Katy's Debate

August 1, 2011

Gr 5-8-Katy Lambright is growing up in a Mennonite community. Most girls do not attend school beyond eighth grade, but Katy has petitioned the elders to continue her education by attending a public high school. In the first book, things at home start to unravel just as Katy gets adjusted to her new school. Her single father believes that she needs a mother's touch, and he begins courting a woman whom Katy dislikes. Can her new skills learned from the school's debate team help her reason with her father before his relationship becomes serious? In Katy's Homecoming, the teen's troubles continue when she finds out that she has been nominated for the homecoming court. Her initial excitement turns to worry as she becomes nervous about receiving approval from the Mennonite community, which prohibits dancing, makeup, and immodest clothing. Katy is a strong and independent character who will entertain children in similar communities, and may educate others who are unfamiliar with this faith.-Stephanie Malosh, Donoghue Elementary School, Chicago, IL

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