What Katy Did

Story

Despite her unruly nature, twelve-year old Katy Carr dreams of the wonderful person she will be one day. But when a dreadful accident happens, her hopes for the future seem to disappear and travel out of reach. Everything appears to be against her, but Katy’s enthusiasm and spirit hold fast.

Why we chose it

What Katy Did was very popular with readers throughout the 20th century, with its lively and adventurous heroine, but the portrayal of disability in the original can feel unrealistic and negative. Jacqueline Wilson’s modern retelling, Katy, addressed this, keeping the spirit of the original but creating a more realistic picture of spinal injury.

Where it came from

The character of Katy is based on Susan Coolidge’s own childhood self and the other children are modelled on her own siblings. The title is a pun based on the insect the katydid otherwise known as the bush cricket.

Where it went next

When What Katy Did was first published, it was an instant hit with young readers, maybe because it followed hot on the heels of Louisa M Alcott’s Little Women from the same publisher. Both British and American TV and film have used the book as inspiration and Jacqueline Wilson created a modern retelling of the story in 2015, titled Katy.

Associated stories

What Katy Did was followed by four sequels: What Katy Did at School, What Katy Did Next, Clover and In the High Valley.