Understood Betsy
Recommended. Age: 8+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
A gentle classic about how a child grows strong when grown-ups trust her with real work. Betsy learns to cook, help a younger girl, sew clothes for a neglected boy, and get herself home from a fair. Her one prayer, for that boy, is answered. Faith is light, almost absent. The book teaches courage, service and humility through ordinary farm life, and it is clean.
For parents
Read it aloud from 6, and a child can read it alone from about 8. The only rough spot is a boy's drunken stepfather. Ask what changed Betsy from scared to brave. Ask why Betsy wanted 'Lias to thank her, and why she stopped caring. Point out that her prayer was answered, and that we pray every day, not only when we are desperate.