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Cover of 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 (1822–1897)

  • Free to read
  • 3 hours to read
  • 22 chapters
  • Reading level: 6th grade

"Poor and Proud; Or, The Fortunes of Katy Redburn: A Story for Young Folks" by Oliver Optic is a novel written during the mid-19th century, aimed at a young readership. The story centers on Katy Redburn, an eleven-year-old girl, and explores themes of poverty and pride as she faces dire circumstances while caring for her ailing mother. Through her determination and resourcefulness, Katy embarks on a quest not only to provide for her family but also to uphold her dignity in the face of hardship. The opening of the book introduces Katy and her struggles, highlighting her desperate situation as her mother lies ill and unable to work. Katy's pride prevents her from begging, and she resolves to sell candy to support them. After a tough start, she gradually gains confidence through small successes, showcasing her tenacity and kind-hearted spirit. The narrative sets the stage for her journey, filled with trials, as she learns to navigate the challenges of poverty while maintaining her principles. This introduction promises an inspiring tale of resilience that may resonate with readers who appreciate stories of young protagonists overcoming obstacles through courage and ingenuity.

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  • Poor
  • Conduct of life

Read the opening

Chapter I

KATY REDBURN AND OTHERS ARE INTRODUCED.

"Give me a flounder, Johnny?" said a little girl of eleven, dressed in coarse and ragged garments, as she stooped down and looked into the basket of the dirty young fisherman, who sat with his legs hanging over the edge of the pier.

"I'll bet I won't," replied Johnny, gruffly, as he drew the basket out of the reach of the supplicant. "You needn't come round here tryin' to hook my fish."

"You hooked 'em," said another juvenile angler who sat on the capsill of the pier by Johnny's side.

"Who says I hooked 'em?" blustered Johnny, whose little dirty paws involuntarily assumed the form of a pair of fists, scientifically disposed and ready to be the instruments of the owner's vengeance upon the traducer of his character.

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Contents

  1. Preface
  2. Chapter I
  3. Chapter II
  4. Chapter III
  5. Chapter IV
  6. Chapter V
  7. Chapter VI
  8. Chapter VII
  9. Chapter VIII
  10. Chapter IX
  11. Chapter X
  12. Chapter XI
  13. Chapter XII
  14. Chapter XIII
  15. Chapter XIV
  16. Chapter XV
  17. Chapter XVI
  18. Chapter XVII
  19. Chapter XVIII
  20. Chapter XIX
  21. Chapter XX
  22. Chapter XXI

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About this edition

This free edition of Poor and Proud; Or, The Fortunes of Katy Redburn: A Story for Young Folks by Oliver Optic comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #484, released 1996-04-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Children & Young Adult Reading, Novels, American Literature.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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