”
There are two kinds of women: those who know Betsy-Tacy books
and those who don’t.
”
“There are two kinds of women: those who know Betsy-Tacy books and those who don’t.”
All I could think was, “Wow!” Hearing such testament to a series of children’s and young adult titles written by Maud Hart Lovelace in the 1940s and ’50s, well, my librarian ears perked up.
Closing out an in-service training session, the presenter had been highlighting recent children’s authors. Working in libraries for more years than I care to count, or as a girl myself, I had barely noticed these books. Now I want to invite Morgan Hill mothers and their daughters to meet Betsy Ray and her family and friends (especially Tacy and Tib).
But don’t just take my word for it. Besides the opening quote from hard-boiled mystery writer, Laura Lippman, singer Bette Midler enthused, “I read every one of these … books twice. What a wonderful world it was!”
Columnist Anna Quindlen writes in a foreword, “Could there be better books, and could there be a better girl, adolescent, young woman, to teach us all those things about choices (in life)?”
The series of 10 books opens in 1897 with Betsy’s fifth birthday party, where “the nicest present she received was not the usual kind of present. It was the present of a friend. It was Tacy.” Tacy, who remains a source of calm assurance to the adventurous, high-spirited Betsy, contrasts with the very literal Tib – “but Betsy and Tacy liked her just the same.”
The books, based on the author’s real life around the turn of the 20th century, follow the three friends on into college and marriage, each taking her own path into adulthood.
And, just as when they were written, they have much to say to girls at the turn of this century. For they are really books about character and believing in yourself. As Anna Quindlen also writes, Betsy’s “greatest sin, throughout the books, is to undervalue herself.” All through the series, her best accomplishments are always when she stays true to herself. What better advice could our own young girls and women receive?
There is also an enthusiastic Betsy-Tacy Society, whose members celebrate yearly in Maud Lovelace’s Mankato, Minn. hometown. There are speakers and tours of Betsy and Tacy’s real homes. I plan to be there for next year’s.
Morgan Hill Library doesn’t currently own all the Betsy-Tacy’s (they go in and out of print) but we do have a complete set throughout our the library system. These can be requested and sent here just for you and/or your own special girl. Just give us a call or stop by the information desk.
