What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge
Synopsis from Librivox:
What Katy Did is a children’s book written by Susan Coolidge, the pen name of Sarah Chauncey Woolsey. It follows the adventures of Katy Carr and her family, growing up in America in the 1860s. Katy is a tall, untidy tomboy, forever getting into scrapes but wishing to be beautiful and beloved. When a terrible accident makes her an invalid, her illness and recovery gradually teach her to be as good and kind as she has always wanted.
I remember having this when I was little, simply because my name is Katie too (although note the different spelling) and I don’t think I ever read it. That all changed when I decided to read some of the Wordsworth Children’s Classics. I liked this book and I will read the next two, although this has not been my favourite from the classics.
The story follows Katy Carr as she does some serious growing up. At the beginning of the book she is carefree, and although not inconsiderate, she thinks more about fun than looking out for others. Then she is struck down by what at first seems to be a cold, and it finds her bedridden for over a year. There are some big changes in the house while she is ill and all this leads her to grow up and accept more responsibility.
This is a nice story and liked the subtle changes in Katy’s character. This story starts full of fun and adventure and as the story progresses there is a lesson in how to deal with what life throws at you and about how to step up and stop wallowing in self-pity. There is a good message in this book and I think children will learn from it.
As an adult I liked this. It wasn’t the best I have read but it is worth reading. It is an interesting story with some lovely characters and I think parents and children alike should read this book.
I downloaded this book from: http://librivox.org/what-katy-did-by-susan-coolidge/
My older sister had these books and seeing Katy on the covers had me fascinated. I always wondered what Katy did, but was still too young to read the books. Now that your post has reminded me of them, I’ll just go over to her bookshelf and look for it again! 🙂
How I loved this book as a child. It belonged to my mom and she encouraged me to read it. I read it over and over. The characters resonated with me much in the same way Alcott’s characters did in Little Women and Little Men. But Coolidge’s language was a little easier for a pre-teen to grasp. I have my own copy now and still get it out once in a while at my advanced age of 64! My daughter enjoyed all the Coolidge books–we even found one entitled Clover. We both loved What Kay Did at School. Will never forget Rose Red!
I meant to say “What Katy Did at School” and typed “Kay” instead! Sorry!