Katie and Patch


Young Adult - Coming of Age
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 10/27/2026
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

In the delightful Katie and Patch by Karen L. West, a lonely girl finds the strength to face her situation when a cat befriends her. Ten-year-old Katie’s mother is in the Navy. When she is deployed, her younger sister, Milley, comes to live with Katie. Aunt Milley is young and fun, but sadly, she doesn’t understand that Katie needs more than just a friend. As the days pass, Aunt Milley often overlooks important things, like making meals or buying groceries. Katie knows her aunt doesn’t mean to neglect her, so she struggles to keep up the appearance that everything is okay. When a cat shows up on her doorstep, Katie’s life changes. Now she has someone to talk to about her troubles. Can Katie and Patch find a way to make things better without getting Aunt Milley in trouble?

Katie and Patch by Karen L. West is an extraordinary “coming of age” story accurately depicting the upheaval and challenges military family members can experience when their loved ones are deployed. Beautifully written, it is a touching story with a heartfelt realism that pulls the reader in from the very start. The characters are well-developed and distinct. The issues that the main character, Katie, experiences are realistic and believable. I appreciate how Ms. West addresses the difficulties and presents ways those left behind can cope with the absence of loved ones. Additionally to the compelling plot, the illustrations are incredible. They give the story authenticity and enhance the characters’ dimensions. Although this book is written for children aged 8 to 12, its engaging storyline, captivating images, and authentic heroine will delight readers of all ages