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What Katy Did

Series: What Katy Did
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( 20,342 ratings, 781 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge is a classic children's book that follows the adventures of Katy Carr, a spirited and imaginative young girl living with her large family. Set in the 1860s, the story explores Katy's dreams and challenges, particularly after an accident tests her resilience and character. As Katy learns valuable lessons about patience, humility, and kindness, the narrative emphasises personal growth and the power of positive change.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate heartwarming stories of resilience and personal growth. Set in a charming small-town environment, it follows a spirited young girl who learns valuable life lessons through her adventures and mishaps, making it a delightful read for both children and adults who love classic tales.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The What Katy Did trilogy was first published in the late 1800s. One of the first realistic portraits of a child in literature, the character was groundbreaking and the book is as enjoyable today as when it was first published.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
'It took me four days to read this book and I really enjoyed it' GUARDIAN

'One of my all-time favourite books. It's a very lively, funny story' JACQUELINE WILSON

'Katy speaks with a charm and directness that remains as fresh as when it was written' AMANDA CRAIG

Katy Carr has grand plans to be beautiful, graceful and ladylike . . . one day! But for now she has hair that is always tangled, bootlaces undone, a torn dress and she doesn't care about being well-behaved. With a wild imagination and high spirits, she is always up to mischief, but there never has been a heroine as lovable as Katy. Then a terrible accident happens and it takes all her courage and hard-learned patience to keep her dreams alive.

This collection of the best in children's literature, curated by Virago, will be coveted by children and adults alike. These are timeless tales with beautiful covers, that will be treasured and shared across the generations. Some titles you will already know; some will be new to you, but there are stories for everyone to love, whatever your age. Our list includes Nina Bawden (Carrie's War, The Peppermint Pig), Rumer Godden (The Dark Horse, An Episode of Sparrows), Joan Aiken (The Serial Garden, The Gift Giving) E. Nesbit (The Psammead Trilogy, The Bastable Trilogy, The Railway Children), Frances Hodgson Burnett (The Little Princess,The Secret Garden) and Susan Coolidge (The What Katy Did Trilogy). Discover Virago Children's Classics.

Series: What Katy Did

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  • What Katy Did at School
    When Katy Carr and her sister Clover leave for boarding school, they are weighed down by worry. How will their father manage without their help? Can they ever hope to fit in and make new friends? When the Carr girls arrive, they meet the principal, Mrs Florence, who is tall, dignified and very strict: there are no less than thirty-two...
    Paperback
    $7200
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • What Katy Did Next
    'As soon as I started to read it, I was hooked' GUARDIAN 'One of my all-time favourite books . . . It's a wonderful book' JACQUELINE WILSON 'Katy speaks with a charm and directness that remains as fresh as when it was written' AMANDA CRAIG 'Europe beckoned more brilliantly now that they were fairly embarked on their journey. The sun...
    Paperback
    $7200
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • What Katy Did
    'It took me four days to read this book and I really enjoyed it' GUARDIAN 'One of my all-time favourite books. It's a very lively, funny story' JACQUELINE WILSON 'Katy speaks with a charm and directness that remains as fresh as when it was written' AMANDA CRAIG Katy Carr has grand plans to be beautiful, graceful and ladylike . ....
    Paperback
    Sold Out

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge is cherished for its engaging and lively storytelling, with readers particularly captivated by the charming and direct voice of Katy. Despite being a 19th-century piece, the book's heart and wit continue to resonate with readers, making it feel timeless and vibrant.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780349009599

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 July 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Virago Press Ltd

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 16.0mm

Width: 160.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 182g

Pages: 208

About the Author

Susan Coolidge was born in 1835 in Cleveland, Ohio, but grew up in Connecticut. During the American Civil War, Coolidge worked as a nurse. Susan Coolidge loved writing stories even when she was a child, and What Katy Did is based on Susan and her brothers and sisters when they were young. Susan, like Katy, was a high-spirited, imaginative little girl who often got into trouble.

Her realistic portrait of childhood set her apart from other writers of her time. Instead of teaching morals, she was interested in her characters, their imperfections and the dynamics of a family. The What Katy Did trilogy was a huge success.

Also by Susan Coolidge

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  • What Katy Did
    Puffin Classics- the definitive collection of timeless stories, for every child Rediscover the Puffin Classics collection and bring the best-loved classics to a new generation - including this new resized edition of What Katy Did, complete with a bold new cover. 'I will do it tomorrow. How often we all do so and what a pity it is that when...
    Paperback
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  • What Katy Did at School
    When Katy Carr and her sister Clover leave for boarding school, they are weighed down by worry. How will their father manage without their help? Can they ever hope to fit in and make new friends? When the Carr girls arrive, they meet the principal, Mrs Florence, who is tall, dignified and very strict: there are no less than thirty-two...
    Paperback
    $7200
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • What Katy Did Next
    'As soon as I started to read it, I was hooked' GUARDIAN 'One of my all-time favourite books . . . It's a wonderful book' JACQUELINE WILSON 'Katy speaks with a charm and directness that remains as fresh as when it was written' AMANDA CRAIG 'Europe beckoned more brilliantly now that they were fairly embarked on their journey. The sun...
    Paperback
    $7200
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • What Katy Did
    Scholastic Children's Books are proud to publish this beautiful edition of the classic tale, What Katy Did. Twelve-year-old Katy Carr has grand dreams for the future. She longs to be good, kind and beautiful, inspired by her beloved cousin Helen. For now, though, she can't help getting into mischief. But a terrible accident casts a shadow over Katy's dreams, and...
    Paperback
    $1899
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • Clover
    Clover: Special Edition by Susan Coolidge Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high-quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork. We are delighted to publish this classic book as part of our extensive Classic Library collection....
    Paperback
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  • What Katy Did
    Rediscover Puffin Classics. An entirely new package bringing the best-loved stories to a new generation. What Katy Did follows the journey of young Katy Carr, who intends to be beautiful, beloved, and as sweet as an angel one day. For now, though, her hair is forever in a tangle, her dress is always torn, and she doesn't care at all...
    Paperback
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