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4.24 AVERAGE

funny lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This is a delightful classic from 1917. Elizabeth Ann, aka Betsy, is a delightful girl who shows the difference direction from adults can make in a little girl's attitude about herself and what she can do. Good lessons and mischievous adventures abound.

Understood Betsy is one of my all-time favorite books. I love the narrator and style of writing. I love the subtle humor and wit sprinkled throughout. So many good lessons on thinking for yourself, working hard, and not judging a book by its cover. I read this aloud to my kids for our homeschool lessons, but it is one that touched me personally and holds a special place in my heart.

I checked this book out from the library intending to read it to my 6 & 4 year old girls, however after reading the first few pages, I realized it was a bit too old for them. The heroine is 9 and I think that's probably the perfect age for a child to read this book. However, I've wanted to read it for so long that I read the whole thing to myself. I loved it! Maybe I'm really 9 instead of 40, but I thought it was a wonderful read.
adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Yes
funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

4.5 ★ - (loved it, favorite)
funny lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

Not sure how I missed this among Laura Ingalls, Anne Shirley, Jo Marcy, Betsy-Tacy, the All-of-a-Kind family, and the Gilbreths, but this deserves a place right in there.

If you’re looking for a book about growth mindset, this one will do it.