End of Term facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Antonia Forest |
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Faber and Faber |
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Publication date
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December 1959 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 238 pp (hardback edition) |
| ISBN | 0-571-05707-1 (hardback edition) |
| Preceded by | Falconer's Lure |
| Followed by | Peter's Room |
End of Term is an exciting book written by British author Antonia Forest. It was published in 1959. This book is the fourth story in the popular Marlow family series. It comes after Falconer's Lure and before Peter's Room.
Contents
What's the Story About?
The Marlow sisters are back for another term at Kingscote School for Girls. This time, Karen and Rowan are not with them. As the title suggests, the story focuses on the end-of-term activities. A big part of this is the Christmas Play, which is performed in Wade Minster. Nicola Marlow faces a tough term. She deals with tricky situations in netball. Also, her scary Grandmother comes to visit.
Main Events in the Story
New Friends and Missing Birds
The story begins with Nicola Marlow on her way back to school. Her pet merlin, named Sprog, flies away from the train. For the first time, Sprog catches a sparrow. Nicola goes back to the station to find him. There, she meets a new girl named Esther Frewen. Esther's parents are divorced. They sent her to boarding school because she felt out of place. Esther is mostly worried about leaving her puppy, Daks, behind.
Netball Troubles
A few weeks into the term, something shocking happens. Nicola, along with many other students, finds out she is not on the Junior Netball team. This was planned by Lois Sanger. Lois is Nicola's old rival and now the school's Games Captain. Nicola is a soloist in the Christmas Play. But this news does not make her feel any better.
A Tricky Half-Term
Half-term arrives, but it is not as fun as expected. This is mainly because Mrs. Marlow's mother is visiting. She is quite a strict person. Nicola and her brother Patrick manage to sneak away for a day. They visit Wade Minster to see a carved falcon. They have a cold, dark ride back home. Patrick recites a long, old poem called the Lyke-Wake Dirge.
The Christmas Play Drama
Back at school, Nicola gets a special part in the Christmas Play. She is chosen to be the Shepherd Boy. This is the part that Lawrie desperately wanted. Lawrie thinks Nicola has betrayed her. Later, Lawrie falls and hurts her leg. She cannot play in a netball match. This gives her an idea. Nicola agrees to pretend to be Lawrie for the match. They win the game easily. Now, Lawrie is sure she will get to be the Shepherd Boy in the play.
Show Time!
On the day of the play, Esther disappears. She was supposed to sing Nicola's solos. Esther leaves a note for Nicola. She has gone home to stop her mother from getting rid of Daks. Nicola, Lawrie, and their friends Tim and Miranda make a quick plan. Nicola will sing her solos again. Lawrie will act as the Shepherd Boy. Miranda, who is Jewish, agrees to join the procession.
There is a big commotion at the Minster. The teachers realize what has happened. They know there will be serious trouble later. But no one can think of a better solution. Everyone, including Grandmother and Patrick, is amazed. Nicola's singing is beautiful, and Lawrie's acting is fantastic. Ginty plays Gabriel, and Ann plays Mary. Mrs. Marlow feels a bit embarrassed. Her family has taken over most of the play!
