The Secret School by Avi captivates readers with its historical setting and determined protagonist, Ida Bidson. The narrative, set in 1925 Colorado, is praised for its inspiring depiction of resilience and the importance of education. However, some critics find the plot predictable and characters slightly underdeveloped. Overall, it’s a charming and motivational read suitable for middle-grade audiences.

Readers who enjoy The Secret School by Avi are typically young adults who appreciate historical fiction, themes of perseverance, and educational empowerment. Comparable to readers of Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder and Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, they value stories of young protagonists overcoming societal challenges.

In 1925 rural Colorado, 14-year-old Ida Bidson strives to keep her one-room schoolhouse open by secretly becoming its teacher after their teacher leaves due to a family emergency, facing numerous challenges, including evading the school board, teaching multiple grade levels, handling farm chores, and preparing for her eighth-grade exit exam to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher.

Inspirational / Hopeful / Contemplative / Adventurous / Nostalgic

**Ida Bidson**  
A determined 14-year-old eighth grader who aspires to become a teacher; she takes on the responsibility of teaching her classmates to keep the school open.

**Tom Kohl**  
Ida's best friend and fellow eighth grader, who is clever and handy with electronics; he supports Ida's efforts to maintain their education.

**Herbert Bixler**  
An older student at the school who struggles with academic progress due to farm duties, often displaying a rebellious attitude.

**Miss Sedgewick**  
A county school inspector who recognizes Ida's potential and supports the continuation of classes under Ida's leadership.  

**Mr. Jordan**  
The frugal and skeptical local school board chair who initially opposes the continuation of the school year without a formal teacher.

**Mrs. and Mr. Bidson**  
Ida's supportive parents, who balance farm work and family responsibilities while encouraging her educational ambitions.

**Mr. Bixler**  
A struggling farmer who relies on his son, Herbert, for farm work and is resistant to the idea of formal education disrupting their routine.

**Miss Fletcher**  
The original teacher at the Elk Valley school who leaves to care for her ailing mother, setting the stage for Ida's unconventional role.

**Felix**  
Ida's seven-year-old brother who attends school with her and assists in their inventive transportation method to reach the schoolhouse.

**Mary, Natasha Golobin, Charley, and Susie Spool**  
The other students at the Elk Valley school, each contributing to the diverse classroom dynamics and presenting a range of academic challenges for Ida.

**Mr. Hawkins**  
A Methodist minister who speaks out at a critical town meeting to emphasize the community's desire for continued education and social justice.

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