Betsy Was a Junior & Betsy and Joe

By Maud HartLovelace

In this volume, Betsy Ray continues her journey in high school with the Crowd. Tib, Betsy’s childhood friend, moves back to Deep Valley and the parties begin anew. But this year Betsy has a lot to learn about people. Phyllis, Phil’s twin sister, has entered the picture with Joe Willard at her beck and call. Julia is leaving for the university and Betsy is feeling responsible for filling the empty shoes at home. She is going to take piano lessons and head up a committee at school, and of course, win the beloved essay contest. However, this doesn’t all take place as neatly as Betsy plans. Her popularity is tested when she forms a questionable sorority at Deep Valley High School and her writing suffers along with her grades.

As senior year begins, changes are in the air for the Crowd. Betsy is torn between two loves, Joe and Tony, as Tony begins to court her in earnest. Julia goes to Europe and Tacy falls in love. It seems as if the Crowd is going their separate ways and nothing will be the same.

These books are so delightful and entertaining. It is history living in the current day as the events and culture are described in such detail. You will find yourself totally enveloped in life in Minnesota and the warm and loving Ray home. You will believe there is “nothing new under the sun.”

Read another review of Maud HartLovelace’s books.