A Flock of Girls and Boys

"A Flock of Girls and Boys" by Nora Perry is a children's novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in a summer hotel setting, introducing a group of children and their interactions, highlighting themes of class distinction, friendship, and social challenges. At its center are characters such as the spirited Tilly Morris, who navigates the complexities of social hierarchy, and the enigmatic Peggy Smith, who becomes the focal point of conflicts and misunderstandings. The opening of the book establishes a lively conversation among young characters eager for the arrival of the Pelhams, an aristocratic family. Through playful banter, friendships, and a touch of rivalry, they express their views on class, wealth, and social status. Particularly, Will Wentworth and Tilly Morris engage in discussions that reveal their disdain for snobbery and superficial social standing. The narrative cleverly juxtaposes characters from different backgrounds, particularly illustrated through the arrival of Peggy and her aunt, who are initially perceived as common. As the story progresses, social assumptions begin to unravel, leading to pivotal moments that challenge the children's preconceived notions and attitudes. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Nora Perry was an American poet, newspaper correspondent, and writer of juvenile stories, and for some years, Boston correspondent of the Chicago Tribune. Her verse was collected in After the Ball (1875), Her Lover's Friend (1879), New Songs and Ballads (1886), Legends and Lyrics (1890). Her fiction, chiefly juvenile, included The Tragedy of the Unexpected (1880), stories; For a Woman (1885), a novel; A Book of Love Stories (1881); A Flock of Girls and their Friends (1887); The New Year's Call (1903); and many other volumes.