Margery Merton is brought up in Paris by an old maiden aunt, who has an elaborate theory of education, and strict ideas about discipline. Her system is an excellent one, being founded on the science of Darwin and the wisdom of Solomon, but it comes to terrible grief when put into practice; and finally she has to procure a governess, Madame Reville, the widow of a great and unappreciated French painter. From her Margery gets her first feeling for art, and the chief interest of the book centres round a competition for an art scholarship, into which Margery and the other girls of the convent school enter.

Focusing on six popular British girls' periodicals, Kristine Moruzi explores the debate about the shifting nature of Victorian girlhood between 1850 and 1915. During an era of significant political, social, and economic change, girls' periodicals demonstrate the difficulties of fashioning a coherent, consistent model of girlhood. The mixed-genre format of these magazines, Moruzi suggests, allowed inconsistencies and tensions between competing feminine ideals to exist within the same publication. Adopting a case study approach, Moruzi shows that the Monthly Packet, the Girl of the Period Miscellany, the Girl's Own Paper, Atalanta, the Young Woman, and the Girl's Realm each attempted to define and refine a unique type of girl, particularly the religious girl, the 'Girl of the Period,' the healthy girl, the educated girl, the marrying girl, and the modern girl. These periodicals reflected the challenges of embracing the changing conditions of girls' lives while also attempting to maintain traditional feminine ideals of purity and morality. By analyzing the competing discourses within girls' periodicals, Moruzi's book demonstrates how they were able to frame feminine behaviour in ways that both reinforced and redefined the changing role of girls in nineteenth-century society while also allowing girl readers the opportunity to respond to these definitions.

Margery Merton is brought up in Paris by an old maiden aunt, who has an elaborate theory of education, and strict ideas about discipline. Her system is an excellent one, being founded on the science of Darwin and the wisdom of Solomon, but it comes to terrible grief when put into practice; and finally she has to procure a governess, Madame Reville, the widow of a great and unappreciated French painter. From her Margery gets her first feeling for art, and the chief interest of the book centres round a competition for an art scholarship, into which Margery and the other girls of the convent school enter.

With the Swamp Fox: A Story of General Marion's Young Spies by James Otis is an exhilarating tale set during the Revolutionary War. Otis masterfully crafts a narrative that follows the daring missions of young spies under the leadership of General Marion, offering readers a thrilling blend of history and adventure.

One of the earliest examples of science fiction in an Australian children's book.

In 'Tony, the Hero; Or, A Brave Boy's Adventures with a Tramp,' Horatio Jr. Alger tells the tale of a young boy named Tony who encounters a tramp and embarks on a series of adventures. Written in Alger's signature style of moralistic storytelling, the book explores themes of bravery, perseverance, and the triumph of good over evil. Alger's engaging narrative captures the essence of coming-of-age stories popular in the late 19th century, making it a timeless classic for readers of all ages. The book is filled with vivid descriptions and well-developed characters that will keep readers entertained from beginning to end. Horatio Jr. Alger, known for his rags-to-riches stories, drew inspiration from his own experiences and beliefs in the power of hard work and determination. His background as a minister and social advocate shines through in 'Tony, the Hero,' as he imparts valuable life lessons through the adventures of the protagonist. Alger's ability to weave poignant messages into his narratives has made him a beloved author among readers seeking moral guidance and entertainment. Readers looking for a heartwarming tale of courage and perseverance will find 'Tony, the Hero; Or, A Brave Boy's Adventures with a Tramp' a captivating and insightful read. Alger's timeless storytelling and impactful themes make this book a must-read for anyone who appreciates classic literature with a moral compass.