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Betsy in Spite of HerselfMaud Hart Lovelace

Children's fiction

Betsy in Spite of Herself

by Maud Hart Lovelace

Book 6 of the Betsy-Tacy series

352 pages · First published 1946

During her sophomore year at Deep Valley High, Betsy Ray decides that the ordinary version of herself is not interesting enough. A visit to her friend Tib in Milwaukee inspires a deliberate reinvention, complete with new mannerisms and an attempt to become mysterious and sophisticated. School activities, friendships, and her continuing interest in Joe Willard make the performance increasingly difficult to sustain. Maud Hart Lovelace’s sixth Betsy-Tacy novel is a warm coming-of-age story about adolescence, self-consciousness, and the discovery that becoming more fully yourself works better than trying to manufacture someone more impressive.

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Blueberry Lemon Fizz + Manhattan

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At a glance

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Spice1 of 5
Suspense1 of 5
Creepy0 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Teenage insecurity and pressure to reinvent oneself; romantic jealousy and disappointment; period social expectations; mild kissing-level romance.

Alcohol-Free Pour

Blueberry Lemon Fizz

A bright, refreshing sip suits a lively, lighthearted reading mood.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Muddle blueberries with lemon juice and honey syrup. Add ice, top with sparkling water, and stir gently.
  2. Garnish: Blueberries and lemon wheel.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Manhattan

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

A warming pour with a sharp edge suits a lively, lighthearted reading mood.

What you'll need

  • 2 oz rye whiskey
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes aromatic bitters
  • Ice

Alcohol-shopping links are not shown on children's or young-adult book pages.

How to mix it

  1. Stir with ice until chilled and strain into a chilled coupe.
  2. Garnish: Cocktail cherry or orange twist.
  3. Glassware: Coupe.

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