"The Encyclopaedia of Girls' School Stories" describes Clare Mallory as 'one of the best exponents of the classical school story'(p. 211) She doesn't break new ground but rather stays true to the traditional elements of the genre, populating her stories with tall, authoritative Head Girls, forceful Games Captains, respected albeit distant Head Mistresses and a cast of likeable juniors of assorted ages.If there is a recurring theme to her stories it is the importance of belonging.