Grace Harlowe's Plebe Year at High School: Josephine Chase's Tale of High School Life
#1 in The High School Girls Series
What’s inside...
Jessie Graham Flower is the pseudonym for the American author Josephine Chase. The Grace Harlow books, which follow the eponymous heroine through high school, college and beyond, remain popular fiction for girls. This delightful book tells about a group of smart youths who get up to some wonderful adventures together – and save one another from troubles. The unofficial leader of the group is Grace Harlowe, the title character. When Anne Pierson comes to the class at the beginning of the year, they decide to take her under their wing. Anne has a lot of troubles at home, but will true friends make her happy?
Character compass
Grace Harlowe
Nora O'malley
Anne Pierson
Jessica Bright
Miriam Nesbit
Discussion points
How did Grace's actions and decisions influence her relationships with her classmates?
What challenges did Grace face during her plebe year and how did she overcome them?
Can you identify any moments in the story where Grace had to make a tough decision? What would you have done in her place?
Why do you think friendship is an important theme in this book? How do the friendships develop throughout the story?
How do the characters in the book show support for one another during difficult times?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the similarities and differences between their school experiences and Grace’s.
Discuss the importance of resilience, using Grace's challenges and how she handles them as conversation starters.
Use examples from the book to talk about the value of friendship and ask your child about their thoughts on trust and loyalty among friends.
Highlight moments where characters make important decisions and ask your child what they would do in similar situations to deepen moral understanding.
Explore the character development throughout the book, focusing on how Grace and her friends grow and change, asking your child to reflect on personal changes they’ve experienced.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience through adversity
Explanation: Grace Harlowe encounters numerous challenges during her freshman year but approaches them with determination and tenacity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persisting through difficult situations in school or social settings, reinforcing the importance of not giving up despite obstacles.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Grace cultivates strong bonds with her peers, underlining how friendships can provide support and joy.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value and nurture their friendships, which can become vital sources of support as they grow.
Example Lesson: Leadership and taking responsibility
Explanation: Grace frequently steps up as a leader in her school, demonstrating responsibility in various situations.
Real-World Application: Children can implement these behaviors in group projects or family tasks, learning how leadership and accountability are integral for personal development.
Example Lesson: Embracing change and growth
Explanation: As Grace transitions from middle school to high school, she embraces the changes and grows from her experiences.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that change is a natural part of life and personal growth, encouraging them to embrace new experiences confidently.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: Grace shows empathy towards her classmates and even those who are not immediately kind to her, teaching tolerance and kindness.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial in teaching children to practice empathy in their daily interactions and to appreciate the perspectives of others.