The final book in Evelyn Smith's trilogy featuring the adventures of the Shortt sisters at Queen Anne's - following upon Seven Sisters at Queen Anne’s and Septima at School - Phyllida in Form III details its eponymous heroine's experiences during her third year at school. When "fierce" Phyllida comes upon Queenie Gregson mauling Small John Silver - an orphaned cygnet she had befriended earlier in her summer holiday - the interloper eventually winds up in the river.

Unfortunately, Phyllida is not so easily rid of her foe, as the snobbish, self-involved rich-girl turns out to be one of two new students in her form at Queen Anne's. Disgusted at Queenie's attempts to buy her way into popularity, as well as her condescending attitude to shy Violet Cunningham (the other new girl), Phyllida is constantly at odds with her odious rival, whom she takes to calling "the Quiggins." Will Queenie succeed in her efforts to become the preeminent girl in the third form, or will Phyllida prevail, upholding the traditions of the "long family of Shortt?"

As predicted by my friend Emily, who was kind enough to loan me the first two titles in this series, I enjoyed Phyllida in Form III immensely! It was an entertaining and pleasant read, and a satisfactory conclusion to the Queen Anne's trilogy. It might have been nice to read a fourth book devoted to Gerry's experiences, particularly as Smith hints that she has a brilliant athletic career ahead of her, but there is enough closure here to keep the reader happy. Although still a neophyte in the genre of the girls' school-story, I am already of the opinion that a well-drawn schoolgirl rivalry does a lot to add interest to the narrative, and that is certainly the case here. The reader will root for Phyllida, and wait anxiously for Queenie to "get hers." I know I did... ( )