So why is there so much fuss over the habit of attention? Because paying attention allows children to take notice. By finding value in what she can do and in helping others, she uncovers her own identity and realizes that she is much stronger than she thought she was. This lovely story is about a little girl’s search for being understood, but what she doesn’t realize is that having others tell you who you are is not the same as knowing who you are for yourself. When Aunt Frances comes to take her home, Betsy must show her that Putney Farm is the best place for her to be. Here is where she becomes Betsy and here is where she comes to know herself. She gains confidence as she learns new skills such as making butter, washing dishes, taking care of animals and helping younger children. She then goes to live with relatives on Putney Farm, where she is then expected to help on the farm and become more independent. Nine-year-old Elizabeth Ann, an orphan, lives a very sheltered life in a small city with Great-Aunt Harriet and Aunt Frances –until Aunt Harriet becomes ill, making this arrangement impossible. If you haven’t read Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher, then you might want to add this one to your list.
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