Middle-Grade Review: Katie John

One of the impetus for Medieval Mars was a book published before I was born, so I thought I had re-read one of my favorite childhood books… which of course still sits on my shelf! Kathy John by Mary Calhoun was published in 1960. I remember loving this book as a child, although I rarely (when?) heard anyone else mention this or that sequel. . I really enjoyed revisiting this old favorite for a haughty young girl adjusting to small town life and going on adventures with her new best friend.

Ten-year-old Cathy John moved with her mother and father from California to a small town on the Mississippi River in Missouri. Sterhalla died and left his big old house, which had been in the family for a hundred years. At first Katie hated old houses filled with dust and old furniture and cities she didn't know anyone about. His father was writing a book and his mother was trying to sell the house so they could move to New York in the fall. Cathy John then meets Sue, a girl her own age, on the street, who tells her that her aunt's house is haunted. He sends two girls to investigate the mysteries of the ancient land. Although the girls are completely different - Sue is caring and shy, and Cathy John is impulsive and bold - they quickly become best friends. Their friendship deepens over the summer as they explore homes, start businesses, and unravel the mysteries of home and environment. Gradually Cathy John fell in love with the small town and the mansion and even came up with a great idea to save the house.

I understand why I loved this book so much as a child and why it affected me so much. Cathy John is a very funny character and she looks a lot like me as a child! Her summer experience with her best friend Sue reminded me of my adventures with my best friend Michelle even though we lived in a modern suburb. Cathy John and her family have struggled financially and otherwise, and there's a little bit of tension here and there, but overall this book has a light and fun tone. He describes a picture of childhood childhood fun with a best friend that I hope kids can still experience today (I know my boys have). And I think today's kids will always enjoy the adventures of Cathy John.

My only complaint is not with this excellent novel, but with my memory, because although I love to re-read it again, it is not the book I remember! Now I don't know what that book is in my memory... a riddle for another day. Tell me if you remember the children's books from that era about a young girl (like Cathy John!) exploring the villages around her new home, finding an old pioneer home, and looking for clues about a woman's future life to show what life is. .

134 pages, Harper Trophy

This book is part of the following 2022 reading contest :

Mountain Challenge TBR

Return to the classic problem

Literary Escape Challenge - Missouri

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