Poor and Proud; Or, The Fortunes of Katy Redburn: A Story for Young Folks

"Poor and Proud; Or, The Fortunes of Katy Redburn: A Story for Young Folks" by Oliver Optic is a mid-19th century novel for young readers centered around an eleven-year-old girl named Katy Redburn; the story explores themes of poverty and pride. Katy cares for her sick mother, and faces difficult life circumstances with strong determination and resourcefulness. She goes on a journey to support her family, while trying to maintain her dignity. The story opens with Katy's struggles, as her mother is unable to work. Even though she is in a very tough situation, Katy's pride stops her from begging, and she decides to sell candy to earn money. The story shows Katy's commitment and kind nature as she gradually becomes more confident through each success. As the book goes on, Katy faces new challenges and learns to deal with poverty while staying true to herself, in this inspiring story of a young girl beating great odds through courage and smart thinking.