Reviews

Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher

reverie_reads_everything's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

samiwise's review against another edition

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? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

leasummer's review against another edition

5.0

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.

searser's review against another edition

5.0

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.

elainegl's review against another edition

5.0

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.

befab1486's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

typographic_whimsy's review against another edition

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

thelilyofshalott's review against another edition

5.0

4.5 ★ - (loved it, favorite)

deedoo's review against another edition

funny lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

5.0

erine's review against another edition

4.0

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.