One feisty young lady

I was pleasantly surprised when I read Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman.  Based on the cover (I know, don't judge a book by its cover), I assumed the story would be about the Middle Ages (correct) and some lah-de-dah, prim and proper girl (way NOT correct).  I should've looked closer - she's getting ready to dump a bucket of water on a guy!  Catherine (nicknamed Little Bird or Birdy) is 14, and the year is 1290.  She's expected to learn her "lady lessons" and be married off in a year or two, but she would much rather join a crusade or become a puppeteer.  Told in a diary format, this book includes rich details of the daily life, beliefs, and customs of the medieval times.  Catherine has quite a bit of spunk, and I couldn't help but wonder how (or if?) she would escape her planned marriage to the abominable Shaggy Beard.  A fascinating story, this would be an especially good companion book to the study of the Middle Ages.