Title: Understood Betsy
Author: Dorothy Canfield Fisher
Major Themes: Orphans, Children, Vermont, Farm Life, School
Synopsis: When timid, fearful Elizabeth Ann was sent to live with the dreaded Putney cousins, she never would have dreamed of the transformation that was about to happen.
Understood Betsy has got to be one of my all-time favorite books. Yes, I know I have said that about a number of them, but it’s true. There are so many good books! And Understand Betsy is one of the best.
After being orphaned as a baby, Elizabeth Ann was taken in by Aunt Frances. Aunt Frances raised her very carefully, according to the books she read. She made sure to meet all of this sensitive, impressionable little girl’s needs. Occasionally, she talked about the Putney farm, where children were actually made to work. The horror! Then one day, Aunt Frances had to go away and could not take Elizabeth Ann with her. Somehow, Elizabeth Ann found herself being sent to the Putney farm to live. How could she possibly survive there?
Almost as soon as she arrived in Vermont, Elizabeth Ann found herself experiencing completely new things. On the way home from the train, Uncle Henry handed her the reins and told her to drive. Suddenly, Elizabeth Ann found herself having to think for the first time in her life. Many more new experiences followed on the next day, as she was treated matter-of-factly and as one of the family by the Putney cousins. Before long, the frightened, insecure Elizabeth Ann was completely gone. Instead, a lively, joyful Betsy had taken her place. This transformation is very fun to read about, and you may find yourself as surprised by the ending as Betsy herself was.
Understood Betsy is a fun story to read. We laughed several times at Elizabeth Ann’s astonishment at the way people talked to and treated her at the Putney Farm. This isn’t an exciting, plot-driven story, but it is a wonderful account of the building of a character and how love, matter-of-factness, and trust transformed a shrinking, fearful child into a confident, brave, cheerful girl who knew she was worth something and could help others.
WARNING: Chapter 9: Darned old skunk. Chapter 10: Well, by gosh twice, by thunder, thunderation, what in thunder.
Age levels:
Listening Level—Ages 5 – 8, 8 – 12, Family Friendly
Reading Independently—Ages 8 – 12, 10 – 12, 12 – 15
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover | Audible Audiobook (unabridged) | MP3 CD
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
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