Ruth Fielding at Sunrise Farm; Or, What Became of the Raby Orphans

A novel likely written in the early 20th century. This work belongs to the ''Ruth Fielding'' series, which follows the adventures of the titular character, Ruth Fielding, a kind-hearted and spirited girl who finds herself embroiled in various experiences with her friends at Briarwood Hall. In this installment, the backdrop of Sunrise Farm adds an intriguing layer to the story, hinting at themes of friendship, adventure, and the struggles of orphans. At the start of the novel, Ruth and her friends are engaged in a nighttime initiation ritual for their secret society, the ''S. B.'s,'' at Briarwood Hall. The chapter introduces various characters, including Ruth, who is lively and partly plump, with a kind disposition, and her fellow members as they gather in a dormitory room. Amid laughter and playful banter, an unexpected event occurs when one of the girls, Sarah Fish, inadvertently falls into the fountain during the initiation. This incident unravels a series of events leading Ruth to discover a wild girl named Sadie Raby, who has escaped from an unhappy home. The opening immediately sets the stage for an exploration of themes such as camaraderie, the quest for belonging, and the challenges faced by those less fortunate.