Best known for the Pee Wee Scouts book series, Judy Delton first wrote Kitty in the Middle. I'm not sure whether the stories are based on Ms. Delton's childhood, but the novel feels autobiographical in tone. Set in the early 40's, the book covers the fourth grade year of Kitty's time in Catholic school with her two best friends, one shy and cautious, the other loud and mischievous. Except for the WWII mentions, the book could probably have taken place during any recent time period. Each chapter acts as a vignette, detailing a different adventure.
In chapter 1, the girls are assigned the meanest nun in the school as a teacher.
In chapter 2, Kitty gives away her favorite rosary for a paper doll.
In chapter 3, Sister Ursuline asks the class to name their bad habits. Unable to come up with one, Kitty lies and says she bites her nails. Feeling guilty about the fib, she really begins biting her nails. Her parents buy her a ring as a reward for breaking this habit.
In chapter 4, Kitty and friends crash a stranger's wedding
Chapter 5 tells about Kitty's first crush, on a new boy in class. The school puts a ban on Valentine's Day, but Kitty manages to receive a Valentine from her crush anyway. At the end of the day, though, she's heartbroken to learn that he gave every girl in class the same Valentine.
In chapter 6 Kitty has problems in music class.
Chapter 7 is pretty standard for a book like this. The girls dare each other to visit a supposedly haunted house, but find out it is inhabited by an eccentric old lady.
In chapter 8, the old lady gives Margaret Mary a dress to wear to the school's May Day ceremony and the girls wax nostalgic about their friendship as the school year comes to a close.
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