This book contains great virtues and lessons about how children journey to find their true selves. First, let me introduce you to the Carrs. Katy is the oldest, at age twelve. She is a reckless, clumsy girl who constantly gets scrapes and bruises, such as one incident when she tore her dress on a nail. In spite of all her less than elegant self, she longs, one day to be angelic, beautiful and loved by everyone, which is exactly the opposite of who she is at least in the beginning of the story.

Katy is awfully tall and lanky, which makes her walk awkwardly with her knees knocking and legs twisted up like a pretzel. She can’t help that she grows like Jack’s beanstalk.

Katy has to put up with her four siblings. The next oldest is Clover. She is a radiant, innocent child, though a bit plump. Clover is so funny but in a quiet way. She has a way of making people side with her by cooing and staring up at her victim with her big, blue eyes.

Elsie is the odd ball in the family with her curly hair and heightened sensitivity, and is often excluded by Katy. Elsie is very sweet and loves Katy, but Katy is too headstrong and can’t seem to recognize Elsie’s affection. So Elsie mostly watches, always observing.

Dorry and John are not true twins but sure act like it. Dorry is a six year old pudgy faced boy. John (her real name is Joanna) has a square jaw with deep eyes and an outgoing personality who is always ready for a good laugh.

Cecy is Katy’s best friend and quite the opposite of Katy. Cecy is neat and modest. Her hair is always smooth and perfectly groomed, whereas Katy’s is always terribly tangled and frizzy. Cecy can’t help to partake in Katy’s ingenious games and misfit adventures.

Like most big families, the five siblings are constantly fighting and arguing. But, one day everything changed. Katy has a terrible accident on a swing and is severely injured in her spine. And no one is sure if she will ever be able to walk again. Her dear cousin Helen guides and teaches Katy to learn about “God’s School of Pain” and its virtues. Katy learns that she has a great chance of fulfilling her ambitious dream of becoming the dearly beloved center of her family.

With Helen and the teacher’s help, Katy becomes patient, kind, loving, and giving. In return, she is truely loved. This once tangled hair girl who thought too much about herself learns what it means to love and to be loved.

This is an enchanting story that teaches children about becoming the person you always desired by embracing the right virtues.

Recommendation

What Katy Did. Author Susan Coolidge.

This book is ideal for ages 9 and up. It’s a heartwarming story that shows that even the most difficult, stubborn child can become a soft, tender-hearted person who learns what it means to really love others.

Keep reading.

-Mackenzie

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