Note: Spoiler in the paragraphs below.
- 12-year-old Katy learns an extremely hard lesson as a result of one act of disobedience
- wholesome story, realistic sibling relationships, imaginative minds, non-didactic lessons learned
- convo: champagne & wine mentioned, the mother died before story began, mentions a few slaps once, mentions a photo of someone who drowned at sea, luck mentioned a few times, a death of a character readers know
- language: x1 stupid
Type: chapter book
Ages: 10-16
Author: Susan Coolidge
Because the “main event” happens fairly close to the beginning of the book, I’m going to tell parents what happened so they can decide when their children are ready for it: Katy disobeys instruction to keep away from a swing, not knowing it needed repair. She ends up being paralyzed in bed, and most of the book is set in her bedroom as she lives life and matures in unexpected ways.
Cousin Helen is one of the best parts of Katy’s life. Helen has serious physical issues yet has learned to trust God with her trials. When Katy was upset she couldn’t go to school for a while, Helen said this:
“God is going to let you go to his school, where he teaches all sorts of beautiful things to people. Perhaps he will only keep you for one term, or perhaps it may be for three or four, but whichever it is, you must make the most of the chance because he gives it to you himself… ‘It is called the school of pain.'”
There are many more positive elements to this book, such as a lovely Christmas scene, a delightful sharing of creative poetry, a strong and good father, and more. The author even accomplishes writing about very difficult topics in an age-appropriate way. Katy doesn’t have an easy life, but the book ends supremely satisfactorily. Absolutely consider it for a tween/teen girl gift or a family read-aloud.