What Katy Did at School

Susan Coolidge

1873

2.6
⚠️Content Warnings
BullyingIllness
Dr. Carr’s mind is firmly made up. Katy and her little sister Clover are to spend a year away at boarding school. A strange place, far from home, but on arrival the girls have an inkling that it might turn out to be rather different from their expectations. One thing is for sure, it certainly isn’t going to be dull with Rose Red as an ally.
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Avg Time To Finish
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Tonight’s fit

Best for readers who enjoy:  Easy-read · Coming of Age · Slow-burn

Easy-read Academy / School POV: Multi-Pov Published by Roberts Brothers
Characters
Children School Teacher
Sub-genre
Coming of Age Literature School Story
Experience
Easy-read Lighthearted Slow-paced
Pace
Gentle Adrenaline
Gentle
Tone
Light Dark
Balanced
Book length
Short Epic
Short
More nuance
Violence
Soft Graphic
Soft
Romance
Background Front and centre
Background
Worldbuilding
Light touch Deep & dense
Light touch
Readability
Breezy Dense
Balanced
Humour
Serious Very funny
Balanced
Target audience
Younger Adult
Balanced
Susan Coolidge

Susan Coolidge

Children's Fiction

Book Review: What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge | Sammi Loves BooksSusan Coolidge, pen name of Sarah Chauncey Woolsey (1835-1905), was an American author best known for the popular children's series about the Carr family, starting with What Katy Did (1872). Her books followed the adventures and maturation of the tomboyish, well-meaning Katy, teaching lessons about responsibility and kindness through relatable scrapes, family life, and later, European travels, establishing her as a significant voice in Victorian children's literature alongside authors like Louisa May Alcott.

Books By This Author

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Reader Reviews

2.60
10 ratings
10 reviews
5 stars
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4 stars
3 (30%)
3 stars
2 (20%)
2 stars
3 (30%)
1 stars
2 (20%)
6 January 2026
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Not for me: What Katy Did at School

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6 January 2026
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Really enjoyed: What Katy Did at School

I went into What Katy Did at School with pretty normal expectations and it surprised me. Characters feel distinct, and the dialogue reads naturally. I’d still read more from this author even with the flaws.
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6 January 2026
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Mixed feelings: What Katy Did at School

I went into What Katy Did at School with pretty normal expectations and it surprised me. There are a few scenes that genuinely hit emotionally. A couple of sections could have been trimmed without losing anything. I’d still read more from this author even with the flaws.
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6 January 2026
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Really enjoyed: What Katy Did at School

0
6 January 2026
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Not for me: What Katy Did at School

0
6 January 2026
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Didn’t work for me: What Katy Did at School

I went into What Katy Did at School with pretty normal expectations and it surprised me. A couple of sections could have been trimmed without losing anything. There are a few scenes that genuinely hit emotionally. If you’re on the fence, try a sample — you’ll know quickly.
0
6 January 2026
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Didn’t work for me: What Katy Did at School

Mixed feelings on What Katy Did at School, but I can see why people love it. The middle drags and repeats the same tension a bit too long. Not perfect, but it did enough to keep me turning pages.
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6 January 2026
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Didn’t work for me: What Katy Did at School

What Katy Did at School is the kind of book that hooks you early if you like its vibe. The ending resolves fast compared to how much it builds up. The pacing stays moving and the chapters end on good beats. Overall, I’d recommend it to the right reader.
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6 January 2026
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Mixed feelings: What Katy Did at School

0
6 January 2026
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Really enjoyed: What Katy Did at School

⚠️ Spoilers: minor plot detail mentioned below. I went into What Katy Did at School with pretty normal expectations and it surprised me. The atmosphere is the standout — it’s easy to sink into. The middle drags and repeats the same tension a bit too long. There’s a specific turning point late in the book that changes the tone hard — that moment will make or break it for you. If you’re on the fence, try a sample — you’ll know quickly.
Spoiler ahead Click to reveal this review.
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