| Title | : | Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown (Betsy-Tacy, #4) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0064400980 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780064400985 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 224 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 1943 |
Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown (Betsy-Tacy, #4) Reviews
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I continue to be amazed at how much I've been enjoying this series on this long-overdue rereading of it. I feel like I know the characters so well, but I found I didn't remember the incidents at all, so it all felt fresh and delightful. My favorite part of this particular book was the Christmas shopping chapter, but I also was very amused at the part when Betsy Tacy and Tib attempt to hypnotize Winona. I'm not particularly a fan of Lois Lenski's illustrations, which I find blocky and wooden (and writing this, I realize that this probably contributed to a false impression on my first reading that the text was correspondingly wooden). However, the picture of the three girls staring at Winona is hilarious.
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9/2012 Six stars. Ninety-six stars. Down Town is my favorite of the first four books and ranks near my favorites in the series entire. I'm prissy about my copy, which is, in fact titled Down Town. None of this namby-pamby Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown stuff. Nope, just Down Town, because like Winona, I like to go in doors marked "Private, Keep Out."
There are so many good stories twining though this book- Mrs. Poppy's, of course. We meet Miss Sparrow here, the librarian who gets so many great lines ("Tom Sawyer- classic- going to be!") and we learn some things about Mrs. Ray's childhood. The Christmas shopping trip! The bobsled, where we first meet Betsy's trick ankle. What fun these people have, and how they love each other.
And did you ever notice how in this book Lovelace draws attention to Margaret's thick and lovely eyelashes?
12/2009 This is my favorite of the pre-high-school Betsy-Tacy books. Among the BT cognoscenti, whole weeks have been devoted to debating which books in the series are the best. This does sometimes devolve into name-calling and braid-tugging, but generally Down Town ranks near the top.
The girls are 12 and they don't quite fit anywhere- not with Julia and Katie who are being walked home from school by boys, and not with Margaret and Freddie who are rioting through the streets shouting. They want to be one or the other but they can't quite decide which. Their parents are becoming more interesting, with backstories of their own- but at the same time less central to the lives of the girls. Betsy is developing some of that tender empathy which will both help her and break her heart in future books. Tacy is settling into her role as champion and cheerleader and Tib... is just like Tib, forever and ever, amen.
The lost uncle plotline makes me weep as hard as the Ladies Home Journal story in teeny-tiny writing makes me laugh. -
I think that Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown may be my favorite book yet, in Maud Hart Lovelace's series of children's novels devoted to the adventures of three young girls growing up in late nineteenth and early twentieth-century Minnesota. Now twelve years old, Betsy, Tacy and Tib find their horizons expanding, as they venture into town on their own, see a horseless carriage for the first time, attend a thrilling performance of
Uncle Tom's Cabin at the Opera House, and (in Betsy's case) discover the joys of the new Carnegie Library.
The girls find a new playmate in Winona Root, the sometimes exasperating daughter of Deep Valley's newspaper editor, and a true friend in plump Mrs. Poppy, who gives them a lovely Christmas party. But the most thrilling experience of all comes when they are chosen to participate in a performance of
Rip Van Winkle, and make a surprise discovery with implications for Betsy's family...
Like some other reviewers who first read this as an adult, I was able to guess all the developments well in advance. But somehow, the pleasure of "discovery" was in no way diminished - a testament to Lovelace's immense skill as a storyteller. I enjoyed all the adventures chronicled herein, particularly the Christmas "shopping" expedition, and was charmed to follow Betsy's growth as an author. I laughed over her attempted sentimental novel, The Repentance of Lady Clinton, and thrilled to her first success, with the publication of the poem, The Curtain Goes Up. As Lovelace observes at the close of this entertaining and heartwarming story, the curtain is going up on the girls' adolescence, and I, for one, am looking forward to watching it! -
We’ve really enjoyed the first four books of the Betsy-Tacy series. They’re funny and sweet and show life from a different time. This one was no exception, but it’s the one I’ve liked the least in the series. I can’t really put my finger on it, but it just seemed to be lacking in the charm the other books have.
Here’s what I loved though: the girls trying to hypnotize Winona with their eyes was hilarious, and I loved Betsy’s first trip to the library and how her parents encouraged her budding writing talents by making her a desk and enabling her to read quality books. We also liked seeing the town’s reaction to the first “horseless carriage”.
What I really didn’t love was the book’s treatment of Mrs. Poppy, the wife of the town’s rich hotel owner. She is portrayed as being kind and generous which is great, but the author goes out of her way to point out repeatedly how large this woman is. She’s based on a real person (my copy has photos of the real inspiration for the character), and I imagine that was painful to read herself described that way so often. Here are a few direct quotes:
“Although she was so large, Mrs. Poppy looked young after her hat was removed.”
“In spite of her weight Mrs. Poppy danced lightly, with a skill that fascinated Tib.”
Is it really necessary to speak so negatively about her? I would rather have the author focus on Mrs. Poppy’s generosity and kindness because she sounds like a delightful person. Her weight has absolutely nothing to do with the story. I don’t want my daughter hearing that her weight was all that mattered about her. Thankfully this was a read aloud, not audiobook, so I just edited that wording out on the fly.
There are also mentions of people using black face in plays but it’s not shown. And Betsy writes a weird story about a decapitated girl walking around holding her head in her hand. It’s supposed to be so-bad-it’s-funny, but it just came out sounding creepy and weird.
Anyway, this was an okay book but with a lot of caveats. The rest of the books in this series are when the girls are in their teens and young adult years, so we’ll be stopping here. -
Really loved a lot about this one, such as how Betsy's parents encouraged her toward reading better books and the way Tacy and Tib supported her and how they broadened their friend group.
The hypnotizing part wasn't my favorite and I don't know that my kids understood it at all. I forgot about the blackface mention until I read the reviews, since it was so brief and I skipped over it when reading aloud. Still, it's an unfortunate part of history. -
I just finished the fourth Betsy-Tacy book, Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown, and I'm all teary. It was so good! Probably my favorite of the series so far. There were so many lovely parts - the horseless carriage; Betsy, Tacy and Tib trying to hypnotize Winona by staring at her all day (that made me laugh out loud); Betsy getting the writing desk from her mother; her magical first trip to the new library; Betsy's story of poor Flossie (another part that made me laugh); the girls' Christmas shopping trip with their dimes. And of course the reunion with Uncle Keith at the end. I loooved Mrs. Poppy. What a wonderful character. The whole book was just so fun and sweet and special. :)
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This wonderful children's/young adult series makes me nostalgic for the childhood I never had.
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This ode to books and love letter to libraries opens with a crisis. Betsy has read all of the books in her house. What is an aspiring writer to do? She borrows some scandalous dime novels and Tacy follows Betsy’s example, with disastrous results (a wink and a smile to fellow fans of Victorian sensation novels):
“You remember,” she said, “Rena loaned me
Lady Audley's Secret. Well, Papa found it.” Tacy began to sob. “Papa said he was amazed and astounded. He said he thought he had brought us up to appreciate good literature. He said there was a set of Dickens in the house, and Shakespeare, and Father Finn, and how did a child of his happen to be reading trash?”
“Trash!” cried Betsy. “I’m trying to write books just like it.”
The very first library in town finally opens and saves Betsy’s literary life.
She tried to act as though it were nothing to go to the library alone. But her happiness betrayed her. Her smile could not be restrained, and it spread from her tightly pressed mouth, to her round cheeks, almost to the hair ribbons tied in perky bows over her ears…. She seated herself in the chair nearest the fire, piled the books beside her and opened
Tanglewood Tales. But she did not start to read at once. Before she began she smiled at the fire, she smiled at her books, she smiled broadly all around the room. Betsy…opened her book and forgot the world again.
The literary references throughout are charming. There’s even a reference to “a new song called The Rosary”, of
The Rosary fame. Betsy’s passion for books of all sorts makes her a kindred spirit indeed.
My only disappointment in this book is the unexplained absence of their friend Naifi and the lovely Syrian community, all of whom we met in the previous book. Such a lovely series! -
I loved this book when I was growing up and read it many, many times. I always wanted to write stories like Betsy did.
3/10/20: While sorting through storage bins in the garage, I came across this childhood favorite. It's the only book in the Betsy and Tacy series I ever read and as far I'm concerned that's fine with me. It was an absolute perfect book for this born reader and writer-wannabe. I loved Betsy. I knew exactly how she felt making her first trip to the town's brand new Carnegie library. I still remember my mom taking me to ours and how excited I was to get my first library card (with a metal piece in it and the ka-chunk noise the machine made when the card was used to check out books). I, too, had little notebooks in which I wrote miniature stories. For me, it was mysteries featuring the "Crime Club"--a group of friends not too unlike Trixie Belden and her Bob Whites. Unlike Betsy, I did not shove them in the fire and move on to writing classic-like stories. But I have no idea what happened to those little notebooks with "The Diamond Bracelet Mystery" and others in them...
There are so many things to like about this book. The friendship between Betsy and Tacy and Tib. The way they try to hypnotize Winona Root into taking them to the theater and the friendship that develops thereafter. Winona's surprise for Betsy and her poem. Tib's ride in the town's first-ever horseless carriage. Mrs. Poppy, her quest to belong in her new town, and the heart-warming surprise she makes happen for Betsy and her family. The girls' Christmas shopping trip. The Christmas traditions of Betsy's family. And--Betsy's love of books and story-telling. A truly heart-warming book that was just as much fun to read as an adult as it was when I was young.
First posted on my blog
My Reader's Block. -
This is the last of the "younger" Betsy books, taking us to turn of the century Minnesota, horse-less carriages, and many wonderful new friends. BTGD introduces us to Winona Root, Mrs. Poppy, and some of the places and items we will know and love in the "high school" books. A wonderful look at the transition into adolecense. We also read about the tradition of the annual christmas shopping trip that Betsy and Tacy take together. On a personal note, this is a tradition that my sisters and I do every year in honor of the books and it's a blast.
The Betsy-Tacy books were highly autobiographical and Lovelace perfectly captures the innocence and magic of childhood. If you read this book and love it, please read the series. It will be books that you will never forget as long as you live. I also recommend the "Betsy-Tacy Companion" which is an amazing book that disects each book and compares it to it's real-life counterparts, including pictures of the "real" Betsy, Tacy, Tib and all the gang.
I had the pleasure of visiting "Deep Valley" (aka Mankato, Minnesota) for a Betsy-Tacy convention back in 1996. It was incredible to step back in time and enter Betsy's world. We toured the city and I was actually able to step foot in "Tacy's" bedroom and sit on the famous bench at the top of the big hill. It was truly a life-altering experience. I have to thank my sister, Julie for introducting these books to me and changing my life.
It's obvious how much these books mean to me. My first born child was named Tacy Kelly Maloy. Please read and enjoy. They are a treasure! -
Once again, this fourth book in the Betsy-Tacy series is well written and full of emotionally lovely moments. As an adult reading it for the first time, I saw the story lines coming from a million miles away but I thoroughly enjoyed them anyway. Some of the more old-fashioned stuff such as the furs and performance of the play Uncle Tom’s Cabin (the latter of which I’m sure was ahead for its time) rubbed me slightly the wrong way, and I’d have loved to hear more about the new library and Betsy’s library books, but I loved the parts about Mrs. Poppy and, as usual, everything about the friendships of the girls. These books are a real pleasure. The next two: Heaven to Betsy and Betsy in Spite of Herself, which I’ll read next, are the only two I read when I was young, at least I’m reasonably sure that I did; I’m eager to find out what I remember from them.
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Sooo did Uncle Keith go fight for the socialists in Spain?
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Another fun filled entry in the series!
This time around, the girls attend an incredibly racist performance of
Uncle Tom's Cabin, and befriend a lonely former actress. Winter frolics abound with sledding, and a merry Christmas celebration, AND Betsy begins to take her writing (and reading) more seriously.
Looking forward to number five. -
I'm in a horrible reading slump. I'm just going to admit that I'm not going to finish this book. The books were getting less and less sweet as they went on. I didn't care for some of the things in this story.
I might finish it someday. -
Loving this series! Pretty sure I didn't choke up last time I read it...
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Loved the chapter on Betsy's first solo expedition downtown to the new library!
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Happy Birthday to Maud, Happy Birthday to Me.
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The story is about two little girls growing up in Minnesota at the turn of the century, a time when cars and telephones were new and exciting inventions. The book opens with references to Lady Audley’s Secret and contains many delightful allusions to books throughout its pages.
Twelve year old Betsy is an aspiring writer. Unfortunately she’s been influenced by sensational and melodramatic novels and is writing stories with similar themes (“Lady Gwendolyn’s Sin”). Betsy’s mother and father handle this problem with gentleness and sensitivity. Instead of condemning her, her father gives her a library card and 15 cents for lunch so that she can spend all day Saturday in town, reading the classics. Her trips to town open up a new world to her.
Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown is a book about simple pleasures and great kindnesses. With its references to classic books, it’s good writing, and it’s pleasant tone, I (who am 52 years old) found it hard to put down. -
My Evelyn says, "This is a really, really good book and I wish it had never ended....or any other of these books, either. I wish they never ended!"
This may be my favorite one so far in this series. The adventures of Betsy, Tacy and Tib (and their new friend Winona!) get a little more exciting with each book. Still very simple, these stories continue to delight and entertain us. So happy to be reading these with my daughter as I didn't read them myself as a child. -
This fourth book features Betsy going downtown by herself, to go to the library and have a meal by herself in a restaurant. I think every girl of twelve would feel quite grown up and excited by this. I also love the Christmas "shopping." I definitely remember picking out what I would buy if I could. I think we all still have fun with this!
I do wish there had been more about the library, actually. How did she get all her books home--they could check out so many at once. Did she explore the stacks beyond the children's room? How did she really feel about all those classics? -
I am loving all these books! I somehow missed out on reading them as a kid and now I'm finding in them the perfect summer reading experience for an old-fashioned grown-up girl like me. Lovelace was such a fabulous writer. My reader's heart loves all these characters, and as a mom reading these books I aspire to be just like Betsy's mom. I hope to share these books with my three daughters so they can grow up with Betsy and Tacy.
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These books are excellent.
Yes. They are dated. There are references to theatrical practices that have thankfully gone away.
However, these books are so matter-of-fact to the heart of how girls grow up. Stripped of technology and peer pressure and too-busy-ness of the present day, this is how it is to be twelve.
My daughter would adore the library day (me too) that Betsy has. It's magic.
Just read them and judge for yourself. -
I love this book! I read it when I was a little girl, and it has always stuck with me. The descriptions of life in 1905, the way Betsy wants to be a writer, the trunk, the new Carnegie Library downtown, the way she read and ...just everything. It is such a cozy book. It played a part in many of my dreams...including for a short time being a Children's Librarian in a Carnegie Library !!
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4.5
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I saw this coming from a million miles away but I don't CARE it was actually so heartwarming
(also the song My Rosary got mentioned and I find it funny) -
Jolly good. SUPER happy ending. Everything really went right. Love it!
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Once again, Betsy and Tacy exceeded expectations!
In what I would call the final installment of the “childhood” portion of this series, “Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown” – the girls are now 12 years old and, according to them, “all grown up.”
Their escapades continue – riding in a horseless carriage (a car!), beguiling their new friend, Winona, going to the theatre, befriending an unexpected companion, acting on stage and discovering a long, lost relative!
So many things to adore in this book! For those who love the theatre (a paramount requirement in our family!) there are several chapters on that theme. Do you enjoy Christmas traditions? A chapter on that. A love of the library and all things literary? Betsy is euphoric when she is allowed to go the library ALONE every other Saturday. She also blossoms into a poet and writer. The relationship between Mrs. Poppy and Betsy is one of particular importance. It shows how mercy and compassion can transcend the difference between age, cultural upbringing and social status. A sweet, sweet book. If you read only one Betsy book this is the one to read.
My daughter’s favorite part: “…acting on stage! I want to do that when I grow up!” She is a closet theatre geek – she’s been going to theatre since she was 4. Her first musical, Annie. I hope she will audition some day!
Our mother/daughter book group meets tomorrow night for our discussion. This is the final Betsy Tacy book for us. We will be picking a new series/author/theme for March.
Any good ideas/recommendations?? And something short? March is Spring Break! -
I needed to visit downtown Deep Valley last night and take that first horseless carriage ride with the lovable Poppys and Tib. Also, I just crack up when the trio try to hypnotize Winona to try to get her to take them to see Uncle Tom's Cabin. Then to find out that she wanted to take them all along...so sweet. I love when they go to the oprea house and they are full of all that excitement of uninhibited childhood.
This is my favorite in the series. I love Betsy's first trip to the new library where she sits in front of the cozy fire. I love the wisdom from her parents about how she should read classic books to become a good writer. I love all the snow scenes and the bobsled party. Love Mrs. Poppy. I like the age of the girls in this one; they are 12 so though they play with dolls, they only do so when sick. They are still little girls but they are growing up. I love their friendships and how they encourage each other....sending Betsy's story off to Lady's Home Journal.
Ohh and I do love the Christmas in this one and how the entire Ray family is excited for little Margaret to get her little doll that says "mama" if it's squeezed.
Sigh....I wish I could jump into this book and be their friend. -
I've never read a Betsy-Tacy book, though I have several friends who are fans. And normally, OCD me would never start a series without starting at #1 but this book, the fourth in the series, is one of my Literary Map of the United States books. I enjoyed it so much that I almost stopped reading very early on, in order to go and get the first three books from the library before continuing. But I have a lot of reading goals this year, so I opted to just continue with book four and try and get back to the rest of the series "someday". Deep Valley is based on Mankato, Minnesota, a town I'm familiar with due to the Little House series. The book covers several adventures of 12yo Betsy and her best friends Tacy and Tib (which makes me wonder why the series isn't the Betsy-Tacy-Tib series?), mainly focused around the town's Opera House and a few plays that come through town. It was a delightful young readers book with lots of incidents that made me smile. As far as the Literary Map of the U.S. goes, I thought the descriptions of the town, the people, and events, were all very well done and really put me there in small town Minnesota.
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And now these feel like novels, more like I remember them reading. Although, oddly, I don't specifically recall reading this one. Bits felt familiar, like with her uncle, and Margaret's doll, but the rest not. How odd.
Anyway, I loved it. I loved the girls growing up, and how so many fewer of Tib's lines had the tag, "Of course Tib would say that." 'Bout time we were allowed to know Tib without author intrusion. I also loved all the winter scenes, and Christmas, and Christmas shopping. How do I not remember Christmas shopping?? That was lovely.
Mrs. Ray is possibly my favorite secondary character - she'sa neat person and a wonderful mother. I didn't recall Winona at all, and I'm not too sure I like her very much at all. I skipped over Winona's Pony Cart, but I may jump back to read it, or at least skim it.
Meanwhile, I think I need to track down this book to own.
(8-08)
2020: I had such fun reading the Christmas chapter for Dial-A-Story!!
