The Head Girl of the Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer was first published in 1928 and it seems to be the fourth book in the boarding school series.

In this one Grizel has been made the head girl and she’s conflicted about it, as are some of the staff and pupils. Grizel has rather an impetuous and stubborn character which has got her into trouble in the past. She’s going to find it difficult to remember that she should be a good role model for the rest of the school.

In fact before she even reaches the school for the new term she has a bit of a brainstorm and goes off on her own on a personal sightseeing trip, telling nobody of her plans. Miss Maynard, the maths teacher who is accompanying Grizel with a few other girls is frantic and the careful plans made by the others have to be abandoned to chase after Grizel.

Has the head teacher made a big mistake in putting her faith in Grizel? To make matters worse one of the other pupils Deira had been expecting to be chosen as head girl and she’s livid that Grizel was chosen, she’s determined to cause trouble.

I have no idea how many Chalet School books I read as a youngster, but I’m enjoying re-visiting them, they’re comfort reads for me and I like that eventually all will be well.

I am a bit intrigued by the author’s choice of name for her main character though. Grizel is a Scottish name which is definitely not common because it just doesn’t sound nice, it’s a bit too much like grizzle which is how it is pronounced and that always makes me think of grumpy babies. I had a friend who had a very elderly aunt called Grizel but otherwise I’ve only heard of it being used by J.M. Barrie of Peter Pan fame in his Tommy and Grizel book which was published in 1900. I very much doubt if the name features in any of those baby name books that are so popular nowadays.