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Dorothy Canfield Fisher
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Understood Betsy Hardcover – Deckle Edge, October 15, 1999

by Dorothy Canfield Fisher (Author), Kimberly Bulcken Root (Illustrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 554 ratings
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For all of her nine years, fragile Elizabeth Ann has heard her Aunt Frances refer in whispers to her "horrid Putney cousins." But when her aunt can no longer care for her, Elizabeth Ann must leave her sheltered life to live in the wilds of Vermont with those distant relatives.

In the beginning, Elizabeth Ann is shocked by country living--pets are allowed to sleep in the house and children are expected to do chores! But with country living comes independence and responsibility, and in time, Elizabeth Ann finds herself making friends and enjoying her new family. When the year is up and Aunt Frances comes to get her niece, she finds a healthier, prouder girl with a new name--Betsy--and a new outlook on life.

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.
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  1. Reading age
    7 - 9 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    240 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    4 - 7
  5. Dimensions
    5.82 x 0.95 x 8.42 inches
  6. Publisher
    Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
  7. Publication date
    October 15, 1999
  8. ISBN-10
    0805060731
  9. ISBN-13
    978-0805060737
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Anyone who fondly remembers how the fresh air of the moors puts a blush in the cheeks of sallow young Mary in The Secret Garden will love 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-old 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 bad as her doting, high-strung Aunt Frances warns, however, 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 small ones--taking the reins from Uncle Harry, doing her own hair, making her own breakfast--but children will revel in the awakening independence and growing self-confidence of a girl who learns to think 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--making butter ("We always bought ours," says Elizabeth Ann), experiencing the "rapt wonder 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 story that children will find deeply satisfying. And in the end, readers will have grown as fond of the happier, stronger "Betsy" as the gentle, unassuming Putneys have.

Loving care was dolloped on this 1999 reissue of an old favorite--with sweet new pencil illustrations by Kimberly Bulcken Root, and an introduction and afterword by Eden Ross Lipson that offer a historical context for the book and its author. (Ages 8 to 12) --Karin Snelson

About the Author

Dorothy Canfield Fisher was a pioneer in children's literature. In addition to writing more than fifty books for children, she was a co-founder of the Book-of-the-Month Club and a key reviewer for The New York Times. While Ms. Fisher lived most of her life in New York City, she retained an enormous affection for the hills of Vermont, where she was raised.

Kimberly Bulcken Root has illustrated over fifteen books for children, most recently, Birdie's Lighthouse. She and her husband, illustrator Barry Root, live with their children in Quarryfield, Pennsylvania.

Eden Ross Lipson is the Children's Book Review Editor of the New York Times Book Review.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); First Edition (October 15, 1999)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0805060731
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0805060737
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 7 - 9 years, from customers
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 4 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.82 x 0.95 x 8.42 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 554 ratings

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Dorothy Canfield Fisher

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
554 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story captivating and well-written. They describe it as an interesting read for both children and adults. The writing is described as rich and gentle, evoking a contented response to the people and places. Overall, customers consider the book wholesome and pure. However, opinions differ on the print size - some find it nice and easy to read, while others feel it's too small.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
Story qualityReadabilityWriting qualityWholesomenessCharacter developmentPrint sizeIllustrations
90 customers mention "Story quality"90 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's story. They find it well-written, sweet, and a classic. It's an excellent work of historical fiction with a good ending. The characters are simple yet fully developed. Overall, readers describe the book as a timeless treasure with a classic plotline.

"This is a lovely classic old book...." Read more

"...I loved the characters and how the author talked with the reader. This book is great. I loved how Betsy changed throughout the book. Thank-you!!!" Read more

"...A book that feels good, happy, and the essence of wholesome. If books could clean your soul this is one of them. This then is what family should be." Read more

"...I finally pulled the trigger and it's fantastic. Highly recommend this one...." Read more

31 customers mention "Readability"31 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable for readers of all ages. They appreciate the well-described experiences of the orphan and the valuable life lessons it provides. The story encourages young girls to believe in themselves and build confidence, making it a worthwhile read for any age.

"...It paints such a quiet cozy picture of life on a farm, and it's fun to watch Miss Betsy go from a trembling, anxious little soul, to the strong..." Read more

"Such a delightful story. One that would keep young and older readers entertained...." Read more

"...out loud to younger children and its simplicity makes it a great gift for older children who can read it by themselves...." Read more

"...He describes the child's experience incredibly well. And this version of this book is a great price and Completely adequate." Read more

25 customers mention "Writing quality"19 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find it well-written, gentle, and a wonderful read aloud. The story is told plainly yet with depth that makes you see and feel. It's a perfect pick-up between heavier books and great for elementary-age girls. The narrator is understandable and the author has a chatty style with fun commentary.

"...The story is quick and easy to read. I loved it; A refreshing and satisfying story about true family love. Highly recommend this one." Read more

"Narrator is understandable...." Read more

"...The story is written in an easy to read narrative and keeps you wanting to know more and not put it down." Read more

"...barely see the signature of the artist on each picture but it is not legible. The illustrator should have been acknowledged...." Read more

6 customers mention "Wholesomeness"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's wholesomeness. They find it a wonderful place to be, without the stress of modern life.

"...A book that feels good, happy, and the essence of wholesome. If books could clean your soul this is one of them. This then is what family should be." Read more

"...No tech, no phones, no video games, nor the stress of now; just clean wholesome life. A wonderful place to be." Read more

"...It’s just a fantastic, pure, beautiful book. It’s a story about family, no matter if that family is not your standard 2 parents and children...." Read more

"...An excellent work of historical fiction and so wholesome." Read more

5 customers mention "Character development"5 positive0 negative

Customers like the character development. They say it has a classic plot line and characters that are simple yet fully drawn. The book teaches great lessons about character and maturity.

"I enjoyed this book very much. I loved the characters and how the author talked with the reader. This book is great...." Read more

"...It has a classic plot line and characters who are simply, but fully drawn. Quite a few modern novelists could learn a lot from this little book...." Read more

"...The author had a unique style of presenting the characters, bringing each vividly alive in the mind’s eye...." Read more

"...All this told with humor and good outlining of character. At very end this shy child earns her own way home on a railroad after being left behind...." Read more

13 customers mention "Print size"7 positive6 negative

Customers have different views on the print size. Some find it suitable for reading between heavier books, with a nice size for easy reading. Others mention that the print is small and the margins are small.

"...This copy is large, paperback, the illustrations are darling, and I am completely happy with my purchase!!" Read more

"...itself is fabulous and the illustrations are sweet, but the size of the book is unwieldy for the bookshelf and packing for our outings where we are..." Read more

"This is a very simple, old-fashioned short novel that is very affecting...." Read more

"This is an amazing book. This particular print is very small, and I would purchase a different print next time." Read more

5 customers mention "Illustrations"2 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the illustrations in the book. Some find them beautifully drawn and well-done, while others mention issues like fuzzy images, typos, and lack of information on the illustrator.

"...There is no mention of who the illustrator is. The illustrations are also a bit fuzzy...." Read more

"...And* beautifully illustrated; possibly the best-quality illustrations I have seen in a book for youth...." Read more

"...No information on the author is included. (Dorothy Canfield Fisher definitely deserves biographical information. )..." Read more

"...It has a classic plot line and characters who are simply, but fully drawn. Quite a few modern novelists could learn a lot from this little book...." Read more

Great Story, Not a Great Reprint
3 out of 5 stars
Great Story, Not a Great Reprint
I LOVE this story so much & therefore, I wanted a good copy of it. I was disappointed with the version published by Compass Circle for several reasons: 1) The publication page only gives the date of this particular edition & not the original publication date. 2) There is no mention of who the illustrator is. The illustrations are also a bit fuzzy. You can barely see the signature of the artist on each picture but it is not legible. The illustrator should have been acknowledged. 3) It would have been nice to have a page about the author, but this is not included in this version.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Mandy Sue
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet old-fashioned book about a little girl’s time in Vermont
    Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is a lovely classic old book. I hadn't read it since I was a child, but at the beginning of the year, we were doing Ambleside with our kids, and it was in the lineup for my youngest daughter, so I used it as a readaloud. It paints such a quiet cozy picture of life on a farm, and it's fun to watch Miss Betsy go from a trembling, anxious little soul, to the strong healthy young girl she is by the book's end. Books like this always made me want to go see New England autumns, with vivid descriptions of the reds and golds of the trees.
    Helpful
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  • Juan Carlos Corredor
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this book very much. I loved the characters and how the author talked with the reader. This book is great. I loved how Betsy changed throughout the book. Thank-you!!!
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  • dreaming of the sun
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and Heartwarming
    Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I laughed out loud, cried with happiness and felt a contentedness that I haven't felt in a long time. A book that feels good, happy, and the essence of wholesome. If books could clean your soul this is one of them. This then is what family should be.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • EmilytheStrange
    5.0 out of 5 stars such a good book
    Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    this book has been in my cart for years "to buy later". I finally pulled the trigger and it's fantastic. Highly recommend this one. What we say and what we expect from our kids has such a defining role in their lives.
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  • Deborah
    5.0 out of 5 stars A very endearing story
    Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Such a delightful story. One that would keep young and older readers entertained. Elizabeth Ann is a nine year old orphan girl living in the city with her Great Aunt Harriet and Aunt Frances. Her Great Aunt becomes ill and Elizabeth ends up going to Vermont to live on a farm with the Putney family. While there she discovers many wonderful things about herself and others. The story is quick and easy to read. I loved it; A refreshing and satisfying story about true family love. Highly recommend this one.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Calebini
    4.0 out of 5 stars A couple of omissions?
    Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Secret Wisdom of the Ages Compass Circle publishing omits a couple things that I think are important, if readers are to acquire some sense of the history of a published work. I am disappointed there is no bio information about Dorothy Canfield Fisher included in the very nice volume of Understood Betsy. Also, the copyright of the book is 2019, without further information. I find this very annoying. One of the reasons I purchased the story, was to share a story written by an author who thoroughly understand rural and plains' peoples, with my granddaughters. Dorothy Canfield Fisher wrote very remarkably, describing life as she saw it, during the time period in which she lived. What use to have a beautifully authentic story that lacks background, and historical context? Otherwise the book is well put together, and an editor's note states that original spelling and punctuation of the original version of this story have been preserved--without telling when the original version was published. Is this an over-sight, or a misjudgement of readers' interest? Maybe. I purchased this story for a child who is 7 years old, and though she reads at an advanced level, this book will be too much for her to read independently. I'm hoping that her family will read it to her at night. It's a lovely story, but it likely would not hold the interest of older readers, who are not invested in living in the country, traveling to a country fair, and reveling in the birth of two kittens. The story centers around the warmth and love of family--and younger children will feel the joy Betsy experiences as she learns about life in rural Vermont.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • BookWormBoston
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect
    Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The vintage book came within days of ordering and was exactly as described. Thank you!
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  • Dorothy
    5.0 out of 5 stars It's Love
    Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A step backwards in time. No tech, no phones, no video games, nor the stress of now; just clean wholesome life. A wonderful place to be.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Adeline Moe
    2.0 out of 5 stars Not the best reprint
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Print if this book is not the best. I should have spent a bit more money on something better.
    Report
  • Amreetha
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful story with great values
    Reviewed in India on August 8, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    A sweet little story about a girl who faces different situations in life and grows through them
    Report
  • Enrique
    5.0 out of 5 stars bonito para niNas, madre e hija
    Reviewed in Spain on January 15, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Lo lei de niNa y ahora de adulta.
    El cole en el pueblo es casi como Maria Montessori lo queria.
    Libro genial para hacer crecer autoconfianza y superacion
    Report
  • Frank
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
    Reviewed in Canada on January 8, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This story definitely has an olde time feel to it! If you look classics, and if you love children's storybooks, then this is the one for you!
    Report
  • CanadianMother
    5.0 out of 5 stars A new favourite of mine!
    Reviewed in Canada on April 11, 2007
    Verified Purchase
    This book is purely delightful. I'm reading it to my 8-year old daughter and there have been many times when I had to stop reading because I was laughing so hard! The warm, friendly, conversational tone in which the book is written works so well combined with the lovely and oftentimes very funny story.

    I can't recommend this book highly enough for mothers to read with their daughters. It will make you giggle, warm your hearts and give you lots to think about when it comes to things like parenting, education and growing up.

    I would add that although Understood Betsy was written a long time ago, the language is by no means difficult like some books from that time period are. In fact it's quite easy to understand for young children because of the casual, conversational tone. Betsy is 9 years old, but any child from age 6 to 12 would probably love this book--and I am an adult, and I love it.

    Definitely a new favourite!
    Report