Josephine Elder facts for kids
Josephine Elder was the pen name of Olive Gwendoline Potter (born December 5, 1895 – died July 24, 1988). She was an English author who wrote many books for children. She is especially known for her exciting school stories for girls.
Josephine Elder published ten school stories between 1924 and 1940. She also wrote many short stories for children's annuals, which are like yearly collections of stories. Many people think she was one of the best writers of girls' school stories. Her most famous book is Evelyn Finds Herself, published in 1929.
Interestingly, Josephine Elder also wrote six novels for adults. On top of her writing career, she was a practicing doctor for many years!
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About Josephine Elder
Olive Gwendoline Potter, known as Josephine Elder, was born in Croydon, England. She went to Croydon High School when she was younger. Later, she studied Natural Sciences at Girton College at Cambridge University.
After her studies, she became a General Practitioner (GP), which is a doctor who helps people with common illnesses. She worked as a GP in Sutton, Surrey from 1923 until 1983. This means she was a doctor for 60 years while also writing books!
Popular School Stories
Josephine Elder wrote many popular books about school life. These stories often followed girls as they navigated friendships, challenges, and adventures at boarding schools.
Her School Story Books
- Erica Wins Through (1924)
- The Scholarship Girl (1925)
- The Scholarship Girl at Cambridge (1926)
- Thomasina Toddy (1927)
- Evelyn Finds Herself (1929) - This is her most famous book!
- Barbara at School (1930)
- The Redheads (1931)
Farm School Adventures
She also wrote a special series of books set at a farm school. These stories combined school life with the adventures of living on a farm.
- Exile for Annis (1938)
- Cherry Tree Perch (1939)
- Strangers at the Farm School (1940)
Her Lasting Legacy
Josephine Elder's books are still enjoyed today. Many of her stories have been reprinted, allowing new generations of readers to discover her work.
Recent Book Reprints
- Evelyn Finds Herself (Girls Gone By Publishers, 2006)
- Lady of Letters (Greyladies, 2008)
- The Encircled Heart (Greyladies, 2009)
- Erica Wins Through (Girls Gone By Publishers, 2010)
