Missy Violet and Me

by Barbara Hathaway

The summer that Viney is eleven years old is extraordinary. It takes her out of school and puts her under the wing of Missy Violet, a well-loved midwife whose wise and warm ways help teach Viney about the business of catchin’ babies. Suddenly, Viney must learn about roots and herbs and their medicinal purpose, understand the contents of Missy Violet’s “birthin’ bag,” and contend with a snooty peer and wild, irrepressible cousin—Charles Elister Paxton Nehemiah Windbush. And all this before she actually helps to deliver a single baby! At turns scary, funny, and exhilarating, the rhythm of Viney’s rural life in the South quickens as she embraces her apprenticeship and finds her own special place as Missy Violet’s “best helper girl.” Hot jiggetty!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Young Adult, African American, Middle Grade, Historical, Realistic Fiction

100 pages, Hardcover

First published May 25, 2004

About the author

For more information, please see http://www.answers.com/topic/barbara-...

Reviews

[Emma York]

Missy Violet and Me is a great book where a person of color is the main character without the focus being on her skin color. She learns from an older woman, as her role model, about babies and actually helps deliver a baby at the age of eleven. I would recommend this book to someone who needs motivation to find a purpose and break out of their comfort zone, because it can bring great benefits.

[Amanda Wooden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book it was very easy to read as well as made you feel like you were just listening to a story. This book teaches children many things such as trying new things are a good thing, having responsibility is also good, and to always overcome your fears.

[Mariah Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book and it even has a sequel! I loved how the book talked about pregnancy and giving birth in an age appropriate way that is informational and easy to understand. This book is a winner of the correta Scott king award as well as the John steptoe new talent award.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book 5 stars

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, sassy, and empowering for preteens.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book, easy to read. I really enjoyed this one and I was impressed by how she took a topic like childbirth and made it accessible for a younger audience. I don't think any parent would object to the topic handled in the way it is.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

The country is in the middle of the Depression, and even if it wasn't, it would still have been difficult for Viney's family to pay Missy Violet, the midwife, for the birth of Viney's newest sibling. In lieu of payment, Missy Violet takes on Viney as an apprentice, and teaches her the ways of "baby-catching."

I think this slim little book, which won the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent award, will probably gain a place on reading lists and as a read-aloud in classrooms in the coming years. It is very short, and told in an episodic manner, but it becomes clear very quickly that this is the story of Viney's journey toward confidence and a sense of purpose. At first she is frightened by the noise and mess of childbirth, but gradually Viney learns to be a true assistant to Missy Violet. Hathaway is able to use few words to tell a gentle, interesting story that evokes all the sights, sounds, and smells of a Depression-era black community.

[Salsabrarian]

Missy Violet is the town midwife. When Viney's father can't pay her for the birth of another daughter, Missy Violet suggests that she take 10-year-old Viney on as an assistant to pay off the debt. Viney is excited to help the midwife even though she doesn't know where babies come from. She learns soon though and also learns about the different types of plants and herbs Missy Violet uses and what they are used for. Viney is proud of being such a help to Missy Violet and knowing more about babies than snooty Margie Poole. Told in a girlish, observant voice with humor. Viney's voice brings vivid life to the characters of Charles, her rascally cousin; the scary Rausy brothers; addle-brained James Henry who believes the Lord (Charles) called him to preach; Viney's bold friend Arma Jean; and Mr. Grit, the widower who's set on Missy Violet.

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleven year old girls are at an awkward age. Still girls, looking forward to growing up, but innocent. Viney was such a girl, thinking babies came from cabbage patches, or tree stumps, but the summer she turned 11 was a turning point in her life. Her Papa can't pay for baby number 7, so Missy Violet asks for a helper for the summer. Viney learns more than just catching babies, courage, strength, that she has much to give, and kindness to share.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was adorable. Barbra Hathaway made me want to learn how to do some "baby catching." The story was beautifully written about a young girl growing up over a course of a short period of time. When missy went away, she had to deliver a baby! But not without the help of another baby catcher from a few towns over. The girl learned about what herbs take away pain and what to give her to drink to calm her nerves. She was a proud little girl but she did not dare show it.

[Roxanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

When 11 year old Viney's youngest sister is born in the early 1900's her father doesn't have enough money to pay the midwife. He offers Viney's help for the summer instead. Viney learns about various herbs and how to comfort laboring mothers. She learn that people who are sick often need a kind words as much as anything. A short and sweet read about growing up and becoming more confident.

[Tanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read about a young girl who spends the summer with a midwife in order to settle her family's debts. She learns much about "the catchin' of babies" and all sorts of herbal remedies of help during child birth. Even though much shorter and set in a very different time and place, it reminded me about "The Midwife's Apprentice".

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book stuffed on my class bookshelves. I have no idea how long I've had it nor where I got it but it's a sweet little book.

If it weren't for the subject matter, I'd say this was writen for upper elementary. However, I know many parents would be upset with their 11-year olds learning about birthing babies so I'd recommend it for no younger than 12.

[Mrs. Cowser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It is a short read, but entertaining. I was drawn to it because it's about an eleven year old girl named Viney who gets to assist the town midwife one summer. I love books about midwives, so this book was right up my alley. There were cute little stories and just an overall good, quick read.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a student midwife I was hoping for more. I did enjoy the setting, the descriptions of the hardships, etc. There could have been more stories, it was woefully short. The herbal descriptions were good, though it is no longer recommended to take comfrey internally.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, simple story. 100 pages. quick read.
11 year old viney is to help missy violet "catch babies" in the summer. When baby #7 is born and vineys father cannot pay missy violet, vineys help catching babies is offered in leiu of payment.

[Corina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely a short read, only 100 pages. Cute story, I found it in the juvenile section of the library. I could see the author stretching this book out and really explaining the complexity of the characters.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning how to be a midwife.

[Jahziel · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT STORY..{i WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN OBSTETRICIAN}=]

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

was a nice and funny little quick read

[Phillip · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://pussreboots.pair.com/blog/2016...

[C Harpin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction isn't usually my 'thing', but this was a cute little book about an 11 year old midwife apprentice and the summer she helped learn how to 'catch babies'.

[GPPL Youth]

https://swanlibs.ent.sirsi.net/client...

[Mell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, charming story about a young lady training with a midwife in the South during the 1930s. Addresses racism and women's issues.