The Naughtiest Girl in the School facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Enid Blyton |
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| Illustrator | W. Lindsay Cable |
| Language | English |
| Series | The Naughtiest Girl series |
| Genre | School |
| Published | 1940 (George Newnes) |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 224 |
| Preceded by | none |
| Followed by | The Naughtiest Girl Again |
The Naughtiest Girl in the School is the first book in The Naughtiest Girl series by Enid Blyton. It was published in 1940. The main character is Elizabeth Allen, a girl who is used to getting her own way. She is sent to a special boarding school called Whyteleafe School.
Contents
Elizabeth's Big Adventure at Whyteleafe School
This story is about Elizabeth Allen, a girl who has always been spoiled. She gets very upset when she finds out she has to go to a boarding school. When Elizabeth arrives at Whyteleafe School, she decides to be as naughty as possible. Her goal is to get expelled so she can go home right away.
A School Run by Kids
Elizabeth is surprised to learn that the students at Whyteleafe School help run things. They have weekly meetings where they discuss everyone's behavior. This system is a bit like children's restorative justice, where kids help solve problems and make things right. The school is inspired by a real school called Summerhill.
Elizabeth's Naughty Plans
At first, Elizabeth's mischief makes her unpopular. For example, she puts too many things on her dresser. When Nora, a school monitor, takes some away, Elizabeth gets very angry. One morning, Elizabeth refuses to get out of bed. Ruth and Nora have to pull off her blankets and tip her out!
Elizabeth also breaks a rule by going to the village shops alone. There, she meets Rita, who tells her about Joan Townsend. Joan is a classmate who is very sad because her parents don't pay much attention to her. Elizabeth promises to try and be friends with Joan. Soon, they become best friends. Joan shares how much she wishes her mother cared more.
Learning from Mistakes
Elizabeth's bad behavior leads to her losing many privileges at a school meeting. After this, Joan helps her see that being naughty to get expelled is a bad idea. Joan suggests that Elizabeth try to be good instead. Then, she could ask the school heads to tell her parents she's unhappy, but without being in trouble. Elizabeth agrees, and her behavior starts to get much better. She also works hard at her piano lessons. She secretly hopes to play at the half-term concert, even though she plans to go home.
A Kind Act Gone Wrong
One day, Elizabeth plays a trick on Harry. He gets her back by pinning a funny note on her. Everyone laughs, but Elizabeth slaps Harry. Nora steps in and tells Elizabeth she must apologize. Elizabeth doesn't want to, but Nora explains why it's important. Harry accepts her apology, and they become friends again.
Elizabeth gets ten pounds from her uncle. She decides to use it to buy a big cake, a handbag Joan liked, and cards for Joan's birthday. She wants Joan to think they are from her parents. Nora finds out about the money and reports Elizabeth. Elizabeth won't say why she used the money. The school decides to wait until they hear from Joan's mother.
The Truth Comes Out
On Joan's birthday, she is thrilled with the gifts. But when she writes to thank her mother, her mother says she didn't send anything. Joan is very upset and gets sick from wandering in the rain.
Elizabeth writes to Joan's mother, explaining what she did. Joan's mother comes to visit and explains to the school heads why she neglected Joan. She says she resented Joan because Joan survived an illness years ago, but her twin brother died. Joan and her mother make up, and Joan becomes happy again.
Miss Best explains to William and Rita, the head students, that Elizabeth used the money for a kind reason. They tell Elizabeth that she did a good thing, but in the wrong way. They decide to tell the school meeting that they are satisfied with her explanation.
A Change of Heart
Later, John, a boy who loves gardening, complains that Elizabeth is leaving. Elizabeth thinks about how happy she is at Whyteleafe and how much she wants to play piano at the concert. At the next school meeting, everyone is surprised when Elizabeth announces she has decided to stay at Whyteleafe School!
Meet the Characters
Whyteleafe School is full of interesting students and staff. Here are some of the main characters you'll meet in the book:
Elizabeth Allen
Elizabeth is a pretty girl with dark curly hair and blue eyes. She has always been spoiled and hates school. Before Whyteleafe, six different teachers tried to teach her, but none could make her behave. She is almost 11 years old and doesn't like other children much. Her teacher, Miss Scott, once said that Elizabeth was spoiled because she was pretty and merry. She explained that it's important to have a good heart, not just a pretty face.
Joan Townsend
Joan is very different from Elizabeth. She is quiet, shy, and nervous about speaking up. She is a very mature and understanding girl. Joan becomes Elizabeth's first and best friend at Whyteleafe. She is sensitive and always tries to do the right thing.
Nora O'Sullivan
Nora is a monitor at Whyteleafe School. This means she helps make sure students follow the rules. She is responsible, cheerful, and sensible. Nora is strict but fair and doesn't like it when school traditions are broken. She looks after the girls in dormitory 6, including Elizabeth and Joan. Nora is from Ireland.
William and Rita
William and Rita are the head students at Whyteleafe School. They are very kind and understanding, but also firm when needed. They are well-respected by almost all the students. They are the ones who lead the school meetings and make important decisions.
Richard
Richard is a sensitive boy who is very talented at music. He becomes one of Elizabeth's good friends. He even plays a piano duet with Elizabeth at the end-of-term concert.
Harry Dunn
Harry is introduced as a bit of a trickster. However, he makes up with Elizabeth after their quarrel. He becomes a friend to Elizabeth, especially after she apologizes for slapping him.
John Terry
John is a boy who loves gardening more than anything else. He and Elizabeth become good friends because they both enjoy gardening. Elizabeth often helps John in the school garden.
