Girls of the True Blue by L.T. Meade

The novel revolves around a group of girls at an English boarding school who form a secret society known as the True Blue. The story explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the challenges faced by young women in a patriarchal society during the late 19th century. The narrative centers on the main character, a girl from a lower social class who is admitted to the prestigious school through a scholarship. As she navigates her new surroundings, she becomes embroiled in the True Blue's activities and must confront the societal expectations placed upon her. Throughout the novel, Meade critiques the limitations imposed on women during this period, highlighting the tension between personal desire and social duty. The story also touches on issues of class, morality, and the complexities of female relationships. Ultimately, the novel presents a nuanced portrayal of adolescence, exploring the struggles and triumphs of young women as they navigate their place within society.

By L.T. Meade · First published 1890 · Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Adventure, Coming-of-Age · 35 chapters · 110,633 words

First lines

"And how is she to-day, Nan? " said the kindly voice of Mrs. Richmond.

The time was early spring. The lady in question had come into a dark and somewhat dismal room; she herself was richly wrapped in furs and velvet; her large, smooth face was all beams and smiles. A dark little girl with thin cheeks, about eleven years of age, clasping a battered doll in her arms, looked full up at her.

What this Textopian page supports

Girls of the True Blue is listed on Textopian as a novel by L.T. Meade, dated 1890 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Novel
• Author: L.T. Meade
• Date: 1890 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Young Adult Fiction, Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Social Issues, Historical Fiction
• Length: 110,633 words
• Structure: 35 chapters, 2,714 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for Girls of the True Blue by L.T. Meade
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

• What should a reader notice first when entering Girls of the True Blue?
• How does this novel by L.T. Meade fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Young Adult Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

• Bashful Fifteen by L. T. Meade
• Girls New And Old by L. T. Meade
• A Sweet Girl Graduate by L. T. Meade
• The Squires Little Girl by L. T. Meade
• The Girls Of St Wodes by L. T. Meade
• Betty Vivian by L. T. Meade

Genres

• Young Adult Fiction — The narrative focuses on the experiences and challenges faced by young girls, making it highly relevant to the young adult demographic.
• Adventure — The plot involves various adventures and explorations, central to the characters' development and experiences.
• Coming-of-Age — The themes revolve around personal growth and the transition from childhood to adulthood.
• Social Issues — The story addresses social themes relevant to the time, including friendship, loyalty, and societal expectations.

Tags

Victorian Era Fiction · Girls' School Story · Coming-of-Age · Friendship · Romance · Social Class · Education · Morality · Manners · Etiquette · Female Empowerment · Self-Discovery

Contents

• "I Promise."
• "I won't Ever Go to you."
• The Frock with Crape
• The Best Girl
• The Mystery-Girl
• The Bull-Pup
• The Fall
• Pip
• Under her Thumb
• A Mystery
• The Middle Way
• "I Shall Stay for a Year."
• Uncle Peter
• "it was not Worth while."
• Soldiers of the True Blue
• Tightening her Chain
• Augusta's Resolve
• Augusta's Signature
• The Asprays
• The Orderly-Book
• The Picnic
• The Broken Lock
• "Prize-Day Comes in a Month."
• The Gipsy Tea
• The Packet of Letters
• Sunbeam
• "was that the Reason?"
• "is Wrong Right?"
• Down by the Wistaria
• Augusta is Frightened
• Uncle Peter's Considering Cap
• The Beginning of the Shadow
• The Cross
• The Letter
• The Way of Transgressors is Hard

More by L.T. Meade

• Sir Penn Carlyll's Engagement (1902)
• The Dead Hand (1902)
• Finger Tips (1902)
• The Secret of Emu Plain (1898)
• Followed (1903)
• The Blood-Red Cross (1902)
• The Face of the Abbot (1902)
• Madam Sara (1903)
• All works by L.T. Meade