Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman

This is technically middle-school literature, but I think some of the best books out there are written for this age. It is a Newberry Honor book, and a true delight to read. It is the year 1290 in the diary of thirteen year old Catherine. The daughter of a poor knight, her life in a castle is gritty, dirty, and real; this is no fairy-tale. Her main dilemna is her father's attempts to marry her off to various distasteful suitors. Can she succeed? Catherine's lively character, as well as the realistic historical setting, make this a must-read.