. What does Birdy find most interesting about the manuscripts in the abbey?

3. What does Birdy put in George’s bed?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What agreement does Birdy make with her mother?

2. Why isn’t Morwenna able to recognize Birdy?

3. Why does Birdy ask Morwenna about spells?

Paired Resource

The Legend of Saint George

  • This is a version of the tale of Saint George and the Dragon from the 13th century.
  • What characteristics does Uncle George seem to share with Saint George? Why does Birdy look up to Uncle George?

CHAPTERS 4-6

Reading Check

1. What words does Thomas choose to say as his personal profanity?

2. What does Birdy’s mother find in her Twelfth Cake?

3. How is Joana related to the king?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Birdy think Perkin is lucky?

2. How does Birdy try to teach Latin to Perkin?

3.