Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Beloved series follows trio of friends in early 1900s.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
The BETSY-TACY series starts when 5-year-old Tacy moves in across the street from 5-year-old Betsy, and the two become inseparable. Soon joined by Tib, the series follows the best-friend trio as they grow up, from playing house in a piano box and sharing a desk at school, to the social scene in high school and young love, to careers and travel and heartbreak, but always returning to the foundation of their treasured deep friendship. Set in Minnesota at the turn of the century though the lead up to WWI, the series is semi-autobiographical, and Lovelace gives readers an idealized look at life in a very different time period.
Is It Any Good?
This series is a beloved classic for a reason. If the Betsy-Tacy series were just about old times or just about friends, it would be a bunch of simple stories. But there's a depth and realness to the girls; their internal struggles as they grow up are relatable no matter the time period. Their failures and successes are open and honest on the page, and young readers will likely see part of themselves in Betsy, Tacy and Tib. The girls' struggles -- particularly Betsy trying to take her writing seriously while figuring out how to be social in high school -- are just as relevant today as they were when the horseless carriage was new.
Since the series starts when the girls are 5, older readers might find it too young at first, but they should hang in there because the girls age quickly and the stories become more relevant.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Betsy, Tacy, and Tib use their imaginations in every game they play, how they turn a walk up a hill into a chance to fly above town. These girls have very little outside entertainment, and certainly no screens in the early 1900s. How do you think having TV, movies and apps changes the way you use your imagination?
Betsy, Tacy, and Tib have different personalities and face the world in different ways. How are you and your friends different? Do your differences make friendship easier or harder?
What other books are set in this time period? Do the characters act the same way as Betsy, Tacy and Tib, or are they different?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Lois Lenski
- Genre : Friendship
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperCollins Publishers
- Publication date : January 1, 1940
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 144
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : April 23, 2026
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