The Girl Scouts' Good Turn

A novel for younger readers written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Marjorie Wilkinson, a lively sophomore at Miss Allen's Boarding School, as she leads her classmates in social activities while nurturing a budding sense of leadership and responsibility, particularly toward the incoming freshmen and a troubled newcomer named Frieda. At the start of the book, the excitement is palpable as Marjorie and her classmates prepare for a reception to welcome the freshmen. The opening chapters vividly describe the charming details of the event, showcasing Marjorie's role as the enthusiastic organizer. Throughout these early pages, her interactions with friends and potential rivals hint at the underlying challenges she faces in both friendship and leadership. We also meet Alice Endicott, a shy freshman who struggles with feelings of loneliness and homesickness, as well as Frieda, a newcomer whose past misdeeds cast a shadow over her acceptance among the other girls. Marjorie's intentions to foster a supportive environment for these girls set the stage for themes of friendship, empathy, and the complexities of adolescent social life within the Girl Scouts framework.