Oh how we love Betsy, Tacy, and Tib and all of their adventures! This book in the series was perfection, just like the others. I loved the storyline of the Syrian refugees living in Deep Valley, and it sparked many meaningful discussions with my daughter about immigration, religious persecution, and cultural differences. Very relevant for today even though it was written 75 years ago!

I don't think I can rate this properly because I moved straight on to the next book. I thought the Syrian neighborhood was well done but that it dragged on for a little too long.

(2016): The third Betsy/Tacy/Tib book had a good portion of the plot about the Syrian refugees who lived in Minnesota... keep in mind it was published in 1942 and is set in 1902:
"I'm glad Tib stood up for the little Syrian girl. Foreign people should not be treated like that. America is made up of foreign people."
And after the Syrians showed their pride in living in America: "Julia said soberly, 'They think a lot of being Americans, don't they?' 'They certainly do,' Katie answered. 'Boys like Sam ought to know more about them,' said Tib. Tib sometimes said very sensible things."
I think a good portion of modern America should read these sweet, true words written last century for children.
(2017): This is the first of the series that has a continuous plot throughout the whole book, instead of loosely-connected stories from chapter to chapter. Molly and I still laugh over "KOS - siiighhhh!"

Another great Betsy-Tacy book! This one features a community of Syrian immigrants, and there is a beautifully illustrated scene towards the end of the book that had me wiping away tears. I love how Maud Hart Lovelace chose to honor that community! So unexpected and touching.

I think this was my favorite in the series so far.

Betsy, Tacy, and Tib are so precious. I love their interactions with the people of Little Syria, and the realistic way their disagreement with Julia and Katie descended into a sisterly brawl. The solution to that fight almost made me tear up a little bit.

These might be the sweetest, most wholesome books in the world. I’m sad I didn’t get to read them when I was younger, but am so glad they found me now.

This one is so sweet! The sisters! The cultural exchange! Weep!

3.5 stars
The Betsy-Tacy books are a perennial delight. They are certainly “fluff” reads, but maintain a sense of whimsy and comfort and nostalgia that brings me a lot of joy.
Of the four main books, Over the Big Hill does feel like the weakest link to me, thus the lower rating. It’s the one I reread the least as a kid, mostly because the vignettes are not quite as interesting or funny as those in the other books.
While reading it aloud with my kids, I did appreciate the empathy-building scenes of working out sibling conflict, defending Naifi when she was bullied, and acceptance of other cultures.
Overall, a very pleasant book that my girls loved, but I personally wouldn’t return to it like I would the other Betsy-Tacy books.

I read the Betsy and Tacy books for the joy of it, and this one does not disappoint. The series is plainly not about people frozen in time. I mean, the period stays the same, but, as in really good books, the people change. Here, our heroines turn ten years old --- an important age that they've been anticipating since the last book. They become more self-conscious in that they begin to think independently about how they should behave at their "advanced age". As realistically narrated, they are unsuccessful in this foray into self awareness. They also become somewhat more adventurous and autonomous. They are certainly beginning to individuate albeit in the messy way that we all do. In this respect, a huge dispute develops with all the necessary irrationality and spitefulness and even --- yes --- violence. The weakness of this book is the sub-story of the Syrian town and its people. I think our dear Maud, who was probably hard as nails, could have done better than this sappy stuff.

I love that Lovelace wrote this series to connect with the reader at the same age as Tacy. While they aren't as engaging for an adult, this makes them a perfect read aloud. I'm re-reading them so that my girl and I can start reading the later books in the series.

Abbi and I enjoyed another fun adventure with Betsy, Tacy and Tib. Abbi was inspired to memorize the Queen of the May poem that Julia recites. I loved the message of acceptance and friendship in this story.

I think this has been my favorite of the series so far. I like that there is more continuity between the chapters as opposed to them being individual stories. I don’t think I’ve read any of the later books in the series and didn’t know they existed until I read the Mother Daughter bookclub series but I am excited to read the rest!

Oh this is a good one! I think Tib is back in Milwaukee...so B and Tacy find adventure on their own. (But wait--I think Tib is in this one? Why doesn't is she included in the title?) Anyway...expect surprising immigrant advocacy!