Eustacia Goes to the Chalet School

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with a 'know-it-all' attitude or is finding it difficult to integrate into a new group because they feel superior to their peers. This classic school story follows Eustacia, a girl who has been raised to believe she is more intelligent and sophisticated than other children, only to find that her ego leaves her lonely and disliked at the Chalet School. It is an excellent resource for discussing how intellectual pride can hinder true friendship. The story explores the painful but necessary process of self-reflection and the humility required to belong. While written in the early 20th century, the emotional core of wanting to be liked while being afraid to admit one's own faults remains deeply relevant for children aged 9 to 14. Parents will appreciate the clear moral arc and the school's focus on character development, helping children see that being 'clever' is less important than being kind and cooperative.