
A lively term begins when a sudden influx of new pupils upends life at the girls’ boarding school. The senior girls—Laura, Janet, Ethelberga and their friends—are shocked to learn that the rival Hawthorn school, long kept at arm’s length, will be joining their house in record numbers. Their dormitory buzzes with gossip, frustration and a growing sense of competition as the two groups prepare to share the same facilities, uniforms and school colours.
Amid the clatter of suitcases and whispered plans, the girls grapple with old prejudices and the challenge of forging new friendships. Miss Thompson’s unexpected decision forces them to reconsider long‑held traditions, while the looming “war” of rival teams and social circles promises both drama and opportunities for growth. Listeners will be drawn into the bustling world of school life, where loyalty, rivalry and the promise of a memorable term intertwine.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (368K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2011-04-26
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1869–1947
A hugely popular writer of school stories, she helped shape the modern girls’ boarding-school novel with lively plots, friendships, pranks, and a stronger sense of independence than earlier books in the genre. Her stories were beloved by young readers in the early 20th century and remained widely read for years afterward.
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