"B" Is For Betsy
![Image of "B" Is for Betsy](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CHCaVHWsL._SL75_.jpg ""B" Is for Betsy")
In one of Beverly Cleary’s books, Ramona references a Betsy book. So I went looking and I think this is the series she meant. B is for Betsy is an old fashioned book originally published in 1939. It is a sweet, delightful, idyllic tale of a little girl’s first school experience.
This story centers around Betsy, aged around 5 or 6, who is in first grade. The delight of new experiences, like the children watching tadpoles become frogs and doing classroom projects, forms the majority of the book. We also meet Betsy’s friend Ellen, who clearly does not have as many things as Betsy but who does have other things that Betsy does not, which evens out their status.
The story is presented in a way that presumes life at this age is simple, innocent, and black and white.
Did you notice how Betsy walked to school alone each day? Could 5 and 6 year olds do that today?
How has our view of strangers changed since the time this book was written?
Do you think the children in this book seemed real? Why or why not?
Would you like Betsy for a friend?
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