About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is transitioning to a new environment or struggling with a bit of a superior attitude toward others. It is an ideal choice for children who feel like big fish in a small pond and need a gentle, humorous lesson in humility. The story follows twin sisters Pat and Isabel as they reluctantly head to St. Clare's, a school they consider beneath them. Over the course of their first term, their snobbery is tested by their peers, leading to a journey of self-reflection and growth. It is a classic boarding school story that balances lighthearted pranks and midnight feasts with meaningful lessons on accountability and making friends by being yourself. Parents will appreciate how it models the transition from self-centeredness to community belonging in a way that feels entertaining rather than preachy.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book features typical mid-century school discipline (scoldings, loss of privileges). Parents should note that "sending to Coventry" (a form of social exclusion and shunning) is used as a consequence for bad behavior; this depiction of social cruelty may be distressing to sensitive readers, even though it is presented as a disciplinary measure.
Ideal Reader
An 8-to-10-year-old who loves stories about friendship groups, secrets, and school traditions. It is particularly good for a child who might be feeling a little 'too cool' for their current situation and needs a mirror to see how that attitude affects their friendships.
Parent Prep
This is a classic text from 1941 (though this is a 2005 edition). Be prepared to discuss 1940s expectations for girls' behavior and social etiquette versus modern standards, but generally, the core message of 'don't be a snob' remains timeless. No specific scene previews required. A parent might choose this after hearing their child brag excessively or put down other children based on their clothes, homes, or perceived status.
Age Experience
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the 'naughtiness' of the pranks and the excitement of the midnight feasts. Older readers (10-12) will better grasp the social dynamics, the nuances of the twins' changing reputations, and the psychological shift from pride to humility.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many school stories that focus on an underdog, this starts with protagonists who are effectively the 'mean girls' and forces them to evolve into likable, grounded characters.
Read plot summary
Twin sisters Pat and Isabel O'Sullivan are sent to St. Clare's against their will. They arrive determined to be difficult and remain aloof, believing the school is less prestigious than their previous one. However, the school's culture of fairness, hard work, and social equality eventually wears down their defenses. Through a series of scrapes, sports matches, and social blunders, the twins learn to value character over status.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
At the beginning, Pat and Isabel think they are better than the other girls. What specific event first makes them realize they might be wrong?
2
Why do you think the other girls at St. Clare's didn't immediately like the twins? Was it just because they were new, or something else?
3
Isabel and Pat have very similar personalities. How does having a twin help them or hurt them when they are trying to make new friends?
4
What was your favorite prank or 'midnight feast' moment, and do you think the girls handled the consequences fairly?
5
The school motto at St. Clare's isn't just about grades; it's about character. What does 'having good character' mean to the girls by the end of the book?
