Nancy Smiler Levinson has written many popular books for young readers, including Magellan and the First Voyange Around the World and the I Can Read Books Clara and the Bookwagon, illustrated by Carolyn Croll, and Snowshoe Thompson, illustrated by Joan Sandin. She lives in Beverly Hills, California.
Grade 1-3-Betsy lives with her family on the Nebraska prairie. The adults and children on the widely scattered farms look forward to periodic get-togethers, such as the husking bee described in the first chapter, but Betsy pines for a friend. Then, a new family relocates nearby. The Fitzroys have moved from the city, and their daughter, Emmeline, is Betsy's age. In anticipation of the girl's arrival, Betsy eagerly makes her a cornhusk doll, but Emmeline doesn't seem to like it; in fact, she seems cold and unfriendly. Betsy soon discovers that the girl is simply having a hard time adjusting to her new home. Levinson evokes prairie life with a few well-chosen details. Settlers exchange gifts of buffaloberry jam, plum pudding, and candles, while the children amuse themselves with simple games. Betsy's family lives in a sod cabin; their new neighbors settle into a dugout. Colorful artwork on every page adds to the appeal of this easy-reader. Children will empathize with Betsy's longing for a friend, and enjoy this glimpse of pioneer life.
Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA
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