Understood Betsy

by KARLA J on 2009-11-12
During the 1st chapter I was wondering if we were going to make it through this book. But when the kids asked me to keep going I knew it was going to be a hit! Wonderful book - the other reviewers are right on. I'll be recommending it to my non-hs friends.

by JOLENE D on 2009-08-10
Indeed, the first chapter is hard to get through... sometimes a paragraph is one sentence! But it is so worth it as it sets up the rest of the book. My daughters thoroughly enjoyed the book and begged to read it often. I loved that they learned about confidence and trying new things. Great book!

by MICHELLE L on 2009-06-30
This book is one of the reasons I LOVE Sonlight. I would have never read this book if it weren't for Sonlight - and I loved this book! I loved it the first time, and even more the second time.

by ROBIN E. W on 2009-04-26
This is my single favorite Sonlight book (so far, we've only done Cores P3/4 through Core 4). One the forums there is occasionally some concern that this book starts out slow and boring, or that it is too "girly" for boys to enjoy. To that I say it starts slow to contrast Betsy's life with her aunts to her new life in the country. Just keep reading, as it will be worth the slowness. Also, while the main character is a girl, the story appeals to both genders. There is enough adventure to satisfy the boy-est boy, and enough tenderness to appease the girly-est girl. So many wonderful lessons to be learned in this book, and the character traits and discussion prompted from it where so very worthwhile. This book is a perfect example of the greatness of Sonlight. I had never heard of this book or author, and I probably would have never read it to my children if it wasn't scheduled in Core 1. What a loss it would have been to my family. Thank you Sonlight.

by CLAYTON M on 2008-12-17
I preread this book by myself out of curiosity, and I have to say that it was excellent. This is a wonderful parable of different parenting styles and their impacts upon a child. See if you don't identify with some of what's in this story, as both a child and a parent yourself!

by REBECCA B on 2008-10-23
My dd didn't want me to stop reading every day!!! Wonderful book!!

by J. M on 2008-06-20
I was concerned by the first chapter because at first it seemed my daughter was misunderstanding the irony in the authors tone. As we read more she began to "get it" and both of us began to make little changes in our own characters along with Betsy. This is our second year with Sonlight and we love most of the books, but this one is special! This is the first time I am reading the book in the day, and again before bed. This is the first time we have seen a change in character, for the better, due to a read-aloud. I was wondering if Sonlight would be enough when it came to developing children into the people we pray they will be, and this book has shown me that Sonlight's approach works!

by KELLY H on 2008-06-06
My daughter learned so many lessons from this book. It was the book the generated the most conversation from her of all the books in this core. It starts out a bit slow but even this is an important part of how the story unfolds. This is one you don't want to miss.

by Keith C. on 2008-04-01
Reading this book together with my three boys was a wonderful experience. The first chapter begins a little slow and "depressing" but as we continued reading, I learned the importance of an author setting the stage for a wonderful experience. In addition, I learned not to judge a book by the first chapters. My three listeners were ages 9, 7 and 6. This is one of the first books that I think my 6yo followed intently. The book will be referenced in years ahead as a reminder to think for yourself, and to keep pure motives in giving to others. There was a wonderful portion of giggling girls on an errand, and the paragraph ended like this: "If you've ever been a little girl you know about that." My boys immediately asked me, "Do YOU know about that?" I paused, reflected, traveled back to girlhood, giggled and explained it to them! What delight! (Mrs. C.)