Author
Jim Kjelgaard
1910-1959
Jim Kjelgaard (1910-1959) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Jim Kjelgaard
Double Challenge
"Double Challenge" by Jim Kjelgaard is a novel written in the late 1950s. The book introduces readers to Ted Harkness, a young man passionate about the outdoors, whose aspirations revolve around hunting and potentially running a resort in the wilderness of Mahela. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Ted's struggles with his father's ideals and the looming threats from other inhabitants of their woodsy community, setting the stage for a compelling exploration of values, ambition, and the conflicts between personal integrity and societal pressures. At the start of the narrative, Ted Harkness, along with his loyal collie Tammie, embarks on an adventurous climb up Hawkbill Mountain, where he witnesses a group of young grouse and observes two magnificent bucks named Damon and Pythias. This opening scene vividly paints the serene yet competitive environment Ted inhabits, filled with wildlife and the dreams of a young man bent on proving himself as a skilled hunter. As the story progresses, Ted faces a moral dilemma when his employer, Carl Thornton, pressures him to illegally hunt the very deer he admires. This tension is further compounded by family dynamics, as Ted's father Al values adherence to the law and tradition. Through these opening sequences, readers are thrust into a world that balances the beauty of nature with the complexities of human ambition and ethics.
The Lost Wagon
"The Lost Wagon" by Jim Kjelgaard is a novel written in the mid-20th century. The story centers around Joe Tower, a struggling farmer grappling with the challenges of land ownership, debt, and family responsibilities. The opening chapters reveal his deep frustrations with both his current situation and his yearning for a better life, potentially in the West, where opportunities for prosperity await. At the start of the story, Joe is working in the fields under the hot sun while battling stubborn mules and the incessant irritation of a biting fly. As he plows the earth, his thoughts drift to his dreams of a successful farm and a happy family life, which are overshadowed by financial struggles and the harsh reality of debt. We see glimpses of his family life through interactions with his wife Emma and their children, showcasing a tender yet tumultuous domestic life. The narrative captures Joe's internal conflict between staying rooted in his current land versus pursuing a fresh start in the West, setting the stage for a story full of familial love, sacrifice, and the quest for independence.
Hi Jolly!
"Hi Jolly!" by Jim Kjelgaard is a novel written in the late 20th century. The story revolves around a young camel driver named Ali as he embarks on a pilgrimage to Mecca, facing various challenges in a harsh desert world. With the backdrop of historical facts, Ali's journey is marked by both his deep connection with camels and the trials posed by bandits and harsh conditions. At the start of the narrative, Ali awakens in the Syrian desert, acutely aware of the dangers surrounding him. He prepares for his journey towards Mecca, reflecting on his past experiences with camels and his aspirations to earn respect through the pilgrimage. As Ali plans to join the larger caravan known as the Hadj, his situation rapidly deteriorates when he witnesses the massacre of a local caravan by raiders. Resolute, he still decides to pursue the Hadj, driven by his passion for camels and a fortuitous encounter that leads him to discover a captured riding camel, which he names Ben Akbar. This encounter sets in motion a series of events that intertwine Ali's fate with that of the magnificent camel and introduces themes of bravery, loyalty, and survival.
Swamp Cat
"Swamp Cat" by Jim Kjelgaard is a novel written in the mid-20th century. The story follows a spirited black kitten named Frosty who, after being taken from his home by an unscrupulous man, must learn to survive in the wilderness. As Frosty navigates his new environment, he encounters various creatures, faces dangers, and discovers the strength and independence inherent in his character. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Frosty and his two gray brothers living in a shed, until they are abruptly captured by a man named Luke Trull. While his siblings are stuffed into a sack, Frosty cleverly escapes and must adapt to the wild to survive. As he begins to understand the world around him, he encounters different animals, learns to hunt, and ultimately faces the challenges of various predators, including a coyote and a great horned owl. This opening portion sets the stage for Frosty's journey towards independence and survival amid the complexities of nature.
We Were There at the Oklahoma Land Run
"We Were There at the Oklahoma Land Run" by Jim Kjelgaard is a historical account aimed particularly at young readers, written in the mid-20th century. The narrative is set during the exciting and tumultuous events of the Oklahoma Land Run in 1889, where young Alec Simpson, along with his twin sisters, is eager to stake a claim in the newly opened territories. The story captures the adventure and challenges faced by families seeking new beginnings in fertile lands. At the start of the book, the excitement builds as the Simpson family prepares for the land rush. Cindy Simpson, the adventurous twin, performs a magic show for fellow settlers while contemplating the absence of her sick sister Mindy, who has remained at home for health reasons. As the fateful moment of the land run approaches, spirits run high with hopes and dreams for a better life, but tensions simmer concerning other settlers like the enigmatic Tom LaMott, who may harbor darker intentions. The opening sets the stage for a gripping exploration of family bonds, adventure, and the precarious nature of life as settlers race to claim their fortunes in the frontier.
The Story of Geronimo
"The Story of Geronimo" by Jim Kjelgaard is a historical account written in the mid-20th century. The book chronicles the life of Geronimo, a prominent Apache leader, detailing his adventures, struggles, and the cultural context of his time. It paints a vivid picture of the Apache way of life and Geronimo's journey from a young boy to a celebrated warrior. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to a twelve-year-old Geronimo, who is stealthily plotting to steal a war horse from a neighboring chief to fight a duel and prove his worth. The opening chapter showcases Geronimo's determination, his skills as a horseman, and his youthful bravado as he secretly prepares for a dangerous encounter. When interrupted by a girl named Alope, who expresses concern for his safety, Geronimo’s character is further developed, highlighting his ambition and longing for recognition as a warrior. This sets the stage for the unfolding story of his life, exploring themes of bravery, cultural conflict, and the pursuit of honor.
Rescue Dog of the High Pass
"Rescue Dog of the High Pass" by Jim Kjelgaard is a novel written in the mid-20th century. This engaging tale focuses on a young boy named Franz Halle and his loyal dog, an Alpine mastiff named Caesar, as they navigate the challenges of life in the mountainous Swiss Alps. Set against the backdrop of the St. Bernard Hospice, the story delves into themes of personal worth, companionship, and the bravery of rescue dogs that help save travelers lost in the snow. The opening of the book introduces Franz, who struggles with traditional academic subjects but possesses a profound understanding of the forest and mountains that surround him. Although he feels worthless compared to his classmates, he finds solace in his bond with Caesar. As winter approaches, their lives take a pivotal turn when Franz is offered the chance to work at the St. Bernard Hospice, where he hopes to contribute meaningful work alongside Caesar, who proves his worth as a rescue dog. The narrative sets the stage for a heartwarming exploration of courage and the capabilities of both boy and dog in the face of nature's formidable challenges.
Trading Jeff and His Dog
"Trading Jeff and His Dog" by Jim Kjelgaard is a novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around Jeff Tarrant, an enterprising young peddler, and a stray dog named Pal, as they navigate challenges after the dog's previous owner, Johnny Blazer, has been killed. Their journey is marked by friendship, survival, and the search for companionship amid the wilderness and human conflicts. The opening of the book introduces two main characters: the large dog, who has been wandering and enduring hardship since being separated from his master, Johnny, and Jeff Tarrant, a spirited young man just past his eighteenth birthday, who walks the countryside selling goods. The dog approaches Jeff out of desperation for companionship, leading to a bond that promises adventure. After enduring mistreatment and loneliness, the dog finds hope in Jeff, while Jeff's initial encounter with the dog prompts the beginnings of a shared journey that will lead them both through conflict and personal discovery in a backdrop of rural America. Together, they face challenges that test their resilience, loyalty, and the meaning of trust as they navigate the threats posed by humans and their own tumultuous pasts.
The Duck-footed Hound
"The Duck-footed Hound" by Jim Kjelgaard is a children's novel written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around a young boy named Harky Mundee and his adventures with Precious Sue, a skilled bluetick hound, and Duckfoot, her unusual pup who possesses webbed feet. The book captures the excitement of coon hunting in the Creeping Hills, focusing on the dynamics of nature, animals, and the challenges they face. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Old Joe, a crafty raccoon who has eluded the best hunters thanks to his intelligence and agility. Harky, the young protagonist, finds himself navigating life's challenges, balancing school, girls, and his passion for hunting, while also worrying about his beloved hound Precious Sue and her potential offspring. As the narrative unfolds, Duckfoot is revealed, who inherits not only Precious Sue's traits but also a unique ability that sets him apart, suggesting an intriguing blend of adventure and enchantment as Harky and his dog confront the mysteries of the wild.
The Spell of the White Sturgeon
"The Spell of the White Sturgeon" by Jim Kjelgaard is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with Ramsay Cartou, a young man who finds himself on a treacherous side-wheeler, the "H. H. Holter", en route to Wisconsin from New York. Enthralled by the wild beauty of Lake Michigan, Ramsay’s journey quickly turns into a struggle for survival when the ship faces an unforeseen storm, thus presenting themes of adventure, danger, and the lure of the uncharted frontier. At the start of the novel, Ramsay is captivated by the turbulent lake while awaiting his voyage to Three Points. However, his fascination is interrupted when he encounters a belligerent man named Devil Chad, who commands the crew's obedience. As Ramsay contemplates his decision to leave New York for the Midwest, the ship becomes overwhelmed by the storm, leading to a climactic wreck that plunges Ramsay into the icy depths of Lake Michigan. Struggling to survive, he is faced with the fearsome legend of the White Sturgeon, a mysterious creature of local folklore. The opening sets the stage for a thrilling exploration of man versus nature, as Ramsay learns to navigate a new, wild world filled with hostility and fortitude.
The Black Fawn
"The Black Fawn" by Jim Kjelgaard is a novel written in the late 1950s. The story follows a young boy named Bud Sloan, who has recently come to live with an elderly couple, Gramps and Gram Bennett, after leaving the orphanage. As Bud navigates the challenges of a new life on the farm, he grapples with feelings of fear and insecurity while forming bonds with the gentle farm animals, particularly a black fawn that he discovers in the woods. At the start of the novel, Bud struggles with emotions of fear and vulnerability upon arriving at the Bennett farm. He is introduced to Gramps and Gram, who exhibit kindness despite Bud’s hesitancy to accept their affection. As Bud begins to settle into the rhythm of farm life, we see him tackle work and build relationships with both Gramps, who teaches him about farming, and Shep, the farm collie. The opening establishes Bud's inner conflict over his past as an orphan and his longing for belonging, primarily showcased through his attachment to the black fawn, symbolizing his desire for friendship and connection in a world that feels uncertain.