Don Gordon's Shooting-Box

by Harry Castlemon

"Don Gordon's Shooting-Box" by Harry Castlemon is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows the adventures of Don Gordon and his brother Hubert as they navigate life at the Bridgeport Military Academy, encountering challenges that test their courage and brotherhood. The book promises themes of camaraderie, challenges of discipline, and the experiences of young cadets as they strive to find their place in a strict military environment. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the daily life and tensions within the Bridgeport Military Academy. A group of students is frustrated over the arrival of a new cadet, a street boy who they believe threatens their status. The opening scenes depict their disdain for authority and their apprehension towards the new student, reflecting on the pressures and challenges of military life. Meanwhile, Don and his brother arrive at the school, eager to prove themselves but quickly get entangled in the academy's strict disciplinary expectations. As they settle in, Don's strong personality becomes apparent as he confronts bullies and fosters new friendships, setting the stage for both conflict and growth as the narrative progresses.