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Betsy-Tacy #7-8
Betsy Was a Junior / Betsy and Joe
"Some characters become your friends for life. That's how it was for me with Betsy-Tacy."—Judy Blume With a Foreword by Meg Cabot Maud Hart Lovelace’s beloved Betsy-Tacy series continues with the third and final books set in Betsy and Tacy’s high school years, Betsy Was a Junior and Betsy and Joe, featuring the original cover illustration from Betsy Was a Junior along with a foreword by New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot. “Slipping into a Betsy book is like slipping into a favorite pair of well-worn It’s always a pleasure to live in Betsy’s world for a little while, to experience her simple joys, but also her (thankfully short-lived) sorrows.” — Meg Cabot “I re-read these books every year, marveling at how a world so quaint - Shirtwaists! Pompadours! Merry Widow hats! - can feature a heroine who is undeniably modern.” — Laura Lippman “There are three authors whose body of work I have re-read more than once over my adult Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and Maud Hart Lovelace.” — Anna Quindlen
640 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1948
80 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
Maud Hart Lovelace
45 books734 followersMaud Hart Lovelace was born on April 25, 1892, in Mankato, Minnesota. She was the middle of three children born to Thomas and Stella (Palmer) Hart. Her sister, Kathleen, was three years older, and her other sister, Helen, was six years younger. “That dear family" was the model for the fictional Ray family.
Maud’s birthplace was a small house on a hilly residential street several blocks above Mankato’s center business district. The street, Center Street, dead-ended at one of the town’s many hills. When Maud was a few months old, the Hart family moved two blocks up the street to 333 Center.
Shortly before Maud’s fifth birthday a “large merry Irish family" moved into the house directly across the street. Among its many children was a girl Maud’s age, Frances, nicknamed Bick, who was to be Maud’s best friend and the model for Tacy Kelly.
Tib’s character was based on another playmate, Marjorie (Midge) Gerlach, who lived nearby in a large house designed by her architect father. Maud, Bick, and Midge became lifelong friends. Maud once stated that the three couldn’t have been closer if they’d been sisters.
Maud’s birthplace was a small house on a hilly residential street several blocks above Mankato’s center business district. The street, Center Street, dead-ended at one of the town’s many hills. When Maud was a few months old, the Hart family moved two blocks up the street to 333 Center.
Shortly before Maud’s fifth birthday a “large merry Irish family" moved into the house directly across the street. Among its many children was a girl Maud’s age, Frances, nicknamed Bick, who was to be Maud’s best friend and the model for Tacy Kelly.
Tib’s character was based on another playmate, Marjorie (Midge) Gerlach, who lived nearby in a large house designed by her architect father. Maud, Bick, and Midge became lifelong friends. Maud once stated that the three couldn’t have been closer if they’d been sisters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
May 10, 2011
Has there ever been a more romantic postcard than
"Did anyone ever tell you that you're a good dancer? Joe."
No. I didn't think so.
"Did anyone ever tell you that you're a good dancer? Joe."
No. I didn't think so.
August 15, 2022
Y'all can have Gilbert Blythe. Joe Willard is here to stay.
The Betsy-Tacy books are wholesome and charming and sweet, but also deeper, asking questions about friendship and love and growing up. They're a rare set of young adult novels with a traditional family that is a constant positive in the protagonist's life, which is really refreshing--it gives readers a vision of a happy, healthy family and what that means to a community, with an abundance of wholesome men along the way. I hear a lot of parents talking about being the "hangout house" and creating space for teens to congregate in their home, and the Rays provide some advice for that. (Rule 1: food!)
Betsy's growth as a writer, student, and woman is sometimes painful to watch, but it gives the stories an element of realism in their sunniness. Betsy isn't perfect, and she has some trouble being a serious student. Unlike other heroines with literary ambitions (Emily Starr, Jo March), she is outgoing and always has a Crowd. Yet, she has her nearest-and-dearest, and needs her time alone. Betsy avoids categorization into social vs. academic, popular vs. lovable, flighty vs. serious. In these ways she fills a hole in our literary examples of bookish heroines. If Lovelace's work had ever been adapted, I'm sure it would have a much wider readership, but I can't bear to think of an adaptation of these books that wouldn't capture what I see in my mind. I can only be a Betsy-Tacy evangelist and get everyone to widen the readership!
I will feel bereft once I finish my re-read of this series. They are just so good! These four high school novels have been a balm to me when I consider my own high school experience (moving across the country two weeks before starting one's senior year of high school guarantees dashed senior-year hopes). Betsy's Progressive Era high school seems like a relic of the past, but the heart of the story is in her relationships, and that's what lasts beyond adolescent ephemera.
The Betsy-Tacy books are wholesome and charming and sweet, but also deeper, asking questions about friendship and love and growing up. They're a rare set of young adult novels with a traditional family that is a constant positive in the protagonist's life, which is really refreshing--it gives readers a vision of a happy, healthy family and what that means to a community, with an abundance of wholesome men along the way. I hear a lot of parents talking about being the "hangout house" and creating space for teens to congregate in their home, and the Rays provide some advice for that. (Rule 1: food!)
Betsy's growth as a writer, student, and woman is sometimes painful to watch, but it gives the stories an element of realism in their sunniness. Betsy isn't perfect, and she has some trouble being a serious student. Unlike other heroines with literary ambitions (Emily Starr, Jo March), she is outgoing and always has a Crowd. Yet, she has her nearest-and-dearest, and needs her time alone. Betsy avoids categorization into social vs. academic, popular vs. lovable, flighty vs. serious. In these ways she fills a hole in our literary examples of bookish heroines. If Lovelace's work had ever been adapted, I'm sure it would have a much wider readership, but I can't bear to think of an adaptation of these books that wouldn't capture what I see in my mind. I can only be a Betsy-Tacy evangelist and get everyone to widen the readership!
I will feel bereft once I finish my re-read of this series. They are just so good! These four high school novels have been a balm to me when I consider my own high school experience (moving across the country two weeks before starting one's senior year of high school guarantees dashed senior-year hopes). Betsy's Progressive Era high school seems like a relic of the past, but the heart of the story is in her relationships, and that's what lasts beyond adolescent ephemera.
March 19, 2018
Review March 2018: My review from June 2011 still stands. 100%
Review May 2014:
Betsy Was a Junior: Okay, so here's my more coherent review. Betsy&Joe's will be up in a day or two after I finish reading that book but I wanted to get this down first before I forgot. Betsy Was a Junior was fantastic. This book. These kids. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH.
Betsy and Joe: Okay so I spent so much of this book loving the beginning and than crying in the middle and then absolutely grinning at the end.
Review June 2011:
These two high school books will forever be my favorites. I re-read them anytime I feel down. And JOE YOU GUYS. JOEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Initial read: June 2011
re-read: July 2012, May 2014, March 2018
Review May 2014:
Betsy Was a Junior: Okay, so here's my more coherent review. Betsy&Joe's will be up in a day or two after I finish reading that book but I wanted to get this down first before I forgot. Betsy Was a Junior was fantastic. This book. These kids. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH.
Betsy and Joe: Okay so I spent so much of this book loving the beginning and than crying in the middle and then absolutely grinning at the end.
Review June 2011:
These two high school books will forever be my favorites. I re-read them anytime I feel down. And JOE YOU GUYS. JOEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Initial read: June 2011
re-read: July 2012, May 2014, March 2018
May 12, 2011
You guys, Tib's back! This makes her the Stacey McGill of Deep Valley, am I right? AM I?
Joe Willard is one of the swooniest guys in literature, seriously. Considering he's based on Hart Lovelace's husband, she was quite a lucky lady, guys.
(read: 34 and 35)
Joe Willard is one of the swooniest guys in literature, seriously. Considering he's based on Hart Lovelace's husband, she was quite a lucky lady, guys.
(read: 34 and 35)
July 15, 2010
No matter how many times I've read these books, I want to step in every time Betsy makes a mistake with Joe and scream, "Don't do it! You'll regret it!"
But Betsy's mistakes are part of the reason people love her so much. She is deeply human, not a perfect girl, and we can relate to her so easily. Every girl is Betsy...or Tacy...or Bonnie, Winona, Alice, Irma. Betsy's friends, her Crowd, her loving family and her beloved town of Deep Valley feel like home.
These books will never grow old.
But Betsy's mistakes are part of the reason people love her so much. She is deeply human, not a perfect girl, and we can relate to her so easily. Every girl is Betsy...or Tacy...or Bonnie, Winona, Alice, Irma. Betsy's friends, her Crowd, her loving family and her beloved town of Deep Valley feel like home.
These books will never grow old.
August 12, 2020
That ending made my heart soo happy!! I loved it.❤️ Betsy and Joe may just be my second favorite, Heaven to Betsy being my first. It’s nearly impossible to choose. Sighh... These books are just so good. I had SO many emotions in this one. Now I just can’t wait until I see Joe and Betsy nicely together with no interruptions. 😌
P.S. Joe is the best ever. I think I’m a little in love with him myself...
P.S. Joe is the best ever. I think I’m a little in love with him myself...
May 12, 2010
Read for the 1910/2010 high school graduation. I think I love these more with every reading, and that's pretty impressive.
November 9, 2022
Cleanliness:
Sexual Content
Lust - 1 Incident: “Betsy wished she could be a siren (have every boy crazy in love with her) like her older sister.
Sexual Miscellaneous - 11 Incidents: “Breast strokes” referring to swimming. The older sister has a habit of tiring with a beau and dropping him carelessly for another. Betsy doesn’t like this. “Excitement would have mounted in all breasts.” “Breast stroke” referring to swimming. Mentions a girl who was “rounded and alluring” and held the attraction of the “opposite sex.” Girls talk of new underwear and lingerie. The word “breasts” is used - not sexual. The word “breasts” is used - not sexual. Not “acting mushy,” a boy holds a girl’s “arm in comradely fashion.” “Big-busted woman” The word “breast” is used - not sexual.
Violence - None
Illustrations - 2 Incidents: two girls wearing petticoats and corsets, a girl wearing a petticoat and corset.
Profanity
Mild Obscenities & Substitutions - 45 Incidents: pooh, heck, dickens, gosh, darn, don't give a hoot, darnedest, honest to gosh, be jabbers, darned, our fearless hell-for-leather hero, did not care a hang, shucks
Religious Profanities - 31 Incidents: Gee, heavens, for Pete's sake, heavens sake, golly, ye Gods, goodness knows, gollee
Conversation Topics - 8 Incidents
This book has many guys and girls going out together, having beaus (sometimes several at once), trying to attract boys, dancing and thinking guys are handsome. (Book takes place in the early 1900s). Mentions a few characters smoking a pipe or cigarette. Mentions someone is a bartender, and drinking beer is mentioned. A boy smokes, drinks, plays poker, gets suspended from school, goes around with an awful girl and hangs around the wrong crowd. (A girl tries to keep him as a friend/beau in the hopes of keeping him from going bad). Throughout entire book. “It wasn’t bad, Betsy decided, having two boys crazy about you. She wondered why the idea had distressed her so much at first.” (It ends up that she hurts and loses both boyfriends). Mentions Halloween and the characters go to a dance that night and prank people. Mentions Santa Claus and the Easter bunny.
After a boy gets hurt by his girlfriend (who is tagging along him and another guy), he leaves her and “plays the field.” “Frankfurters were made of red tissue paper with fortunes inside.”
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
Sexual Content
Lust - 1 Incident: “Betsy wished she could be a siren (have every boy crazy in love with her) like her older sister.
Sexual Miscellaneous - 11 Incidents: “Breast strokes” referring to swimming. The older sister has a habit of tiring with a beau and dropping him carelessly for another. Betsy doesn’t like this. “Excitement would have mounted in all breasts.” “Breast stroke” referring to swimming. Mentions a girl who was “rounded and alluring” and held the attraction of the “opposite sex.” Girls talk of new underwear and lingerie. The word “breasts” is used - not sexual. The word “breasts” is used - not sexual. Not “acting mushy,” a boy holds a girl’s “arm in comradely fashion.” “Big-busted woman” The word “breast” is used - not sexual.
Violence - None
Illustrations - 2 Incidents: two girls wearing petticoats and corsets, a girl wearing a petticoat and corset.
Profanity
Mild Obscenities & Substitutions - 45 Incidents: pooh, heck, dickens, gosh, darn, don't give a hoot, darnedest, honest to gosh, be jabbers, darned, our fearless hell-for-leather hero, did not care a hang, shucks
Religious Profanities - 31 Incidents: Gee, heavens, for Pete's sake, heavens sake, golly, ye Gods, goodness knows, gollee
Conversation Topics - 8 Incidents
This book has many guys and girls going out together, having beaus (sometimes several at once), trying to attract boys, dancing and thinking guys are handsome. (Book takes place in the early 1900s). Mentions a few characters smoking a pipe or cigarette. Mentions someone is a bartender, and drinking beer is mentioned. A boy smokes, drinks, plays poker, gets suspended from school, goes around with an awful girl and hangs around the wrong crowd. (A girl tries to keep him as a friend/beau in the hopes of keeping him from going bad). Throughout entire book. “It wasn’t bad, Betsy decided, having two boys crazy about you. She wondered why the idea had distressed her so much at first.” (It ends up that she hurts and loses both boyfriends). Mentions Halloween and the characters go to a dance that night and prank people. Mentions Santa Claus and the Easter bunny.
After a boy gets hurt by his girlfriend (who is tagging along him and another guy), he leaves her and “plays the field.” “Frankfurters were made of red tissue paper with fortunes inside.”
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
November 1, 2010
Such a great book, love the combo editions! This was a nice finish to the high school years...
May 24, 2022
These two were sweet and I liked the way things worked out and how the characters developed maturity as they worked through.
December 27, 2024
Absolutely amazing!!!! I would give this book 6 stars if I could! Great coming of age story and I love the character progression of this series- probably the best I’ve ever read……Definitely one of my favorite books I’ve read this year.
P. S. Joe is seriously underrated as an MMC.
P. P. S. The Ray family In general is underrated.
P. S. Joe is seriously underrated as an MMC.
P. P. S. The Ray family In general is underrated.
December 22, 2024
Betsy & Joe forever 🥹
May 19, 2017
#betsytacylove read-along on IG w/ @beth.bonini, @teereads and @erindotsmith - April/May 2017
January 4, 2026
I own all the Betsy-Tacy books plus Emily of Deep Valley and Carney's House Party in the early editions where they are all hardcovers and old-fashioned. Of course I like the first editions more because they are the ones I first read, but these new versions have extra information. In Betsy Was a Junior, Betsy is growing up and getting more interesting as she matures. In Betsy and Joe, Betsy and Joe finally become a couple! I enjoyed Betsy and Joe better than Betsy Was a Junior, but they are both classics in my eyes.
I read the additional forewords and interviews that are in these new editions and learned many fascinating facts. Maud Hart Lovelace used inspiration from her own junior and senior year and most of what happened to Betsy actually happened to her. However, there was a typhoid epidemic during her junior year and several family friends passed away. (Spoiler Alert: This is probably the inspiration for Cab's father's death.) Tib/Midge really did return to Deep Valley/Mankato, and Julia/Kathleen did attend the U after graduation. The most shocking revelation, if you did not already know this as I did, concerns Joe; they did not actually meet until after high school, but Maud did use other events from Joe's childhood and their early courtship. All in all, I would recommend this version for the extra biographical information.
I read the additional forewords and interviews that are in these new editions and learned many fascinating facts. Maud Hart Lovelace used inspiration from her own junior and senior year and most of what happened to Betsy actually happened to her. However, there was a typhoid epidemic during her junior year and several family friends passed away. (Spoiler Alert: This is probably the inspiration for Cab's father's death.) Tib/Midge really did return to Deep Valley/Mankato, and Julia/Kathleen did attend the U after graduation. The most shocking revelation, if you did not already know this as I did, concerns Joe; they did not actually meet until after high school, but Maud did use other events from Joe's childhood and their early courtship. All in all, I would recommend this version for the extra biographical information.
May 16, 2013
No matter how old I get, part of me will always be Betsy Ray. (Another part will always be Anne of Green Gables, but that's another series for another time.) Every few years I go back and revisit old friends, and every time I can't quite believe that these books were written almost 75 years ago. Fashions change, distractions change, sexual mores certainly change (how cute to read about existential angst over...holding hands!) but Betsy, Tacy, Tib and their Crowd always drive one thing home...being a teenager really doesn't change.
August 27, 2022
As I was reading "Betsy Was A Junior" I was more than a little annoyed with her and was wondering when Betsy was going to grow up: "She wasn't even sure she liked it. But it happened and then it was irrevocable. There was nothing you could do about it except to try to see that you grew up into the kind of human being you wanted to be."
I liked "Betsy and Joe" a lot better as she realized: "You don't grow up...until you begin to evaluate yourself, to recognize your good traits and acknowledge that you have a few faults." and that happiness comes from thinking of others.
I liked "Betsy and Joe" a lot better as she realized: "You don't grow up...until you begin to evaluate yourself, to recognize your good traits and acknowledge that you have a few faults." and that happiness comes from thinking of others.
January 27, 2025
I love this series with all my heart, but especially Betsy and Joe. It is such a comfort read. Everything from the characters, to the Ray house, to Deep Valley, to the beautiful writing style of Maud Hart Lovelace makes me feel at home.
I have never longed to live in a fictional world more than I long to live in this one.
I have never longed to live in a fictional world more than I long to live in this one.
August 13, 2021
4.5 on my third? fourth? fifth? read
April 12, 2019
I don't know how she chose between Joe and Tony because honestly I would fall for either.... xD
October 26, 2020
In reality, this is two books, so I'll review them separately.
Betsy Was a Junior~ During her Junior year, Betsy and her friends catch sorority fever from her sister, Julia's, experiences in college. While this leads to many fun times for them, it also damages some friendships and ruins some school experiences. Betsy is still a tad boy crazy, but also feels the need to step up in her family life to help fill the void of Julia being away.
I enjoy Betsy's stories, and I love the window into the time period, but I don't think I'll ever feel the kinship for her that I do for Anne Shirley, Jo March, or even Betsy's sneered at Elsie Dinsmore, simply because chasing after boys has never been as important to me as it obviously is to her.
No content issues, though one of Betsy's friend's is starting to smoke (she doesn't like it and highly discourages them) and people are mentioned drinking, but never to excess and very historically accurate.
Betsy and Joe~ The crew are seniors in high school! And Betsy and Joe are finally dating, sorta.. Meanwhile, Julia is exploring the world, studying opera abroad and Joe is getting more and more work as a newspaper writer. They still have the usual school things and parties, but knowing this is their last year adds some determination to give things their all, which finally leads to a long awaited victory for Betsy!
Betsy is growing up in this one, and finally facing some consequences for her past choices. She is also taking on more responsibility at home, as Julia is still away, and it suits her. She is still a social butterfly, with many friends and fun times, but her growth is helping her let go of some frivolities to spend more time on the things and people who truly matter. I was a bit disappointed in her for how she handles the Tony-Joe situation, though I'll give her that it mostly wasn't her fault.
Content notes: No language, or violence issues. Smoking and drinking mentioned, but not to excess and mostly "in the background". Very tame romance, but there are some kisses. What may be of concern, is a character runs away from home without telling people until they are gone, they have been making some questionable choices, so Betsy is afraid for them until she gets word they are safe.
March 31, 2020
Ok so I definitely didn't know there was like a fan base for this series and I'm pretty sure I am the only person on here giving this book a rating less than 5 stars. Here's the thing: I did not know this was like part of a whole series...I picked this book (or I guess these 2 books), for $1 at a used bookstore because it looked somewhat interesting.
To describe my experience with this book, I would say simply, "It's like Little Women meets Little House on the Prairie." Both great books (and series in Little House' case), well-written, great characters. However, for the Betsy series (or whatever it's called), I just found it plain boring. Okay...she's a junior...she starts a high school sorority that ruins her whole year...why did that have to be 300 pages with other random plot lines that never tied up?
For the Betsy and Joe case: I'm sorry but why is everyone obsessed with Joe Willard? He was so flat. I feel like most of the characters, besides the Ray family WERE flat characters. I honestly didn't really see a difference between Joe and Tony, so why is everyone like "OMG JOE WILLARD. JOE WILLARD. AHHHHHHH!!" This one was 300 pages of (again) random stories that honestly could have been combined in "Betsy was a Junior." Both were also so so repetitive too... lile YES we get it! Y'all always bring gifts back for the family when you go on trips...you don't have to re-explain it every chapter.
I guess I just didn't really get into these stories and was more focused on counting the page numbers than developing a fictional obsession with Joe Willard...but that's just me.
To describe my experience with this book, I would say simply, "It's like Little Women meets Little House on the Prairie." Both great books (and series in Little House' case), well-written, great characters. However, for the Betsy series (or whatever it's called), I just found it plain boring. Okay...she's a junior...she starts a high school sorority that ruins her whole year...why did that have to be 300 pages with other random plot lines that never tied up?
For the Betsy and Joe case: I'm sorry but why is everyone obsessed with Joe Willard? He was so flat. I feel like most of the characters, besides the Ray family WERE flat characters. I honestly didn't really see a difference between Joe and Tony, so why is everyone like "OMG JOE WILLARD. JOE WILLARD. AHHHHHHH!!" This one was 300 pages of (again) random stories that honestly could have been combined in "Betsy was a Junior." Both were also so so repetitive too... lile YES we get it! Y'all always bring gifts back for the family when you go on trips...you don't have to re-explain it every chapter.
I guess I just didn't really get into these stories and was more focused on counting the page numbers than developing a fictional obsession with Joe Willard...but that's just me.
May 22, 2025
Haste thee nymph, and bring with thee Jest and Youthful Jollity. . . ~ John Milton
To read the Betsy-Tacy series is an immersion in the early 1900's. The reader is welcomed into the Ray family with great jest and jollity. In this duo of books, Betsy experiences her Junior year of high school and her Senior year. The Crowd will soon be dispersing in the World as the class of 1910.
For four years they had been in high school together. Some of them had been together since kindergarten. Now they were being blown in all directions, like the silk from an opened milkweed pod.
At the beginning of each school year she begins a new diary. Those real-life diaries helped Maud Hart Lovelace to spin these stories for us. They are largely autobiographical with new names for all the folks and some tweaks here and there to enhance the flow of the story. Each of the books gives us background notes on Lovelace as well as specific notes for the book. There are photos as well from her personal scrapbook. Another notable component of this series is the introductions by famous personalities and authors. We begin this particular book with a note from Meg Cabot about her appreciation for the series.
With its "slice-of-life" views, lovable characters, engaging events, and solid footing in history; this series is one I would highly recommend for teens and all ages after.
All's well that ends well. ~ Wm. Shakespeare
To read the Betsy-Tacy series is an immersion in the early 1900's. The reader is welcomed into the Ray family with great jest and jollity. In this duo of books, Betsy experiences her Junior year of high school and her Senior year. The Crowd will soon be dispersing in the World as the class of 1910.
For four years they had been in high school together. Some of them had been together since kindergarten. Now they were being blown in all directions, like the silk from an opened milkweed pod.
At the beginning of each school year she begins a new diary. Those real-life diaries helped Maud Hart Lovelace to spin these stories for us. They are largely autobiographical with new names for all the folks and some tweaks here and there to enhance the flow of the story. Each of the books gives us background notes on Lovelace as well as specific notes for the book. There are photos as well from her personal scrapbook. Another notable component of this series is the introductions by famous personalities and authors. We begin this particular book with a note from Meg Cabot about her appreciation for the series.
With its "slice-of-life" views, lovable characters, engaging events, and solid footing in history; this series is one I would highly recommend for teens and all ages after.
All's well that ends well. ~ Wm. Shakespeare
September 20, 2024
This is an excerpt from the prologue but it does such a good job of capturing what it was like to pick up this childhood favourite as an adult. Here to Betsy-one of the women who made me.
“I don’t know when exactly I knew that there was never going to be enough for me. But I know where I got the idea that more was possible. It wasn’t from career women or role models. I learned it from books, and none more than from the stories of Betsy, Tacy, and Tib. Because the more important thing about Betsy Ray is that she has a profound sense of confidence and her own self worth.
When I told people I was going to give this speech, most had never heard of Betsy-Tacy, and I had to describe them as a series of books for girls. But they were so much more than that to one little girl who grew up to be a woman writes and who, perhaps, learned that she could by the example given inside these books.”
“I don’t know when exactly I knew that there was never going to be enough for me. But I know where I got the idea that more was possible. It wasn’t from career women or role models. I learned it from books, and none more than from the stories of Betsy, Tacy, and Tib. Because the more important thing about Betsy Ray is that she has a profound sense of confidence and her own self worth.
When I told people I was going to give this speech, most had never heard of Betsy-Tacy, and I had to describe them as a series of books for girls. But they were so much more than that to one little girl who grew up to be a woman writes and who, perhaps, learned that she could by the example given inside these books.”
March 2, 2022
This series is so refreshingly wholesome and I just love it. Like in previous books in the series, I could do without the references to blackface, minstrel shows, and religious stuff, but it’s just there, in the background, as stuff in Betsy (and the author’s) life, and isn’t too distracting.
Like many of the characters in these books, I greatly admire the Ray family, especially Mr. and Mrs. Ray. I’m glad that other characters point out that it’s somewhat unusual for a family to be so happy and kind, because if they didn’t it might start to feel like an unrealistic fantasy story. Instead, I’m just jealous.
This is a lovely book in the Betsy-Tacy series.
Like many of the characters in these books, I greatly admire the Ray family, especially Mr. and Mrs. Ray. I’m glad that other characters point out that it’s somewhat unusual for a family to be so happy and kind, because if they didn’t it might start to feel like an unrealistic fantasy story. Instead, I’m just jealous.
This is a lovely book in the Betsy-Tacy series.
November 12, 2022
I found Betsy a little annoying in her early high school years, but I much preferred her as an older teen in this volume. I think that the plot of why everyone was so irritated about the sorority could have been better developed in Betsy Was a Junior. But by her senior year, I was fully engrossed. And Joe is just outstanding. I liked Tacy's development, too. I guess Betsy just went through a really obnoxious phase like Harry Potter did around the same age. Are all 14 and 15-year-olds like this or just in literature? Anyway, looking forward to the final installment and sad I'm almost done with the series.
February 11, 2023
Kindle: I love these books for so many reasons. The nostalgia from my childhood reading the young Betsy/Tacy books, the fact that it takes place in MN, and that so many details and characters are based on real people and events, with historical records to prove it, the historical aspect of a glimpse into life in the 1900s, the lovable characters, the emotional rollercoasters, I could go on and on.
These two books especially made me realize how much I appreciate the Betsy character as well. She is selfish, vain and flawed like a normal teenager but also experiences the consequences of her actions and is often forced to learn from her mistakes. I love that while she likes boys, and a big part of her time is spent galavanting around with them - she also has incredible drive and determination to be a writer and to make a living from her skills someday.
These two books especially made me realize how much I appreciate the Betsy character as well. She is selfish, vain and flawed like a normal teenager but also experiences the consequences of her actions and is often forced to learn from her mistakes. I love that while she likes boys, and a big part of her time is spent galavanting around with them - she also has incredible drive and determination to be a writer and to make a living from her skills someday.
October 2, 2024
I enjoyed this even more than the previous volume! I am so happy to be reading these books for the first time and look forward to rereading them for years to come. I was so caught up in Betsy‘s romantic entanglements during her senior year that I found myself actually fretting about how things were ever going to work out for her and Joe.
These Betsy stories paint such a warm and loving portrait of family life, good humored time with friends, and sweet romance. I loved watching Betsy grow and change during her four years in high school and I’m excited to find out what happens for her (and the Crowd) next.
These Betsy stories paint such a warm and loving portrait of family life, good humored time with friends, and sweet romance. I loved watching Betsy grow and change during her four years in high school and I’m excited to find out what happens for her (and the Crowd) next.
July 31, 2017
These books take me to another time and I love it. The main character was born 2 years before my paternal grandmother and 10 years before my maternal grandmother, so I love to get a glimpse into what the world was like for them. How did I never read these growing up? I wonder if my mom ever read them? There are some phrases and terms the characters use that I know my mom said, too. I've had to look up many of the fads and foods and cultural references to know what they were talking about. But that has been fun for me! These books are so charming.
June 21, 2018
I read prolifically as a child but never even knew Betsy and gang existed! They say better late than never, and for me, with this series, it holds true
I was absolutely enchanted and fell completely in love with Betsy and Tacy in the first book, and likewise with each book of the series.
Going back in time in such a sweet way is truly a pleasure, and the exploits of the Ray girls and their friends provoke smiles and a little heartache in the sad parts.
Like Narnia, Anne, and Little House, this is a children's series that adult can read with pleasure, and I heartily recommend it.
I was absolutely enchanted and fell completely in love with Betsy and Tacy in the first book, and likewise with each book of the series.
Going back in time in such a sweet way is truly a pleasure, and the exploits of the Ray girls and their friends provoke smiles and a little heartache in the sad parts.
Like Narnia, Anne, and Little House, this is a children's series that adult can read with pleasure, and I heartily recommend it.
January 17, 2019
Betsy Was a Junior
I loved the progression of Betsy as she's moving into adulthood and changing from "childish things" and shifting her focus and confidence. Her dreams haven't changed, but her relationships and choices have taken on a more serious attitude.
Reading these stories is like meeting the coming-of-age Laura, Anne, and Jo all over again. What a treasure to discover these special books.
They are warm and have a familial essence. They are surprisingly modern, for an era set a century ago. I only wish "the crowd" could come to my house for Sunday dinner.
I loved the progression of Betsy as she's moving into adulthood and changing from "childish things" and shifting her focus and confidence. Her dreams haven't changed, but her relationships and choices have taken on a more serious attitude.
Reading these stories is like meeting the coming-of-age Laura, Anne, and Jo all over again. What a treasure to discover these special books.
They are warm and have a familial essence. They are surprisingly modern, for an era set a century ago. I only wish "the crowd" could come to my house for Sunday dinner.
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