Chapters 1-4: Lydia's Notebook, Emily's Weekend, Cassie's Diary, Ashbury High Year 10 Notice Board Summary

In the first four chapters of The Year of Secret Assignments, the three main protagonists, Lydia, Emily, and Cassie are introduced, each through the girls' unique writing style. The reader learns about the main school project the girls are working on, which will make up the bulk of the novel's action.

Chapter 1: Lydia Jaackson-Oberman begins to fill out "Your Notebook," a trademarked book full of questions intended to inspire burgeoning young authors. As Lydia fills in the book, she is dubious about its utility. The notebook is a gift from her father, which further negates its value in her eyes. Instead of simply answering the book's questions, Lydia sarcastically "converses" with it. She describes her two best friends, Emily...