Understood Betsy

The novel follows Elizabeth Ann, a 9-year-old orphan, as she transitions from a sheltered city life with her aunt and cousin to a more demanding rural existence on a Vermont farm with her mother's family, the Putneys. Nicknamed "Betsy," she discovers that the Putney family embraces responsibilities and independence for children, challenging the protective views of her previous guardians. Through her experiences, Betsy learns valuable life skills and gains confidence, highlighting themes of growth, self-reliance, and the contrast between urban and rural lifestyles.