Marjorie Dean, High School Junior

"Marjorie Dean, High School Junior" by Josephine Chase is a young adult novel written in the early 20th century. Following the titular character, Marjorie Dean, the story unfolds during her junior year of high school as she navigates the emotional landscape of friendships, separation, and the challenges of adolescent life. The narrative provides a glimpse into Marjorie's relationships with her friends, particularly the impending departure of her close companion, Mary Raymond, as well as the tensions introduced by new peer dynamics. The opening of the novel introduces us to a poignant farewell scene between Marjorie and Mary, with both girls reflecting on the bittersweet memories of their last summer together. As they grapple with their feelings about parting, another key character, Geraldine Macy, is also brought into the story, hinting at the various social challenges Marjorie is about to face. The setting shifts to school where Marjorie becomes entangled in a troubling incident involving a new student, Rowena Farnham, and a suspected cheating act. This sets the stage for conflict and moral dilemmas that Marjorie must navigate in her junior year, establishing a rich foundation for the evolving themes of honor, friendship, and integrity that are likely to develop throughout the book.