Heaven to Betsy and Betsy-in-spite-of-herself
by Maud Hart Lovelace
Heaven to Betsy and Betsy-in-spite-of-herself by Maud Hart Lovelace, is the second collection of timeless tales. I like the collection over the individual stories, because that is what I’m used to, and anyways, these beautiful copies are charming, and have wonderful illustrations! All the Betsy-Tacy books are based loosely on Maud’s own childhood and adulthood, giving the series a relatable and more realistic feel. In Heaven to Betsy, Betsy Ray is entering high school, and with that extreme change comes many other changes: The Ray family is moving to another street, and though the new house is nice, and modern. It lacks the cottage-like Hill Street feel. Betsy becomes friends with many new high schoolers and hangs around with what they call “the Crowd”. The “Crowd” poses a few new problems for Betsy, including finding her “Tall, Dark Stranger”. In Betsy-in-spite-of-herself, Betsy finds herself trying to be and act more “charming” (even to the extent that she begins spelling her name “Betsye”) while really, the true Betsy Ray, is the one everyone truly loves. All the Betsy-Tacy books are wonderful, but I especially enjoy these early high school books!
My Favorite Character: “Anna. You will meet her, and fall head-over-heels in love with her! She’s the funniest housekeeper! She even uses the word “puny” as a compliment!” —Millie J.
Parental Guidance: These High school books are mostly focused on courting, parties, and fun with family and friends. Since the books take place during a time when many girls married soon after graduating high school, romance is a larger theme than in the earlier Betsy-Tacy books. However the romance is very innocent and similar in tone to the later Anne books, such as Anne of Avonlea and Anne of the Island. Depending on your child’s interests, these books aer probably best for ages for 10 and up—you can never really outgrow them!