A Modern Tomboy: A Story for Girls

"A Modern Tomboy: A Story for Girls" by L. T. Meade is a 19th-century children's story centered on Lucy Merriman and her mother, Mrs. Merriman, who transform their house into a school for young girls. The narrative unfolds around themes of camaraderie, competition, and individual development, particularly as Lucy grapples with her emotions towards the newcomers, especially Rosamund Cunliffe, a commanding and magnetic figure among them. The story begins by depicting Mrs. Merriman and Lucy eagerly waiting for their students, where Lucy expresses her anxieties about the changes these girls will bring, while her mother exudes warmth and anticipation; as the girls arrive, their diverse personalities emerge, highlighting Lucy's initial unease with their lively attitudes, contrasting her reserved nature, thus setting up a vibrant atmosphere of strain and potential friendship as the girls get to know their new surroundings and develop bonds with each other, paving the way for a narrative of maturation, rivalry, and connection.