Understood Betsy

A paperback edition of a classic middle grade novel, reissued in time for Understood Betsey's 100-year anniversary.

“As satisfying in its evocation of an earlier, simpler way of life as Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books, and psychologically more acute.” ―The New York Times Book Review

Nine-year-old Elizabeth Ann has lived a sheltered life with her doting Aunt Frances. But when Frances can no longer care for her, Elizabeth Ann is forced to move to the wilds of Vermont and live with “those horrid Putney cousins,” who keep a farm and even make children do chores!

At first, fragile Elizabeth Ann is shocked by country living, but with her new responsibilities comes a sense of independence the young girl lacked in her previous life. Soon, she makes friends, takes on the nickname “Betsy,” and begins to enjoy the company of her newfound family. When Aunt Frances returns to collect her niece after a year apart, she discovers a stronger, prouder girl with a new name and a new outlook on life.

Dorothy Canfield Fisher's Understood Betsy has delighted generations of young readers since it was first published by Henry Holt and Company in 1917. Kimberly Bulcken Root's charmingly detailed illustrations capture the winning spirit of this classic.

Praise for Understood Betsy:

“A book that will continue to warm readers well into the next millennium.” ―Riverbank Review

“[A] delightful and heartwarming classic.” ―Children's Literature