Understood Betsy
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Product Description
A well-loved classic is once again available.Amazon.com Review
Anyone who caringly remembers how the fresh air of the moors puts a blush in the cheeks of sallow young Mary in The Secret Garden will like Dorothy Canfield Fisher’s Understood Betsy just as much. First published in 1916, this engaging classic tells the tale of a thin, pale 9-year-ancient orphan named Elizabeth Ann who is whisked away from her city home and relocated to a Vermont farm where her cousins, the “dreaded Putneys,” live. The Putneys are not as terrible as her doting, high-strung Aunt Frances warns, but, and Elizabeth, who had been nurtured by her aunt like an overwatered sapling–positively blooms under their breezy, earthy care.
Elizabeth Ann’s first victories are tiny ones–taking the reins from Uncle Harry, doing her own hair, building her own breakfast–but children will revel in the awakening independence and growing self-confidence of a girl who learns to reflect for herself… and even laugh. Along the way, “citified” readers of all ages will get a glimpse into the lives of people who are truly connected to the world around them–building butter (“We permanently bought ours,” says Elizabeth Ann), experiencing the “rapt marvel that people in the past were really people,” and understanding the difference between failing in school and failing at life. Fisher is a wise, personable storyteller, steeped in the Montessori principles of learning for its own sake, the value of process, and the importance of “indirect support” in child rearing. She also captures the tempestuous emotional life of a child as few authors can, crafting a tale that children will find deeply satisfying. And in the end, readers will have grown as fond of the more pleased, stronger “Betsy” as the gentle, unassuming Putneys have.
Loving care was dolloped on this 1999 reissue of an ancient favorite–with sweet new pencil illustrations by Kimberly Bulcken Root, and an introduction and afterword by Eden Ross Lipson that offer a past context for the book and its leader. (Ages 8 to 12) –Karin Snelson
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The book came in exactly the described condition and the manner of language was prompt. I certainly recommend this seller.
Reader’s Rating: 5 / 5
This is a fantastic book! It’s simple reading, and very enjoyable. I would recommend it to anyone!
Reader’s Rating: 5 / 5
Nine-year-ancient Elizabeth Ann has lead an extremely sheltered life with her fluttery, over-protective aunts in an unnamed city in the midwest. But when one of aunts becomes seriously ill, this smothering influence is suddenly removed, as the girl is sent out into the extended-family tree pasture. Her fragile world is turned topsy-turvy as her despairing aunts pack her off to persons dreadful, Putney cousins in distant Vermont.
Astonished at being straight away called Betsy and suddenly expected to Do for herself–not to mention, for others–the girl finds herself helping with household chores for the first time in her young life. Over the months she blooms with health, intelligence, new skills, and compassion for others–this is surely the Vermont Cure! She gradually becomes the pride of the three ancient folks at the farm, a joy to her teacher and even a temporary huge sister. Betsy is amazed to learn herself and her innate talents; she really enjoys lending a hand and living life to the fullest. Betsy needs to exercise both her smarts, to get out of hard situations, and her heart, to promote social justice. Settling
into a simple but comfortable New England routine, she truly matures from a fearful, dependent Elizabeth Ann, into the lively and capable Betsy. But where will she ultimately be most pleased? First she just wanted to be “understood” by her adult relatives, but finally she tries to do some “understanding” herself. After all, isn’t that what people basically want–to be Understood (appreciated as and for ourselves) by persons dearest to us? A quaint, gentle childhood classic set in simpler times, of particular interest to girls 9-12.
Reader’s Rating: 3 / 5
some books are timeless. while the slang is a small dated,you can clarify the meaning while you are reading this, this is as sweet as the boxcar children but written when your grandparents were children when life was slower and simpler. it even reminded me of the importance of giving your children tasks that will help them gain confidence perfect for 8 or 9 year olds to snuggle up with while reading a book that will stay with you a long time…very sweet and coming of age
Reader’s Rating: 5 / 5
If you haven’t read this book, get it now and read it—you are in for a treat! Wonderfully written, full of characters you will remember for years, the tale of how Elizabeth became Betsy and ongoing her new life is one that is truly a classic.
Reader’s Rating: 5 / 5