I think this series is less well-known than Blyton's other two boarding school series (Malory Towers and St. Clare's), but it's a quite interesting and enjoyable read for children.

Unlike the more traditional girl schools in the other two series, the school in the Naughtiest Girl series, Whyteleafe, is a "progressive" boarding school, co-educational, and run as a democratic community, with the children governing themselves with some adult supervision. It's apparently inspired by a real-life school, Summerhill, which was founded in 1921.

Nevertheless, like in the author's other school series, there's a theme of the main character learning to adapt and accept the values of the school community over her own wild, spoiled ways. This was written in 1940, and it was a different time. Nowadays people tend to value individuality more than the embrace of the community's values. I can certainly see the value in both approaches, and perhaps a middle way would be valuable, for it is easy to go too far in both directions.

The way the children's self-government is depicted in the book is quite interesting. They do that in quite a responsible way, punishing offenders moderately and more as a way to help them than out of anger or spite. On the other hand, it can be seen, particularly from a modern perspective, as a bit overbearing. I think it's a very interesting theme to discuss with your kids after reading this together. ( )

I started reading this aloud to my seven-year-old granddaughter who liked it very much. It's probably thirty years since I read the 'Naughtiest Girl' series, but it was one of my favourites as a child. I can see flaws in the writing now, of course, but still thought it a good story, with some amusing scenes, and some quite poignant ones.

The book is naturally dated (it was written around 1940) but Whyteleafe School, which the 'naughty' Elizabeth Allen attends, is an unusual school even by today's standards. Elizabeth learns a lot about herself - and while the eventual outcome is predictable, it's not obvious how it's going to come about.

Definitely recommended to children of about seven and upwards, either to read themselves or as a read-aloud to introduce them to this genre of school stories.

Longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2024/04/the-naughtiest-girl-in-school-by-en... ( )

I have so many memories attached to this series. This is one of the first books I read when I initially started reading.

I read this piece as a kid in my school library and I still remember going around telling everyone how well written the protagonist was. At that age it really impressed me and I used to think the Protagonist and I were pretty similar too! ( )

"About a girl who is spoilt and gets sent to boarding school. I love it because its so inspiring" - Pari, Year 6