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This is one of the Flashbacks series for children aged 7-11.
Matty is a doctor's daughter. She lives in a little village in Norfolk. She faces major changes in her life. Her parents feel that she cannot get the suitable education to prepare her for her station in life in the village. She needs to be with girls of her own class in society. They plan to send her away to a small school for girls in London. At first Matty is upset about this, but after she has met Miss Carter who runs the school, she comes to terms with the arrangement and begins to realise that she is on the threshold of a great adventure. Just before she is due to leave something terrible happens. The baby sister of her friend Eliza, a village girl, is stolen but Matty and Miss Carter find the baby and restore her to her family.
This little book makes little girls think deeply about the position of women in society. At this time traditional ideas about a woman's place were being challenged. Little Matty hears conflicting ideas and has to puzzle out for herself what is right. Eliza's brother Arthur is a railway clerk and it is right for him to try and get an education but when Matty asks to be allowed to teach Eliza to read and write her mother grumbles, "It is not as if she will ever need it ... not like Arthur." And why is Mrs Porter disappointed that her new baby is a girl? "Another mouth to feed."
And then, although Matty's parents respect Miss Carter and have chosen to entrust her with the education of their daughter, their ideas are not so advanced as hers.
Matty's mother says, "We have our part to play as women, which God has sent us here to do."
And her father says, "Miss Carter thinks women will one day do all the things men do. She thinks they will be doctors, and lawyers, and members of parliament ... it is my view that it won't happen and it wouldn't be right, but I like a woman of sense and spirit and I like Miss Carter."
Poor Matty has a lot to ponder over. Why are some things men's work - like Arthur learning to be an engine driver - and other things women's work? Why is it right for a woman to work from dawn to dusk as a kitchen maid and yet wrong for her to be a doctor?
Matty does at least understand that she is lucky to be given the opportunity to study under Miss Carter. It is going to be a great adventure.
This book is written in a simple style suitable for little girls but it faces them with some deep ideas. But it is never too early for girls to learn to appreciate the opportunities which they now enjoy.
This is a book for enlightened mothers to read and discuss with their daughters. That way both will get the most out of it.
7-11
This is one of the Sparks series of short historical novels linking with the History National Curriculum Key Stage 2.
Annie and Artie are thirteen-year-old twins. Artie goes to a grammar school but Annie has to go to her aunt's to improve her sewing. Annie is desperate for an education but her father tells her that ladies do not go to school.
On the way to her aunt's Annie overhears two girls talking about school. On an impulse she follows them to the school -- and into the school. She finds it is the North Collegiate School for Ladies and the teacher is Frances Mary Buss. Annie pretends to be another girl who has failed to turn up and for two days enjoys learning all the subjects her brother learns. Annie is particularly thrilled to be learning Latin.
But when she goes home she shows off in front of her brother. This leads to her secret being discovered. Her parents make sure there is no more school for Annie. Instead she is made to do sewing in the back room of her father's drapery shop. And then one day Miss Buss comes into the shop. And Miss Buss can be very persuasive.
This little book shows the struggle women had for the right to an education. It comes with useful notes on Victorian education.
Thought provoking and informative.
Told in the first person by Annie.