The second book in Josephine Elder's Farm School series, Cherry Tree Perch returns to the story of British schoolgirls Annis Best and Kitty Forrester, who both attend the small, rather unconventional school run by Kitty's family. Annis is happy to be returning to Sutton Malherbe for her second year, but her peace of mind is soon disrupted by her first major disagreement with Kitty. How is it possible that the two friends could have such different reactions to the same person? Was Annis' dislike of Miss de Vipon - the Farm School's eccentric new neighbor - based on nothing but jealousy?

I enjoyed this sequel to Exile for Annis, although I understand that my edition, printed in the 1950s, was significantly revised from the original version of 1939. Just as Annis learns that unconventionality is not necessarily something to condemn in the first volume of the series, so in this book she comes to understand that different kinds of friendship are not mutually exclusive. Her gradual maturation is a pleasure to witness, as are her daily activities, from horseback riding to chemistry experiments.

Like Exile for Annis, the one discordant note is Elder's characterization of Kenneth Forrester, and the general secrecy that the Forresters maintain around his existence. I understand that this reflects the sensibilities of the time, but it is still a disappointment in a family that is meant to be so "enlightened." Despite that caveat, I continue to enjoy the series, and must now look about for the final volume... ( )