What Katy Did at School

Katy's personality feels so real—her flaws and virtues make her relatable. I wonder what inspired her character traits and how Coolidge balanced them.

Katy's determination is admirable, but sometimes her stubbornness led to trouble. Did others find themselves rooting for her yet frustrated at her decisions?

The details make the setting come alive, but I wonder if Coolidge based it on personal experiences or research into 19th-century schooling.