Plain Kate
CBC Books | CBC | Posted: February 27, 2017 7:57 PM | Last Updated: July 10, 2017
Erin Bow
Kate is an independent, orphaned daughter of a woodcarver, trying to get by on her own during a time when everyone is struggling. When Kate is accused of witchcraft, she trades her shadow for an opportunity to escape — a deal she quickly comes to regret. Plain Kate won the 2011 TD Canadian Children's Literature Award.
Plain Kate is for readers ages 12 and up.
From the book
Her father sat her down and spoke to her with great seriousness. "You are not a witch, Katerina. There is magic in the world, and some of it is wholesome, and some of it is not, but it is a thing that is in the blood, and it is not in yours."
"The foolish will always treat you badly, because they think you are not beautiful," he said, and she knew this was true. Plain Kate. She was a plain as a stick and thin as a stick and flat as a stick. Her nose was too long and her brows too strong. Her father kissed her twice, once above each brow. "We cannot help what fools think. But understand, it is your skill with a blade that draws this talk. If you want to give up your carving, you have my blessing."
"I will never give it up," she answered.
From Plain Kate by Erin Bow ©2009. Published by Scholastic Canada.