Books › The secret school
The secret school
176 pages
A quiet, rustic tale of determination where a young girl's thirst for learning becomes an act of secret rebellion.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like stepping into a sunlit, chalk-dusted room where the stakes are deeply personal and quietly thrilling. It moves at a steady, deliberate pace, grounding the reader in the rustic textures of 1920s rural life while maintaining a gentle undercurrent of tension—the constant, thrilling fear of being caught by the adult world. The narrative voice is earnest and unadorned, reflecting the practical resilience of its young protagonist. It is an incredibly cozy yet empowering read, wrapping you in a nostalgic atmosphere of inkwells and woodstoves while delivering a timeless message about agency and the transformative power of education. It will thoroughly delight fans of historical fiction who love watching a resourceful underdog quietly rewrite the rules.
- Mood
- rustic
- nostalgic
- quietly tense
- inspiring
- Tone
- earnest
- determined
- hopeful
- understated
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- the power of education · quiet rebellion · defying expectations · coming of age · community solidarity
- The writing
- The prose is clear, unadorned, and accessible, perfectly mirroring the practical, no-nonsense reality of 1920s rural life.
- The arc
- The journey shifts from the anxious disappointment of a thwarted dream to the empowering realization of one's own capability and leadership.
- Who it's for
- Readers who delight in historical fiction featuring resourceful, determined young heroines who quietly outsmart the adults around them.
Content notes
- period-typical sexism
About the book
More than anything, Ida Bidson wants to become a teacher. To do that, she needs to finish eighth grade so she can go on to high school. But when the one-room school in Ida’s remote Colorado town closes unexpectedly, that dream seems unattainable. Her only hope is to keep the school open without anyone finding out. Yet even a secret school needs a teacher. Ida can’t be it.... Or can she?
In the spirit of The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, two-time Newbery Honor recipient Avi once again has created a compelling story featuring a headstrong and memorable heroine who is determined to take control of her destiny.
Description from Open Library.
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