This is one of the series books that American girls read for fun a century ago. It's not only a fast-paced tale of friendship and adventure, but also a window onto the past.

Aunt Claire has combed through the attic of forgotten stories to rescue some of the best. Her second selection is Grace Harlowe's Freshman Year at High School, originally published in 1910.

In this book, you will meet Grace, of course-confident and athletic, a natural leader and a true friend. Then there's the new girl, Anne-quiet, smart, and quite determined to win the freshman academic prize. There's also Nora, who's funny and sharp, and Jessica, who is rather good at detective work. And then of course there's the mean girl, Miriam, who's not about to let Anne take her place at the head of the class.

The girls have all sorts of adventures in their freshman year at Oakdale High School-there are parties, pranks, and even a pack of hungry wolves. The girls must contend with Miriam's scheming, the cruel jokes played by the sophomore class, and a most unpleasant math teacher. Oh, and Anne has a secret. . . .

Aunt Claire's illustrated introduction provides just the right amount of historical context for young readers: What was it like to go to high school in 1910? How was it different for girls and for boys? And what can we learn from the mix of social attitudes displayed in the book?

Don't forget to look under the jacket to see the original cover from 1910!