Helen Barber first came across Elinor Brent-Dyer’s Chalet School at the age of ten, when she was loaned a small selection of paperbacks by a friend. A decade later, she began buying the books herself—and twenty years after that, with much delight, completed her collection of the Chambers hardback editions. Helen gained a first degree from the Open University in 2002, and in 2011 was awarded a PhD from the University of Durham for her research into the works of Plautus. In addition to reading and writing children’s stories, her hobbies include playing chamber music (the violin is her preferred instrument) and embroidery (but not ‘plain sewing’: like many a Chalet School girl, she’s not much use at that!). She is the author of six Chalet books: The Bettanys of Taverton High (GGBP 2008, reprinted 2022) The Bettanys on the Home Front (GGBP 2008; out of print), Last Term at Taverton High (GGBP 2018; out of print), Chalet School World (GGBP 2013; out of print), A Chalet School Headmistress (GGBP 2003; reprinted 2017; out of print), and The Bettany Twins and the Chalet School (GGBP 2020), as well as numerous short stories and articles.
Please note that A Head-Girl’s Difficulties will be published between July and August 2024.
