Percy's holidays: or, borrowing trouble.

"Percy's Holidays: or, Borrowing Trouble" by Lucy Ellen Guernsey is a children's novel written in the early 1870s, during the late 19th century. The narrative centers around a young girl named Percy who grapples with her fears and anxieties as she transitions from home life to boarding school. The story explores themes of perseverance, self-discovery, and the importance of not succumbing to self-imposed worries, encapsulated in the concept of "borrowing trouble." The tale begins with Percy, an orphaned girl living with her Aunt Zoe, who is sent to a boarding school. Initially apprehensive about the new environment and her interactions with other girls, Percy gradually learns to navigate her fears, especially her tendency to "borrow trouble" by worrying about future problems. Throughout her journey, she encounters various challenges and characters, including her cousin Margaret and Aunt Ackerman, who help her recognize the need to focus on the present and trust in the goodness of life. By the end of her holidays, Percy emerges more self-assured and grateful, shedding much of her earlier anxiety as she embraces the joy of her experiences.