Understood Betsy

by Helen K on 2012-02-01
We just finished the book last night. Very well-written. Touching. Insightful. It does start off slow (as many older books do since they assumed back then that the reader had an attention span), but is definitely worth the initial investment. She captures the simple triumphs and real tragedies of childhood in a beautiful way.

by Renee P on 2011-10-15
this is a fabulous book. I haven't read it outloud to my kids yet, I wanted to "preview" it first. It is a delightful story about a girl who is doted upon. She ends up living with some relatives who encourage her to do chores around the house, walk to school by herself, etc. As a result she becomes less shy, able to come up with ideas by herself, and able to love those around her.

by Natalie A on 2011-06-01
This might have been our favorite book from Core B. We couldn't wait to read it, and I was even tempted to read ahead without the kids...It was that good! Great message for kids to have confidence in themselves, and wonderful message for parents to allow kids to grow and try new things. Also, this book painted a great picture of life in New England.

by Kathy A on 2011-05-24
This books is a revised edition from the Sonlight Company. The book has been "dumbed down" from the original text. Don't waste your time reading this edition, purchase the original on www.amazon.com

by Julie N on 2011-03-12
I totally wanted to live on a Vermont farm as I read this. But you might read Peggy Parish's afterward first. She actually tells you to skip the parts where the author prattles on....that would have helped make it a smoother read aloud! :) Still liked it a lot, though!

by Preston B on 2011-02-25
We loved this book! My 7 year old agreed that she would much rather be taught to use her brain instead of being pampered.

by MELISSA H on 2010-08-08
Wonderful, wonderful story about learning to think for yourself. My family especially loved the chapter about the county fair. What a great ending, too!

by NOREEN L on 2010-05-22
At the end of this book, my 8 year old son said, "I wish their was a second book." Awesome book!

by AMY K on 2010-03-26
I loved this book and my boys did as well. Every book that we finish is their favorite! This books really made me look at the sheltering that I give to my kids and how they perceive the world because of my actions. I loved that you knew what Elizabeth Ann was thinking and how she transitioned! This is a great book to read over and over again!

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.