Round Robin

In Short

Set in the early 1920s, the story follows Anne Poole, a wealthy and entitled girl sent to a rustic summer camp called Round Robin. Initially appalled by the chores, lack of servants, and rough living conditions, Anne soon finds herself caught between the hollow lifestyle of her father and the genuine, neighborly warmth of the camp community. As she uncovers a local mystery involving illicit activities, she gains maturity, earns the respect of her peers, and ultimately finds a place to call home.

The Story

Anne Poole arrives at Round Robin as a "Golden Girl" from Chicago, burdened by three trunks and an attitude of haughty detachment. Accustomed to being served and living in a state of idle luxury, she is horrified by the camp’s egalitarian ethos. Under the guidance of the kind Mrs. Batchelder—known as Tante—Anne is expected to sweep tents, help with meals, and participate in the communal life of the girls. Though she initially retreats into loneliness and writes pleading letters to her distant, neglectful father, she gradually begins to thaw as the other campers, including the spirited Nancy Batchelder and the practical English girl Cicely, draw her into their activities.

The narrative shifts from social adjustment to adventure when Anne stumbles upon a mysterious cave in the woods during a hike. There, she encounters a gruff, pirate-like man who speaks of haunting. Her discovery triggers the curiosity of the camp’s self-appointed "Protector," a boy named Dick, and leads the children into a series of investigative efforts. As they look for clues, Anne learns that her own father, Mr. Poole, has been involved in disreputable business dealings, including the fraudulent sale of land and the exploitation of local neighbors. The mystery culminates when the children and local men, led by the humble Captain Sackett, raid the cave and dismantle a criminal operation, revealing the full extent of her father’s disgrace.

Throughout this process, Anne develops a deep, surprising bond with Captain Sackett and his granddaughter, Nelly. She discovers that they are her own relatives, living a simple, honest life that stands in stark contrast to the greed and instability of her father’s world. Anne’s character arc is marked by a shedding of her "Golden Girl" vanity; she stops obsessing over clothes and social standing and instead commits herself to education and a sense of shared responsibility. By the end of the summer, she no longer desires the empty opulence of her past. She embraces her connection to the Captain and Nelly, finding a sense of belonging in their humble home. The book closes with the cousins looking toward a future where they work together, having traded the aimless life of a wealthy socialite for the security of a home built on friendship, labor, and mutual respect.

How It Unfolds

The arrival Anne arrives at the camp with her trunks and high-heeled shoes, immediately clashing with the simple, communal expectations of the other girls. She feels isolated, viewing the chores and the lack of servants as a personal affront to her status.

The shift Tante’s gentle leadership and the girls' shared adventures, such as gathering wild strawberries and celebrating Midsummer Eve, begin to break down Anne's defenses. She starts to participate in camp life, finding small joys in the natural world and the companionship of the other campers.

The discovery During an organized mountain hike, Anne gets separated from her group and stumbles upon a secret cave filled with suspicious supplies. This encounter introduces a sense of danger and mystery, setting the plot toward its climax.

The investigation Dick, eager to prove his worth after a failed clambake, joins forces with Anne to ferret out the truth about the cave and the "haunted" house. They uncover the reality of her father’s financial frauds and the suffering he has caused the local families.

The reckoning The mystery reaches a head as the community bands together to confront the criminals in the cave. This event forces Anne to reconcile her father’s public disgrace with her own developing moral compass.

The homecoming Anne accepts her true lineage and the offer of a home with her grandfather, Captain Sackett. She sheds her past identity, finding a new, grounded purpose alongside her cousin Nelly.

The People

Anne Poole begins as a sheltered, lonely girl defined by her father's wealth and her own superficiality. She views herself as an outsider and a superior, but the demands of camp life and the discovery of her family’s true situation force her to prioritize integrity over comfort. By the end, she is a self-assured young woman planning a future as a teacher.

Nancy Batchelder is the heart of the camp, embodying the "Together" spirit. She is the catalyst for Anne’s integration, providing the warmth and inclusion that Anne initially lacks.

Tante (Mrs. Batchelder) serves as the moral anchor of the story. She is patient and wise, never forcing Anne to change but providing the environment where growth is inevitable.

Captain Sackett is the humble, grounded relative Anne never knew. He represents the honesty and neighborly love that Anne craves. He is patient, allowing Anne the time to choose his home not out of necessity, but out of genuine affection.

Dick Reed is the energetic, often misguided boy who longs to be a hero. His desire for recognition and his persistent curiosity drive the mystery forward, though he learns through the camp’s activities that true heroism is found in teamwork rather than individual glory.

In Its Own Voice

“I never shall like it,” she said. “It’s so coarse and ugly.”

Anne expresses her initial, stubborn rejection of the simple khaki uniform required by the camp.

“You see, he knows!” she laughed. “He wants to go with me. My fairy cat is full of mischief to-day.”

Nancy explains the behavior of her cat, Patsy, during the magical, midsummer-themed activities at the camp.

“Two girls for always, Grandfather!” Anne corrected him. “Wherever we are, even if it is far from here, it’s home by the sea where you are.”

Anne finally cements her new identity and her commitment to her grandfather at the story's end.

What It's Really About

The central theme is the triumph of democratic, communal living over class-based isolation. The book argues that true belonging is not found in wealth or status, but in contributing one's labor and spirit to a collective whole—the "Round Robin" spirit. It questions the morality of greed and the "nature-fakir" approach to life, favoring instead an honest, grounded connection to one’s community. By contrasting the empty "Golden Girl" life with the "homey" life of the Captain, the book makes a clear plea for simplicity, hard work, and the importance of finding one's own way rather than inheriting a hollow legacy of privilege.

Why Read It Today

This book will appeal to those who enjoy classic, character-driven juvenile fiction that values moral development and community. The prose is warm and atmospheric, capturing the sensory details of a seaside summer—the smell of the pines, the cool of the cave, and the excitement of a campfire. Reading it feels like stepping into a simpler, more idealistic time, where social barriers dissolve under the influence of nature and friendship.

However, readers should be prepared for the period-typical language and attitudes of 1921. There are instances of dialect that might feel jarring or slow to a modern reader, and the class dynamics, while challenged by the plot, still reflect the social norms of the early twentieth century. The book’s length is substantial, allowing for a leisurely, expansive pace that favors character exploration over rapid-fire action. Those who enjoy stories where children are treated as capable, independent, and socially aware will find much to admire. It stays with you not for its mystery, but for the quiet transformation of its protagonist, who learns that a "home" is something you build through kindness and action rather than something you simply own.