This 19th century series focuses on the children of the Carr family, particularly Katy. The Carrs live in a fictional town in Ohio, where they live a comfortable life in a house with servants. As the books progress, Katy grows up, and other characters age.

As Katy grows up, her behavior changes in response to her new maturity and life experiences. In the beginning, she is an impulsive tomboy, but an accident caused by her reckless, disobedient behavior forces her to learn patience, thoughtfulness, and responsibility while she recovers.

The books are highly moralistic in tone (to the point of being “sanctimonious,” in the words of other reviewers), and there is a theme of illness and disability encouraging positive character traits in people.

Aside from the main books of the series, there is also a short story called Curly Locks about Katy’s youngest sister, Joanna, in the collection Nine Little Goslings (1875).

The author’s name, Susan Coolidge, is actually a pen name. Her real name was Sarah Chauncey Woolsey, and she based the Carr family partly on her own, with the character of Katy modeled after herself as a child.

All of the books are public domain now and can be found on Project Gutenberg.

Books in the Series:

What Katy Did (1872)

Twelve-year-old Katy is impressed by her invalid cousin, Helen, who is kind and patient. Although Katy often promises herself that she will improve herself and treat others better, it takes an unexpected injury that confines her to her bed for four years to make Katy see the real source of Helen’s patience and kindness and to learn how to remain a part of her family’s life and activities.

What Katy Did at School (1873)

Katy and her younger sister, Clover, are sent away to school, where they form a society with other girls to encourage ladylike behavior.

What Katy Did Next (1886)

After a reunion with her old friends from school, some of whom are now married, Katy travels to Europe with Mrs. Ashe and her daughter, Amy, and has her first romance.

Clover (1888)

After Katy gets married, Clover goes with their brother, Phil, to Colorado, where their cousin is now a rancher. Clover falls in love with their cousins’ ranching partner.

In the High Valley (1890)

Lionel and Imogen, a brother and sister from England, arrive in Colorado, where Clover is now living with her husband. At first, Imogen doesn’t like Colorado, but she gradually becomes adjusted to her new life.