WHAT KATY DID

Eloise Oxer's thoughtful delivery is ideal for this 1872 classic about 12-year-old Katy Carr, who dreams of being sweet and beloved but often falls short. When their mother dies, Aunt Izzie, who's often impatient, oversees Dr. Carr, Katy, and her five younger siblings. The contrast between Katy and Aunt Izzie is amusingly dramatized by Oxer, who also skillfully captures the diverse ages and personalities of each child. It's moving to hear the children's exuberance and then the drastic change after Katy is seriously injured. Oxer's standout character is Cousin Helen, who maintains a positive attitude despite a lifetime as an invalid. Her influence on Katy is profound and offers young listeners a fascinating look at life in nineteenth-century America. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2015]