Marjorie Dean, High School Sophomore

by Josephine Chase

"Marjorie Dean, High School Sophomore" by Pauline Lester is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story continues the adventures of Marjorie Dean, now entering her sophomore year at Sanford High School, as she navigates friendships and new experiences, primarily focusing on her relationship with her friends, especially the newly arrived Mary Raymond and the familiar Constance Stevens. At the start of the book, Marjorie and Constance enjoy a day at the beach during their summer vacation, filled with laughter and swimming lessons. As Marjorie reflects on her past year and her friendship with Constance, she eagerly anticipates the return of her childhood friend Mary, who has been away due to her mother's illness. When Mary arrives, their reunion is joyous but becomes complicated by underlying jealousies and the dynamics of their friendships, particularly with Constance, who also feels the tensions as they all prepare to enter their new school year together. The opening sets the stage for themes of friendship, competition, and the challenges of adolescence as they navigate the social intricacies of high school life.