Subject
Women college students -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Cleo F. Garis
The Orchard Secret Arden Blake Mystery Series #1
"The Orchard Secret" by Cleo F. Garis is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The book centers around three college freshmen, Arden Blake, Terry Landry, and Sim Westover, as they embark on their new lives at Cedar Ridge College. The narrative introduces a mysterious orchard on campus and hints at strange occurrences and a deeper secret, setting the stage for the girls' adventures and challenges as they navigate college life and their unexpected encounters with danger. The opening of the story follows Arden, Terry, and Sim as they arrive at Cedar Ridge College, eagerly anticipating their new experiences. Soon after their arrival, a taxi driver warns them about the orchard, claiming that "queer things" happen there. As the girls explore their surroundings, they learn the swimming pool has been repurposed for storage, disappointing their hopes for recreation. Following a series of light-hearted interactions and the exploration of their shared dorm room, they find themselves embroiled in the freshmen hazing rituals led by the sophomores, which includes a daunting task of gathering perfect apples from the orchard. As they begin this mission, they encounter a shocking discovery that hints at the hidden dangers lurking within the seemingly serene college grounds.
Margaret T. Van Epps
Nancy Pembroke in Nova Scotia
"Nancy Pembroke in Nova Scotia" by Margaret T. Van Epps is a novel written in the early 20th century. This installment in the Nancy Pembroke series follows the main character, Nancy Pembroke, as she embarks on a summer adventure filled with friendship, personal growth, and travel to Nova Scotia. The narrative explores themes of character development, societal expectations, and the importance of kindness through Nancy's interactions with her friends and her efforts to uplift an awkward classmate. The opening of the story introduces a rainy summer day at the Pembroke home, where Nancy's mother is embroidering while engaging in conversation with Nancy's classmate, Emma Kane. The discussion reveals that Nancy has invited Emma, who feels out of place at college due to being socially shunned, to spend the summer with her. The dialogue touches on their shared pasts, highlighting the bonds of friendship and the dynamics of their social circle. Nancy and her mother express a desire to help Emma improve her social skills, setting up a storyline that revolves around transformation and self-discovery against the backdrop of Nancy's upcoming travels. As the characters plan for a trip to Nova Scotia, the stage is set for adventure and growth as they confront various challenges together.
Helen Leah Reed
Brenda's cousin at Radcliffe : $b A story for girls
"Brenda's Cousin at Radcliffe: A Story for Girls" by Helen Leah Reed is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on Julia Bourne, a new student at Radcliffe College, as she navigates the challenges and opportunities of college life alongside her fellow Freshmen, including the lively Clarissa Herter and the shy Pamela Northcote. Through their experiences and interactions, the novel explores themes of friendship, academic ambition, and the evolving role of women in education during this time period. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to Julia during her examination period before the college officially opens. Her interactions with fellow students reveal their diverse backgrounds and personalities, including Clarissa from Kansas, who expresses a positive attitude toward her college aspirations, and the more reserved Pamela, who feels out of place among the many girls at Radcliffe. As the college term begins, Julia and her friends prepare for the Freshman reception, experiencing the excitement and anxiety that comes with being new students. Their hopes and fears, along with their evolving friendships, set the stage for an engaging exploration of collegiate life.
Josephine Chase
Grace Harlowe's Second Year at Overton College
"Grace Harlowe's Second Year at Overton College" by Josephine Chase is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story follows Grace Harlowe and her friends as they embark on their sophomore year at Overton College, filled with excitement, new challenges, and the evolution of intrapersonal relationships among the girls. The novel explores themes of friendship, personal growth, and the social dynamics of college life. The opening of the book introduces a vibrant scene at Overton College, where Grace and her friends reunite after summer break. They are depicted as eager young women excited to return to their studies and the camaraderie of college life. As Grace navigates the fresh year, they encounter the return of an old classmate turned adversary, Miss Atkins, who stirs up tension by initially refusing to share a room with a new freshman. The chapter sets the stage for Grace's interactions with her supportive friends and the looming challenges posed by the new girls in their residence hall, hinting at the drama and growth that will unfold throughout the storyline.
Edith K. (Edith Kellogg) Dunton
Betty Wales, Junior: A Story for Girls
"Betty Wales, Junior: A Story for Girls" by Edith K. Dunton is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the college experiences of Betty Wales and her friends as they navigate their junior year at Harding College, exploring themes of friendship, personal growth, and societal expectations. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Betty as she settles into her campus life, expressing feelings of homesickness after returning from summer break. The opening section features lively dialogues with her friends, who are characterized by their distinctive personalities and relationships. As they prepare for a fun-filled junior year, the girls discuss their past experiences and future aspirations while demonstrating a strong sense of camaraderie. Their interactions hint at deeper issues related to acceptance and the pursuit of happiness in their collegiate setting, setting the tone for the unfolding story.
Edith Bancroft
Jane Allen, Junior
"Jane Allen, Junior" by Edith Bancroft is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The book centers around the character Jane Allen, a junior at Wellington College, exploring her relationships and challenges as she navigates school life with her friends, including Judith and Dozia. The story blends themes of friendship, personal growth, and the trials associated with college life, creating a vibrant picture of youthful exuberance and social dynamics. The beginning of the book unfolds on a warm September day as the students at Wellington College prepare for the new school year. Jane and her friends gather under a poplar tree, discussing the start of classes and their apprehensions about new arrivals, particularly a freshman named Shirley Duncan who seems destined to cause a stir. Amidst chatter about school duties and the antics of their peer group, Jane's friends notice something is off with her, hinting at a deeper conflict in Jane's mind. As the chapter progresses, a sense of camaraderie develops among the girls, setting the stage for various misadventures and interpersonal conflicts as they navigate their roles in college. The narrative hints at drama ahead, particularly with the arrival of new students and the potential implications of the scholarship Jane inadvertently associated with a girl from a different social stratum.
Clair Blank
The Adventure Girls at Happiness House
"The Adventure Girls at Happiness House" by Clair Blank is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a group of six girls, known as the Adventure Girls, who embark on their college journey at Briarhurst College, where they navigate the challenges of student life while encountering mysterious happenings that seem to threaten their new environment. Each girl, especially Gale Howard and Phyllis Elton, is portrayed with distinct characteristics; their adventures lead them to become involved in a series of mysteries surrounding the new Dean and the campus. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to Gale and her friends as they arrive at Briarhurst College, filled with excitement and a touch of trepidation about new experiences and friendships. While they settle into their new surroundings and begin classes, they quickly become aware of strange incidents involving the Dean, including the sabotaging of her canoe and a mysterious incident with a test tube of acid. As Gale takes the initiative to rescue the Dean from a potentially tragic accident, it sets off a cascade of events that intertwine the girls into the unfolding mystery that engulfs their college life. The plot thickens with the introduction of rivalries, friendships, and the looming question of who is behind the sinister occurrences at Briarhurst.
Clair Blank
The Adventure Girls at K Bar O
"The Adventure Girls at K Bar O" by Clair Blank is a novel published in 1936. Six high school friends travel to a sprawling Arizona ranch for a summer adventure, but their vacation takes a dangerous turn when they encounter cattle rustlers threatening their host's livelihood. The girls find themselves repeatedly kidnapped, shot at, and chased through desert landscapes as they help combat the criminal gang. Between narrow escapes and thrilling confrontations, they explore iconic Western landmarks in this action-packed tale of friendship and courage.
Edith K. (Edith Kellogg) Dunton
Betty Wales, Sophomore: A Story for Girls
"Betty Wales, Sophomore: A Story for Girls" by Edith K. Dunton is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story focuses on the various adventures and experiences of Betty Wales and her friends as they navigate their sophomore year at Harding College. It explores themes of friendship, personal growth, and the social dynamics of college life, particularly as Betty interacts with classmates like Eleanor Watson, who is undergoing her own transformation throughout the school year. The opening of the novel sets the stage for a new academic year, showcasing Betty's excitement and the acclimatization process as she moves into her new dormitory, the Belden House. The narrative introduces a cast of characters, including Betty's returning friends and new acquaintances–each bringing their own quirks and dynamics to the story. Betty's lively personality shines through her interactions, particularly with Eleanor, who is portrayed as both alluring and complex. The first chapter effectively establishes the collegiate setting with its mixture of social activities, academic pressures, and the rollercoaster of relationships among young women, promising readers a blend of humor, drama, and heartfelt moments as the story unfolds.
Helen M. Persons
The Mystery of Arnold Hall
"The Mystery of Arnold Hall" by Helen M. Persons is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Patricia Randall, a young girl who unexpectedly receives a substantial financial gift to attend Granard College, which sets off a chain of events both exciting and mysterious as she navigates her new college life. The opening of the book introduces Patricia at her home, where she finds out about a mysterious special delivery letter that contains a check for a thousand dollars intended for her education at Granard College. As Patricia shares this news with her family, her excitement is palpable, and they begin to discuss the implications of this unexpected gift. However, the identity of the benefactor becomes a topic of intrigue, leaving Patricia and her family curious. As Patricia prepares for her journey, the tone is set for a new chapter in her life filled with potential friendships, discoveries, and, undoubtedly, mysteries that await her at college.
Edith K. (Edith Kellogg) Dunton
Betty Wales, Freshman
"Betty Wales, Freshman" by Edith K. Dunton is a coming-of-age novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Betty Wales, a young girl who begins her journey as a freshman at college, navigating the new and often overwhelming experiences of campus life, friendships, and academic challenges. The opening of the novel introduces Betty as she arrives at the college, anxious and somewhat homesick, but determined to adapt to her new environment. She meets Dorothy King, a helpful junior who offers guidance, and is introduced to the various characters she will interact with throughout her college experience. The narrative sets the stage for themes of growth and development as Betty grapples with her identity and the social dynamics of her peers, while also hinting at humorous situations and relatable college antics that will follow. The detailed portrayal of Betty's first impressions and experiences lays a foundation for her evolution throughout her freshman year.
Gertrude Fisher Scott
Jean Cabot at Ashton
"Jean Cabot at Ashton" by Gertrude Fisher Scott is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the journey of Jean Cabot, a young freshman from Los Angeles, as she adjusts to life at Ashton College, an Eastern institution far from her home. The book explores themes of friendship, personal growth, and the challenges of transitioning from a close-knit family life to the independence of college. At the start of the novel, Jean is en route to Ashton College, feeling a mix of excitement and homesickness after saying goodbye to her brother Tom. As she arrives at the college, she meets Marguerite Allison, a fellow student who helps her navigate the initial chaos of settling in. Jean grapples with her reasons for attending college—whether it's to please her family or pursue her own goals. The narrative introduces her new roommate, Elizabeth Fairfax, who has her own challenges, further complicating Jean's adjustment to college life. As Jean encounters various characters and experiences, such as roommate dynamics and social events, her journey of self-discovery and the quest for belonging begins.
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