Subject
Schools -- England -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Bertram Mitford
Haviland's Chum
"Haviland's Chum" by Bertram Mitford is a novel written in the late 19th century. Set in the context of an English boys’ school, the story revolves around the experiences of Haviland, a prefect, and his interactions with a new classmate, Mpukuza, an African boy from the Zulu nation. The narrative explores themes of bullying, friendship, and cultural differences within the camaraderie and rivalries typical of school life during that period. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to Haviland as he intervenes to protect Mpukuza from bullying by a group of boys at their school, Saint Kirwin's. Mpukuza, who is mocked for being different, slowly fits into the school environment, especially after Haviland's support. The school culture is depicted vividly, highlighting the dynamics between boys and the authority of prefects. The narrative is marked by Haviland's internal struggles with school authority and his eagerness for adventure, while Mpukuza brings a unique perspective into this boys’ world, revealing both the challenges faced by the new boy and the beginnings of a promising friendship between him and Haviland.
Angela Brazil
A Fourth Form Friendship: A School Story
"A Fourth Form Friendship: A School Story" by Angela Brazil is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story appears to revolve around Aldred Laurence, a spirited and talented girl eager to begin her school life at Birkwood Grange, navigating her new environment alongside her brother Keith and a variety of friends and classmates. The narrative likely explores themes of friendship, ambition, and the challenges of school life from the perspective of young girls. The opening of the book introduces Aldred as she prepares to sketch a picturesque cottage, showcasing her artistic aspirations and playful relationship with her brother. Although excited about her future at school, Aldred grapples with insecurities and the realities of sibling dynamics. As she begins her journey into a new chapter at Birkwood Grange, readers are introduced to a lively cast of characters and the challenges Aldred faces in earning friendship and admiration among her peers, setting the stage for her experiences and growth in the story.
F. S. (Frederick Sadleir) Brereton
King of Ranleigh: A School Story
"King of Ranleigh: A School Story" by Captain F. S. Brereton is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. This coming-of-age tale follows Clive Darrell, a spirited young boy navigating the trials of boyhood and school life as he embarks on a journey to the fictional Ranleigh school. The story introduces themes of friendship, rivalry, and adventure, particularly through the interactions between Clive and his friends Hugh and Bert as they confront the bullying presence of a newcomer, Rawlings. The opening of the novel establishes Clive and his friends in a workshop where they are busy planning revenge against Rawlings, who has ordered them off a path that was once part of their home. Clive's inventive spirit shines when he devises a humorous trap to embarrass Rawlings, leading to a series of misadventures. As Clive prepares to leave for Ranleigh, excitement and anxiety mix, and he looks forward to a new life at school, hoping for camaraderie and opportunity amidst the backdrop of looming conflicts with his rivals. The chapter sets the tone for the adventures and challenges that will unfold as Clive and his friends settle into their new environment.
Angela Brazil
A Fortunate Term
"A Fortunate Term" by Angela Brazil is a novel written in the early 20th century, reflecting the experiences of schoolgirls in a private educational setting. The story centers on two sisters, Mavis and Merle Ramsay, as they transition from their home in the industrial town of Whinburn to a more idyllic setting in Durracombe, Devonshire, where they hope to improve Mavis's health and enjoy their time at a new school. At the start of the novel, Mavis is confined to her bed due to a winter illness, while her sister Merle brings home tales of their school experiences filled with mischief and the harsh realities of their current environment. Mavis yearns for the warmer climate of Devon, where she hopes to recover and flourish. Their mother, in an optimistic effort, has arranged for them to attend school in Durracombe, filled with excitement and hope for a "fortunate term." The initial chapters present the sisters' personalities—Mavis as the more delicate and thoughtful one, and Merle as the lively and impulsive character—and introduce their challenges as they adapt to new friends, potential rivalries, and the school dynamic.
Angela Brazil
A Pair of Schoolgirls: A Story of School Days
"A Pair of Schoolgirls: A Story of School Days" by Angela Brazil is a fictional narrative set in the late 19th century, focusing on the experiences of schoolgirls at a day college. The story revolves around the character Dorothy Greenfield, who is eager to take part in the school elections and is navigating her social position and friendships within the school environment. The book likely explores themes of friendship, ambition, rivalry, and the challenges of growing up within a school community. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Avondale College on the first day of the autumn term. The excitement is palpable as the students gather to hear about the upcoming election for the "Warden of the Lower School." Dorothy, one of the candidates, is filled with hopes for the position, setting the stage for her ambitions and the competitive atmosphere among her peers. As she canvasses for votes, we learn about her personality, including her determination and pride, as well as her complex feelings of self-worth related to her unknown family background. Dorothy’s character is quickly established as she engages with her classmates, experiences rivalry with others, and faces the reality of both friendship and social standing in her quest for acceptance and recognition within the school.
Angela Brazil
For the School Colours
"For the School Colours" by Angela Brazil is a novel written in the early 20th century, most likely during the time when school stories for girls were popular. The narrative revolves around Avelyn Watson, a new girl at Silverside, a boarding school that finds itself struggling with the influx of students from a rival school, The Hawthorns. Striking a note of school dynamics, friendship, and competition, the story explores how Avelyn and her classmates navigate their changing social landscape. The opening of the book introduces us to the tumultuous atmosphere at Silverside as the existing boarders express their discontent about the arrival of their new classmates from The Hawthorns. In the first chapter, Avelyn is introduced as she enters her new dormitory, where she is confronted with the tension between established boarders and the newcomers. The existing students, particularly Laura and Irma, voice their outrage over the unexpected changes, leading to a sense of rivalry and the establishment of group identities. As the story unfolds, the dynamics of this rivalry promise to create a rich backdrop for Avelyn’s personal journey in this new environment, emphasizing themes of belonging, loyalty, and the clash of traditions.
Hylton Cleaver
Captains of Harley: A School Story
"Captains of Harley: A School Story" by Hylton Cleaver is a school novel likely written in the early 20th century." The story centers around the experiences of boys at Harley School as they navigate friendship, sports, and the challenges of growing up. Key characters introduced include the wiry boy in the corner, Bobbie Carr, and the humorous yet enigmatic Rouse, who aspires to be the captain of the rugby team. "The opening of the story introduces Bobbie Carr as he observes a chaotic send-off at the train station, highlighting the contrasting experiences of different boys." As he boards the train to Harley School, he encounters Arthur, a fat boy in distress over his misplaced ticket, and the clever Rouse, who playfully concocts a plan to help him despite its absurdity. The chapter sets the tone for the reader, showcasing comedic interactions, the camaraderie among the boys, and the social dynamics that will unfold at the school.
Henry Wood
Orville College: A Story
"Orville College: A Story" by Mrs. Henry Wood is a novel written in the mid-19th century that explores the lives of boys at a private college and the complexities of their relationships. The story is centered around the characters of the students, particularly focusing on Dick Loftus, his brothers, and a new boy named George Paradyne, as they navigate the challenges of academia, peer pressures, and personal conflicts amidst a backdrop of societal expectations and family histories. The opening of the novel sets the stage at Orville College, illustrating a bustling return from holidays as boys arrive in various ways -- by carriage, cab, or train. The headmaster, Dr. Brabazon, is presented as welcoming and personable, contrasting with some of the students' more prideful and mischievous natures. As the boys gather, we see different personalities emerge, including Loftus, who showcases an inflated sense of self-importance, and the kind-hearted but troubled Dick. The narrative introduces the tension building around a mysterious shooting incident involving a student, James Talbot, which casts a shadow on the beginning of the term and hints at deeper conflicts involving family names and reputations. The groundwork for interpersonal drama is established, suggesting a rich exploration of themes of innocence, guilt, and the legacy of one’s lineage.
Angela Brazil
The Fortunes of Philippa: A School Story
"The Fortunes of Philippa: A School Story" by Angela Brazil is a fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a young girl named Philippa, who is sent away from her idyllic home in South America to live in England and attend school. The novel explores her journey of adaptation and growth as she navigates the challenges of leaving her father and her familiar life behind. At the start of the tale, Philippa faces the emotional turmoil of leaving her South American home, a place she has known as paradise, to move to a foreign land filled with strange customs and companions. Her father, the British Consul, believes it is time for her to attend school in England to receive a proper education and mix with other children. As she embarks on her journey, she grapples with feelings of homesickness but resolves to embrace the new experiences that await her, setting the stage for her adventures in adaptation, friendship, and school life. The opening establishes both her character's background and her longing for connection as she transitions into a new world.
Horace Annesley Vachell
The Hill: A Romance of Friendship
"The Hill: A Romance of Friendship" by Horace Annesley Vachell is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book follows the life of John Verney as he navigates his new beginnings at Harrow School, a prestigious British institution steeped in tradition. Through the lens of friendship and rivalry, it explores themes of youth, identity, and the challenges of adapting to a new environment, particularly focusing on John's relationships with his classmates, including the charming Desmond and the enigmatic Scaife. The opening of the novel introduces young John Verney as he arrives at Harrow, accompanied by his uncle, who offers him words of encouragement amidst his feelings of apprehension and homesickness. As the train departs, John reflects on the impending changes in his life and the excitement of boarding at the elite Manor house, despite its recent decline under the watch of the unpopular housemaster, Rutford. John’s initial encounters with other boys set the stage for the complex dynamics of friendship, as he navigates the social hierarchies of school life while yearning for acceptance and camaraderie amidst both support and rivalry from his peers. The narration paints a vivid picture of the youthful spirit and the bittersweet essence of growing up.
Horace Annesley Vachell
The Hill: A Romance of Friendship
"The Hill: A Romance of Friendship" by Horace Annesley Vachell is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story captures the experiences of young John Verney as he navigates the complexities of friendship and school life at Harrow. The narrative explores themes of camaraderie, personal growth, and the contrasts between ambition and reality. The opening of the book introduces John Verney, who is about to begin his journey at Harrow School. As he arrives, he reflects on the weight of expectation and the inheritance of family legacy through his uncle, a renowned explorer. John is both excited and apprehensive as he is thrust into this new environment, which he associates with potential and challenge. Early encounters establish his social dynamics at the school, highlighting his interactions with characters like Scaife, a charismatic yet ominous figure, and Desmond, who becomes an object of admiration for John. The foundation is set for the exploration of friendship and rivalry within the compelling atmosphere of Harrow.
Christine Chaundler
Just Gerry
"Just Gerry" by Christine Chaundler is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Geraldine Wilmott, a shy and nervous girl, as she navigates her first term at boarding school, Wakehurst Priory. As she tries to fit in, she faces challenges from her peers, particularly from Phyllis Tressider and Dorothy Pemberton, who seem to take issue with the new girl's presence in what they consider their cubicle. At the start of the story, Geraldine arrives at her dormitory cubicle and feels both nervous and hopeful about her time at the school. She is introduced to the dynamics of her new environment, including the teasing and challenges posed by her classmates, as well as her own deep shyness and fear of making friends. After an awkward encounter with Phyllis, Geraldine begins to uncover the complexities of school life, including cliques and potential adversaries. The opening sets a foundation for Geraldine's journey as she struggles to cope with her insecurities, make friends, and deal with the pressures of fitting into her new school community.
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