The Education of Bet
on Goodreads (1,569)
What’s inside...
When Will and Bet were four, tragic circumstances brought them to the same house, to be raised by a wealthy gentleman as brother and sister. Now sixteen, they've both enjoyed a privileged upbringing thus far. But not all is well in their household. Because she's a girl, Bet's world is contained within the walls of their grand home, her education limited to the rudiments of reading, writing, arithmetic, and sewing. Will's world is much larger. He is allowed-forced, in his case-to go to school. Neither is happy. So Bet comes up with a plan and persuades Will to give it a try: They'll switch places. She'll go to school as Will. Will can live as he chooses. But once Bet gets to school, she soon realizes living as a boy is going to be much more difficult than she imagined.
Age
11-12
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Elizabeth 'Bet' Smith
Will Gardener
Crispin
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Bet to disguise herself and pursue an education? How would you feel in her situation?
How do relationships in the book change as the characters grow and learn? Can you think of any personal experiences where learning something new changed your perspective?
What challenges does Bet face and how does she overcome them? Have you ever faced a difficult situation and how did you handle it?
What do you think about the different roles expected of men and women as shown in the book? How do these roles compare to today’s society?
How important is it to pursue your dreams and challenge societal norms according to the story? Can you think of a dream you want to pursue?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Bet's shoes while discussing her decisions and feelings. This fosters empathy and deeper understanding.
Highlight the historical context of the story, explaining how gender roles and educational opportunities were different in the past, to enrich the conversation.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and learning as demonstrated by Bet, relating these themes to your child’s current educational experiences.
Use examples from the book to discuss the consequences of dishonesty and the moral dilemmas Bet faces, prompting your child to consider what they would have done in her position.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and opinions about the story, even if they differ from their own, to promote critical thinking and self-expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: In 'The Education of Bet,' the protagonist Bet disguises herself as a boy to access educational opportunities denied to her because of her gender. Her determination and persistence in overcoming obstacles highlight the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist in their educational pursuits and personal goals, despite challenges or setbacks.
Example Lesson: Challenging gender roles
Explanation: Bet challenges the traditional gender roles of her time by seeking the same education as her male counterpart. This act demonstrates the importance of questioning societal norms and advocating for equality.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and question gender stereotypes and understand the importance of equality in all aspects of life.
Example Lesson: The value of education
Explanation: Bet's efforts to obtain an education underscore the transformative power of learning. The story conveys that education is a pathway to personal growth and empowerment.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate their educational opportunities and to use learning as a tool for personal and community improvement.
Example Lesson: Integrity and honesty
Explanation: While Bet initially deceives others by disguising herself, she ultimately learns the importance of honesty and being true to oneself. This shift highlights the moral implications of her decisions.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value honesty and integrity in their actions and relationships, recognizing that these qualities lead to trust and respect from others.