Carolyn Wells
Marjorie in Command
"Marjorie in Command" by Carolyn Wells is a children’s novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the Maynard family, particularly the young protagonist, Marjorie, and her three siblings, as they navigate the challenges of having their mother away for several weeks. With a new caregiver, Miss Larkin, stepping in, the children grapple with their varying levels of enthusiasm and respect for her authority while trying to maintain a sense of fun and mischief. At the start of the book, the Maynard children are in a state of distress as their mother prepares to leave for a trip, leaving them in the care of Miss Larkin, whom they find comically unfit to handle their youthful exuberance. The opening chapters depict their humorous protests, conversations about obedience, and preparations to welcome their new caregiver with a decoratively chaotic room full of flowers. Their initial interactions with Miss Larkin set the tone for a mix of comedy, familial love, and the struggles of growing up, as the siblings grapple with their emotions and the dynamics of responsibility while managing their mischievous identities.