While written for roughly 8 to 12 year old tweens, this book is the first in a series focusing on little Betsy Ray as she grows up. Initially the only girl her age on Hill Street, Betsy has no one but the older children or boys to play with. But then, a moving wagon pulls up to the house across the street and what do you know, there is a little girl who looks about her age. At first, Betsy is too shy to meet her but when Betsy's mom invites the girl, nicknamed Tacy to a party, the friendship begins.
Betsy and Tacy enjoy many firsts together: school, walking up the Big hill, building a fort and getting to go "visiting" in their mother's dresses. Throughout the book, Betsy and Tacy are inseparable except when one of them is sick.
Set in Minnesota in the early 1900's, this delightful series turns back the pages of time to a simpler life. The days of horse drawn carriages, playing outside, coal and gas lights come to life through the tales of Mrs. Lovelace and the illustrations of Lois Lenski.
Many girls of the tween age will be surprised to find that many of the issues they face today are the same as those faced by girls of 100 years ago. Overall, a delightful book that will enchant children and tweens alike.
Age range: 8 to 12
Lovelace, M.H. (1940). Betsy Tacy. New York: Harper Collins.
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