Sarah Chauncey Woolsey 
What Katy Did 

Sarah Chauncey Woolsey’s novel ‘What Katy Did’ is a timeless classic that follows the life of Katy Carr, a headstrong and curious young girl who learns valuable life lessons through a series of trials and tribulations. Written in a charming and engaging style, the novel explores themes of personal growth, family dynamics, and resilience. Set in the 19th century, Woolsey’s work provides a window into the social norms and values of the time, making it both a compelling story and a historical artifact. The simple yet impactful prose makes the book accessible to readers of all ages, while still offering profound insights into the human experience.

A propos de l’auteur

Sarah Chauncey Woolsey, better known by her pen name Susan Coolidge, was a distinguished 19th-century American children’s author who made a lasting impact with her classic novel ‘What Katy Did’ (1872). Born into an affluent family on January 29, 1835, in Cleveland, Ohio, Woolsey pursued a career in nursing during the Civil War, an experience that enriched her perspective and lent depth to her writing. Her literary style is characterized by its warm and engaging narrative voice, imbuing her stories with a sense of morality and practical wisdom without sacrificing the entertainment value for young readers. ‘What Katy Did’ and its sequels, ‘What Katy Did at School’ and ‘What Katy Did Next’, remain her most celebrated works, chronicling the adventures and maturation of the plucky protagonist, Katy Carr. Woolsey’s writing mirrors her strong family values and often promotes the virtues of kindness, perseverance, and personal growth. Though she remained unmarried and had no children of her own, Sarah Woolsey’s legacy endures through her contributions to children’s literature. Her books have inspired generations of young readers to face life’s challenges with courage and resilience. She passed away on April 9, 1905, but the charm and relevance of her stories make her a beloved figure in literary history to this day.