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Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Understood Betsy

By Dorothy Canfield Fisher
Level 8
Review:

Timid and small for her age, nine-year-old Elizabeth Ann has lived with her cautious Aunt Frances since she was orphaned as a baby. When her aunt can no longer care for her, Elizabeth Ann must leave her sheltered city life to live on a remote farm in Vermont with her “horrid Putney cousins.” In the beginning, Elizabeth Ann is shocked by country living—the dog lives in the house, she must walk to school alone, she is expected to do chores! As her perceptions change, Betsy starts to discover the strength and the abilities inside her. It was no surprise that this classic book was a top pick of our editors: the beautiful writing and profound messages of Understood Betsy sink deep into the heart.

(Reviewed by Jenny Phillips)

Region North America, United States, Vermont
Genre Fiction
The Good and the Beautiful Library No
  • Audiobook
  • E-Book
  • Top Picks
  • 5 Moral Value
  • 5 Educational Value
  • 5 Literary Value
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Entertainment Value

All books on our list are chosen to be engaging, but books that rank high in entertainment value may be more appealing to reluctant readers and/or those who are new to good and beautiful books.

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Literary Value

Books that score high in literary value include exceptional writing, use of literary devices, and a rich vocabulary. All books on The Good and the Beautiful Book List are well-written, but some have a higher literary value than others.

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