Grace Harlowe's Sophomore Year at High School: The Record of the Girl Chums in Work and Athletics

A young adult novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Grace Harlowe and her group of friends as they navigate the challenges of their sophomore year in high school, dealing with competition, friendships, and the ups and downs of athletic rivalry. Central to the narrative is Grace, a determined and resourceful young girl, who aims to lead her basketball team to victory while confronting adversaries and maintaining her integrity. The opening of the novel sets the stage in the gymnasium where Grace and her friends are practicing basketball. It introduces important characters, including the competitive and somewhat antagonistic Miriam Nesbit, who harbors resentment towards Grace after losing the basketball captaincy. Tension arises when the junior class, led by the cunning Julia Crosby, disrupts the sophomores' practice, leading to a confrontation that reveals underlying rivalries. Grace's resolute spirit is highlighted as she stands her ground against Julia's bullying and strives to inspire her team to overcome the odds in their upcoming games. As the story unfolds, themes of loyalty, friendship, and the pursuit of fairness take center stage among the high schoolers’ athletic and social challenges.