Ye toads and vipers, it takes a certain kind of nerd to appreciate a book like this. For example: Shakespeare lovers, language geeks, Renaissance Faire attenders, history buffs, etc. I enjoyed it, but I am your classic Society of Creative Anachronism apologist.

Here we have young Meggy Swann who is transplanted from a country village to the middle of teeming London in the year 1573. Meggy was born with crooked legs, so she walks with the aid of sticks and endures a lot of insults and prejudice. But Meggy is no wilting flower. She has a sharp tongue and dishes out counter insults like a pro ("A pox on you, moldwart, and a plague and an ague, and the pukes!"). Inside, though, poor Meggy does feel like no one wants her. Her mother sent her away. Her father is obsessed with his alchemical pursuits. Her only friend is a goose.

But can Meggy make friends? Aye, belike she can. This is basically the story of a lonely person finding a community to belong to. In the pursuit, Meggy learns about players and plays, printing presses, murder plots, poetry, and alchemy. If the language doesn't completely scare you off, this is a great little book. ( )

Oh, this book is full of things I enjoy -- Elizabethan setting, excellent insults, early printing, broadside ballads. Add in a cross and plucky young heroine and a cheerful house of players, and it's just jam-packed with great things. ( )

Not my favorite of Cushmans historical books...its fine just wasnt as interested. ( )

An angry 13-year-old girl, born with a disability and unwanted by both of her parents, is moved to Elizabethan London where she uses her brain and quick wit to survive. The novel offers a vivid portrayal of dirty, noisy, cold, sprawling, difficult-to-navigate London. Author’s Note, Bibliography.

This short little book was a fast easy read. The story seems very historically accurate, but the story feels a little slow. A few of Meggy's expressions are over-used and her growing maturity feels forced. I much prefer Door in the Wall by Marguerite Henry for a similar lovely medieval story. ( )