Author
Nina Rhoades
1863-1940
Nina Rhoades (1863-1940) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Nina Rhoades
Four girls of forty years ago
"Four Girls of Forty Years Ago" by Nina Rhoades is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the four Winslow sisters—Dulcie, Daisy, Molly, and Maud—who navigate the complexities of family life after the death of their mother. Their adventures explore themes of childhood innocence, the longing for parental love, and the struggles faced in a less-than-ideal living situation with their strict step-grandmother. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the four sisters living in their grandfather’s old house in New York City. Their father has gone to China for work, leaving them in the care of their unloving step-grandmother, accompanied by memories of a happier time before their mother’s death. The narrative captures their daily lives filled with mundane challenges, such as feeling neglected and dealing with the loss of their nurturing figure Lizzie, the family’s former nurse, who was abruptly dismissed. Amidst their drudgery, the girls find solace in their imaginations and the camaraderie they share, setting the stage for a story of resilience and sisterly support as they dream of better days.
The Girl from Arizona
"The Girl from Arizona" by Nina Rhoades is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Marjorie, a fourteen-year-old girl living on a ranch in Arizona who faces the disappointment of not being able to attend school due to financial difficulties. Throughout the narrative, themes of longing for education and new experiences are explored, as Marjorie grapples with feelings of isolation and the desire for friendship and adventure. The introduction also hints at the arrival of a mysterious girl named Undine, who complicates Marjorie's life further. The opening of the book sets the stage for Marjorie's life on the ranch, showcasing her relationship with her aunt, Miss Graham, who is wheelchair-bound, and her struggles with her current lack of education compared to her peers. Marjorie's emotional turmoil is captured in her heartfelt confession to her aunt, revealing her dreams of a broader world that lies beyond the barren landscape of Arizona. As Marjorie begins to engage with her surroundings, she encounters Undine, a girl without memories of her past who arrives unexpectedly from a train. This initial interaction suggests a deepening exploration of identity, friendship, and the intertwining of their fates, all while Marjorie prepares for the possibility of a life-changing journey.
When Gretel Was Fifteen
"When Gretel Was Fifteen" by Nina Rhoades is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Gretel Schiller, a young girl with German heritage living in America during World War I, as she navigates the complexities of her identity and friendships against the backdrop of a nation at war. The narrative delves into themes of loyalty, cultural conflict, and the struggle for acceptance, particularly in light of anti-German sentiment prevalent during the war. The opening of the novel establishes a tense atmosphere as Gretel and her fellow students at Miss Minton's school react to the news of America's entry into World War I. The girls' emotions range from fear to pride, revealing personal connections to the war as some have relatives who may be affected. Gretel's inner turmoil is palpable as she grapples with her own mixed heritage, reflecting on her deceased German father while forming a bond with her German teacher, Fräulein Sieling, who faces prejudice due to her nationality. This initial conflict not only sets the stage for Gretel's character development but also hints at the larger societal issues that will be explored throughout the book.
The Children on the Top Floor
"The Children on the Top Floor" by Nina Rhoades is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around two main characters, Betty and Jack Randall, who live a modest life in an apartment building. Betty is a caring older sister to her little brother Jack, who is a cripple and unable to walk. The book explores themes of friendship, compassion, and the struggles of families facing hardship. The opening of the novel introduces readers to Betty, who is purchasing cream cakes for her brother at a local bakery. After a mishap involving her cakes, she encounters Winifred Hamilton, a girl living in the same apartment building. As they talk, Betty reveals about Jack’s condition, which deepens Winifred's compassion for the siblings. The narrative quickly establishes the dynamic of their lives—Betty's unwavering love for Jack and her desire to improve his situation. As the story unfolds, it hints at their different backgrounds and foreshadows potential connections between the Hamiltons and the Randalls, setting a foundation for themes of kindness and community support amid their struggles.
Nora's twin sister
Nora''s twin sister by Nina Rhoades is a children''s novel written in the early 20th century. It follows Nora O’Neil, a bright, poor West Side girl, and Kathleen Crawford, her wealthy counterpart on Fifth Avenue—identical twins separated in infancy without knowing it. A chance encounter leads to recognition, secrecy, and a daring exchange that tests loyalty and identity. The story foregrounds class contrasts, a mother’s steadfast love, and a girl’s imagination and integrity. The opening of the novel shows Nora spinning stories for measles-stricken neighbor children and hinting at a “twin sister” who seems imaginary but isn’t. We learn Nora lives with her widowed mother, a hardworking reporter, who secretly watches a Fifth Avenue mansion because Kathleen, the adopted twin, lives there. On a Sunday, a deaf cook mistakes Nora for Kathleen and ushers her into the Crawford home; the girls meet, and Nora reveals the truth, binding them in an instant, tender allegiance. Kathleen—lonely despite her luxury—later visits Nora’s mother in the studio, and the three share a rapturous reunion; to prolong it, the twins swap places for a night, with Nora “playing” Kathleen at the mansion, navigating stern Sarah, kind Selma, and dinner service, while earlier school scenes spotlight Nora’s ethics as she refuses to cheat on a composition.
Maisie's merry Christmas
"Maisie's Merry Christmas" by Nina Rhoades is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young girl named Maisie Barton, who faces disappointment during her family's holiday travels in Europe, particularly since they are away from home at Christmas. A significant part of the narrative focuses on her desire to bring joy to a less fortunate girl, Celeste, who is blind and lives in poverty. The central themes likely explore kindness, generosity, and the spirit of giving during the holiday season. The opening of the story introduces Maisie at her family's hotel in Nice, where she expresses her discontent about being away from home for Christmas. Her father suggests that instead of focusing on her own disappointment, she could try to make someone else's Christmas merry. This leads to Maisie's desire to give gifts to Celeste, who she discovers is in a difficult situation. As the narrative progresses, the reader sees Maisie shopping for thoughtful gifts to surprise Celeste, highlighting her growth and the importance of empathy. Ultimately, the story promises to convey a heartwarming Christmas message centered around selflessness and the joy of helping others in need.
A real Cinderella
"A Real Cinderella" by Nina Rhoades is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a young girl named Gretel Schiller, who, despite her humble circumstances and lack of familial support, dreams of a more magical life reminiscent of the classic fairy tale Cinderella. The novel explores themes of hope, longing, and the transformative power of music as Gretel navigates her daily life filled with chores, moments of joy, and the wish to experience "fairy-land." The opening of the book introduces us to Gretel, an orphaned girl living with the Marsh family, who is often treated more like a servant than a relative. Through her interactions with Miss Ada Marsh and her half-heartedly welcoming home life, Gretel dreams of attending opera performances, which she sees as gateways to a beautiful world where she might find happiness. As she grapples with feelings of inadequacy, neglect, and her aspirations, she discovers a ticket to an opera, igniting her desire to escape her reality and seek the enchantment she believes lies beyond her grasp. The initial chapters set the stage for Gretel's journey through self-discovery, the significance of music in her life, and the contrasting worlds of hope and despair she experiences.