Dorothy Dale's Promise

"Dorothy Dale's Promise" by Margaret Penrose is a story about two friends, Dorothy and Tavia, who go back to Glenwood School from their winter break in New York. As soon as they get back, the book creates a tone of friendship and fun, letting the audience know that the girls are besties and love to have a good time. As Dorothy and Tavia ride back to Glenwood, they are super excited to see all their other friends. However, their train gets stopped by a fire, so the girls go exploring near where they stopped, leading them to a creek, where one of their friends falls into the water. The scene shows the girls joking but also reveals Dorothy's quick-thinking skills as she rescues her friend. This beginning sets the tone for the rest of the book and hints at friendship, bravery, and dealing with problems while growing up amidst mischief.