Read this because it is one of my girlfriend's all-time favorites, which she first read, I believe, when she was nine. I think I have an idea of why she likes it so much.

Elizabeth Ann (Betsy), the protagonist, turns ten years old during the novel, and during our time with her she learns several great self-truths: she can be independent, make decisions, and take care of herself; in thinking for herself as well as asking herself "what would Cousin Ann do?" she discovers her capacity for problem solving; and finally, she learns the gift of empathy and caring for others.

All these lessons are possible thanks to her being "understood" by her extended family, the Putneys, whose small town farm she moves to near the beginning of the story. Though I have at least a couple decades' experience on Betsy, my arrival at her maturity level remains questionable. I do play with dolls less often, though I couldn't make a neat pat of butter even if my Eagle Scout badge depended on it.