What Katy did - Susan Coolidge

Susan Coolidge's book is about the six children of Dr. Carr of the little town Burnet. Katy the eldest is twelve when the book opens. Mrs. Carr is dead and her place is taken by the children's aunt Izzie. 

Next in age to Katy is Clover. The two girls go to a nearby school where they manage to have a great deal of fun. the other children are Elsie, Dory the eldest boy, Joanna and little Phil the baby of the family.

One day Katy has a serious accident while swinging in the garden. At first she bears her misfortune  and pain very badly. Then she remembers the courage and patience of her Cousin Helen who is a permanent cripple. So Katy determines to get well again and the book ends thrillingly when she succeeds and comes down the stairs to be greeted by her crippled cousin.