First Term at Malory Towers facts for kids
1946 UK 1st Edition dustjacket
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| Author | Enid Blyton |
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| Illustrator | Stanley Lloyd |
| Cover artist | Stanley Lloyd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Series | Malory Towers |
| Genre | School story |
| Publisher | Methuen (UK) |
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Publication date
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1947 |
| Media type | Print (hardback & paperback) |
| ISBN | 0 7497 1924 9 (first edition, hardback) |
| Preceded by | none |
| Followed by | The Second Form at Malory Towers |
First Term at Malory Towers is the very first book in the popular Malory Towers series by Enid Blyton. This exciting story introduces you to the main characters, like Darrell Rivers, Sally Hope, Mary-Lou, Alicia Johns, and Gwendoline Mary Lacey. You'll also meet some of the teachers, such as Miss Potts and Miss Grayling, as they begin their adventures at this famous boarding school.
Contents
Darrell's First Term at Malory Towers
Darrell Rivers, who is twelve years old, is super excited to travel by train to her new boarding school, Malory Towers! It's her first year there. She quickly makes friends with some girls in her dorm. These include the energetic Alicia and the artistic, but sometimes forgetful, Irene. However, Darrell finds it hard to get along with the spoiled Gwendoline Mary Lacey and the quiet, unfriendly Sally Hope.
Dealing with Gwendoline's Bullying
Gwendoline especially tests Darrell's patience. One day, Gwendoline takes advantage of shy Mary-Lou's fear of swimming. She holds Mary-Lou's head under the water. Darrell quickly steps in to rescue Mary-Lou. She gives Gwendoline a horrible shaking for being so mean. Darrell even gets angry at Katherine, the head girl, for not punishing girls like Gwendoline properly.
Soon after, Darrell feels bad about losing her temper. She apologizes to both Katherine and Gwendoline. Mary-Lou becomes very loyal to Darrell, which sometimes annoys Darrell. Later, Darrell tries to help Mary-Lou feel more confident. She pretends to struggle in the water so Mary-Lou can "save" her.
Darrell and Sally Become Friends
During the half-term break, Darrell invites Sally to spend the day with her parents. But Sally says no. Later, Darrell asks Sally about her baby sister, but Sally denies having one. Their talk turns into an argument, and Darrell pushes Sally to the ground.
The next morning, Sally is very sick. Darrell worries that she caused Sally's illness by pushing her. A doctor is called to see Sally. It turns out to be Darrell's father, Dr. Rivers, who is nearby after the holiday. Things get sorted out when Darrell's father explains he came to operate on Sally. He assures Darrell that she did not make Sally sick.
Sally then admits to Darrell that she does have a sister. She pretended not to because she was jealous of sharing her mother with the new baby. Darrell and Sally become good friends after Darrell shares her own experiences of being a big sister.
Gwendoline's Plan to Frame Darrell
Gwendoline becomes more and more jealous of Darrell's growing popularity. She decides to ruin Darrell's good name. Gwendoline destroys Mary-Lou's favorite pen. Then, she smears ink on Darrell's shoes to make it look like Darrell did it.
Most of the other first-year girls don't believe Darrell's denials. They remember her fierce temper. Even Alicia, who Darrell wants to be best friends with, doesn't believe her. Only Sally and Mary-Lou stand by Darrell. Determined to help Darrell, Mary-Lou finds proof (Gwendoline's inky shoes). This shows that Gwendoline broke the pen. The first-year girls are convinced, and Darrell's innocence is proven.
The term ends with Darrell choosing to be friends with Sally and Mary-Lou instead of Alicia. She leaves by train with Sally, promising to be back at Malory Towers next term.
Characters at Malory Towers
North Tower First Form Girls
- Darrell Rivers - A new girl at Malory Towers and the main character.
- Gwendoline Mary Lacey - Another new girl, who is spoiled, lazy, boastful, and mean.
- Sally Hope - The third new girl, who is initially quiet and keeps to herself.
- Alicia Johns - A lively, clever prankster who always has an opinion.
- Mary Lou - A quiet, shy girl with "big, scared eyes."
- Katherine - The head girl of the First Form, tall, dark, and soft-spoken.
- Emily - A quiet and studious girl, very good at sewing.
- Irene - A forgetful girl who is excellent at music and math.
- Jean MacDonald - A cheerful, smart Scottish girl, good at managing money for school groups.
- Violet - Described as shy and plain, often left out of things.
Other Girls
- Betty Hill - Alicia's friend in West Tower.
- Pamela - The Head Girl of the entire school.
- Marilyn - A sixth-former and the captain of games.
Mistresses and Staff
- Miss Grayling - The Headmistress of Malory Towers.
- Miss Potts - The House Mistress of North Tower and the teacher for the First Form.
- Mam'zelle Dupont - A French mistress, described as "short, fat and round," with a happy personality.
- Mam'zelle Rougier - Another French mistress, described as "thin and sour," with a bad temper.
- Miss Linnie - The art mistress.
- Mr Young - The music teacher.
- Miss Carlton - The history mistress.
- Miss Remmington - The games mistress.
- Matron - The North Tower Matron, who looks after the girls in North Tower.
Other Characters
- Dr Rivers - Darrell's father, who is a surgeon.
- Mrs Rivers - Darrell's mother.
- Felicity Rivers - Darrell's younger sister.
- Mrs Lacey - Gwendoline's mother.
- Miss Winters - Gwendoline's former governess.
- Mr Hope - Sally's father.
- Mrs Hope - Sally's mother.
