A Modern Tomboy: A Story for Girls

"A Modern Tomboy: A Story for Girls" by L. T. Meade is a children's novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Lucy Merriman and her mother, Mrs. Merriman, as they open their home to a group of girls who will form the beginning of a new school. The narrative explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and personal growth as Lucy navigates her feelings about the new girls, particularly Rosamund Cunliffe, a strong-willed and charismatic leader among them. The opening of the story presents an engaging scene where Mrs. Merriman and her daughter, Lucy, await the arrival of their students. Lucy shows her apprehension about the changes that the new girls will bring, while her mother is excited and welcoming. As the girls arrive, various personalities are introduced, including Lucy's initial discomfort with their energetic and carefree demeanor compared to her own more prim nature. This setup establishes a dynamic of tension and potential friendship as the girls explore their new home and each other, setting the stage for the unfolding story of growth, rivalry, and connection. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Elizabeth Thomasina Meade Smith (1844–1914), writing under the pseudonym L. T. Meade, was a prolific writer of girls' stories. She was born in Bandon, County Cork, Ireland, daughter of Rev. R. T. Meade, of Nohoval, County Cork. She later moved to London, where she married Alfred Toulmin Smith in September 1879.