Understood Betsy - Discovering Independence: A Tale of Growth and Empowerment in a New England Village

Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Summary

In "Understood Betsy," Dorothy Canfield Fisher weaves a rich narrative that explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the importance of understanding in the formation of identity. Written in a lyrical yet straightforward style, the novel follows the journey of Betsy, a girl who transitions from a constrained urban life to the liberating expanse of rural Vermont. Fisher'Äôs prose captures the beauty of the landscape and the intricacies of Betsy'Äôs emotional and intellectual development, resonating with a sense of optimism and empowerment characteristic of early 20th-century children'Äôs literature. The narrative serves not only as a personal coming-of-age story but also critiques the societal norms of education and upbringing prevalent during the time, positioning Betsy'Äôs experiences against the backdrop of progressive educational ideals. Dorothy Canfield Fisher, an influential author and education reformer, dedicated much of her life to advocating for child welfare and progressive education. Her own experiences in New England, along with her deep engagement with social issues, informed her portrayal of the challenges faced by children in understanding themselves and their environments. Fisher'Äôs commitment to fostering independence and critical thinking in children is vividly reflected in Betsy'Äôs transformation, making the book a significant contribution to American children's literature. "Understood Betsy" is a timeless classic that deserves a place on the shelves of both young readers and adults alike. It invites its audience to reflect on the transformative power of understanding and the impact of nurturing environments. As Betsy learns to assert her identity and navigate the complexities of life, readers are encouraged to recognize the importance of empathy and growth in their own journeys. This work remains relevant today, making it an essential read for anyone interested in personal development and education.

Available since: 10/30/2023.

Print length: 118 pages.

Other books that might interest you

Incredible Snack Package Science

Tammy Enz

Why throw away used snack packages when you can reuse them? These fun and informative science experiments and projects will keep readers entertained as they learn about scientific principles.

Show book

Eggs over Evie

Alison Jackson

Twelve-year-old Evie Carson lives with her mom. In an apartment across the lake, Evie's celebrity-chef dad is starting a new life with his young second wife, Angie, who's expecting twins. To make matters worse, Evie's dad has custody of the beloved family dog. Navigating her new family situation is difficult, and Evie turns to her love of cooking as a way to stay connected to her father. Through cooking classes, Evie finds an unexpected friend in Corey, whose eccentric aunt Shanti might be able to make everyone a little happier. Evie learns to look outside herself, help others, and make friends where she never thought she could (she also learns to make a pretty darn good soufflé!).

Show book

I Can Wiggle

Karen Mitzo Hilderbrand, Kim...

Kids will love singing, wiggling, and following along “word-for word” with this adorable book.  “I can wiggle my fingers. I can wiggle my toes. I can wiggly my elbows and even my nose.” Rhyme, repetition, and silly lyrics encourage imaginative play and fun-based learning. This playful book encourages learning through music and introduces children to important early literacy skills they will need for the school years ahead. With this perfect combination of education and entertainment, kids and parents alike will read and sing-along with “I Can Wiggle” over and over again!

Show book

The Music of Dolphins

Karen Hesse

“This powerful exploration of how we become human and how the soul endures is a song of beauty and sorrow, haunting and unforgettable.” —School Library Journal (starred review) 
 
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year 
 
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year 
 
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults 
 
A Book Links Best Book of the Year 
 
A New York Public Library Children’s Title for Reading and Sharing 
 
Mila becomes famous around the world when she is rescued from an unpopulated island off the coast of Florida. Years ago, Mila went missing from a boat crash, and she has been raised by dolphins from the age of four. 
 
Researchers teach Mila language and music. But she also learns about rules and expectations, about locked doors and broken promises, disappointment and betrayal. 
 
The more Mila finds out about what it means to be human, the more she longs for her home in the ocean . . .  
 
“As moving as a sonnet, as eloquently structured as a bell curve, this book poignantly explores the most profound of themes—what it means to be human . . . All together, a frequently dazzling novel.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) 
 
“Her mind and spirit shaped by the dolphins who raised her, a feral child views herself and her human captors from a decidedly unusual angle in this poignant story . . . A probing look at what makes us human, with an unforgettable protagonist.” —Kirkus Reviews 
 
“Mila’s rich inner voice makes her a lovely, lyrical character.” —VOYA Magazine

Show book

Arthur Quinn and the Fenris Wolf

Alan Early

Life is finally back to normal for Arthur Quinn. Three months ago, he and his friends put their lives at risk to stop the trickster god Loki from taking over the world. However, just when Arthur is starting to relax again, the dreams start once more; dreams of gods, dreams of war, dreams of wolves. It can mean only one thing. Loki is back.In the midst of a deep snowfall, Loki plots his vengeance on Arthur. In the months since their last battle, the trickster God has been assembling a deadly army of wolves and he intends to take the world once and for all. Can Arthur trust his two new classmates? Where did Ash's puppy come from? And what is hidden in the National Museum that Loki is so desperate to get? Mysteries and questions arise as, once again, it's down to Arthur Quinn and his friends to save the world. But what they don't know is that this time, Loki has help...

Show book

Connect the Scotts - The Dead...

Evan Munday

Is the fourth time a charm for October and her ghost detective friends? While investigating the cause of the long-dead Tabetha Scott’s death way back in the 1860s, October and the Dead Kids discover that Sticksville, Ontario, served as an endpoint for the Underground Railroad, the secret network by which enslaved people escaped to free states and Canada. But October Schwartz finds herself with more detective work than she can handle after some new musically inclined chums are incriminated in a robbery at a school concert.
 
Fraudulent occult psychics, funeral home ambushes, band wars, the spooky Sticksville fairgrounds, and a history of prejudice all converge in a climactic conclusion that hints a secret society might be behind all manner of catastrophes in October Schwartz’s not-so-boring little town.

Show book