Betsy Was a Junior and Betsy and Joe
by Maud Hart Lovelace
Betsy Was a Junior and Betsy and Joe by Maud Hart Lovelace, are exceptional!! These books are so wonderful. Though they don’t measure up to the Anne books for me, they have similar (and wonderful!) qualities, (Like the era they take place in.) and truly, if you’re suffering from not being able to live in Anne’s world any longer after eight books, then you should look into Betsy-Tacy books! Betsy Was a Junior, tells of Betsy continuing on the road of maturity. She encounters many ups and downs, such as: Tib’s return to Deep Valley!!! And Julia’s departure to University, and some difficult family hardships for Cab, the forming of a sorority, and the Crowd, as it starts to dilapidate. Betsy realizes that she’s growing up, nothing she does will stop it, and she might as well embrace it. Betsy and Joe, tells of the rocky relationship between her and Joe Willard, (an interesting orphan.) the rivalry between Joe and Tony, (A long time friend from her freshman year.) and the bittersweet moments that a senior year can bring. These books are wonderful, and if you’re wanting something new to read, (And if you like historical fiction.) then this series is for you!
My Favorite Character: “Anna, still Anna! She’s yet another wonderful literary housekeeper! What’s not to like??” —Millie J.
Parental Guidance: Courting, parties, and general romance are a big part of these two books. In that time period, it wouldn’t have been at all unusual to get married after you graduated high school. I would say that these books contain about the same amount as the later Anne books. (Such as: Anne of Avonlea and Anne of the Island!! Both are favorites of mine!) Probably good for 11 and up, depending on your child’s interests. Enjoy!