Janet Aldridge
The Meadow-Brook Girls on the Tennis Courts; Or, Winning Out in the Big Tournament
"The Meadow-Brook Girls on the Tennis Courts; Or, Winning Out in the Big Tournament" by Janet Aldridge is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a group of adventurous girls known as the Meadow-Brook Girls as they embark on a summer camp experience filled with excitement and challenges, particularly as they prepare for an unexpected tennis tournament. The main character, Harriet Burrell, along with her friends, navigates new terrains and athletic challenges, including tennis, as they aim to prove their skills and win the championship. At the start of the narrative, the Meadow-Brook Girls are camping in a less-than-ideal location and feeling restless for some excitement. During a light-hearted conversation among the girls and their guardian, they begin to suspect the presence of strangers nearby after spotting smoke signals. The situation takes a turn when boys from the Tramp Club reveal that they are nearby and have surprising news—they have entered the girls into a prestigious tennis tournament despite their lack of experience in the sport. Initially thrown off by the unexpected challenge, the girls cautiously embrace the idea of training for tennis, leading to a blend of humor and determination as they aim to prove themselves on the courts.