Tom Slade Picks a Winner

by Percy Keese Fitzhugh

"Tom Slade Picks a Winner" by Percy Keese Fitzhugh is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story follows the main character, Tom Slade, a camp assistant, as he navigates the challenges faced by a new boy named Wilfred Cowell, who is dealing with personal struggles, including health issues and bullying. The narrative highlights themes of friendship, courage, and the complexities of growing up. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Wilfred Cowell, who is recovering from an anxiety-induced fainting spell and is being comforted by his mother and sister. As he anxiously awaits the arrival of a doctor, his sister's concern for him intertwines with the tension of his health condition. When Tom Slade arrives in a Ford bearing the emblem of Temple Camp, he brings a sense of reassurance and excitement for Wilfred. As the story unfolds, we learn about Wilfred's challenges with fitting into the new environment and the emotional weight he carries from previous experiences, particularly from a bullying incident that has left him feeling insecure and vulnerable. The opening sets the stage for Wilfred's journey of self-discovery and companionship under the guidance of Slade.