Subject
Africa -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Bertram Mitford
Haviland's Chum
"Haviland's Chum" by Bertram Mitford is a novel written in the late 19th century. Set in the context of an English boys’ school, the story revolves around the experiences of Haviland, a prefect, and his interactions with a new classmate, Mpukuza, an African boy from the Zulu nation. The narrative explores themes of bullying, friendship, and cultural differences within the camaraderie and rivalries typical of school life during that period. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to Haviland as he intervenes to protect Mpukuza from bullying by a group of boys at their school, Saint Kirwin's. Mpukuza, who is mocked for being different, slowly fits into the school environment, especially after Haviland's support. The school culture is depicted vividly, highlighting the dynamics between boys and the authority of prefects. The narrative is marked by Haviland's internal struggles with school authority and his eagerness for adventure, while Mpukuza brings a unique perspective into this boys’ world, revealing both the challenges faced by the new boy and the beginnings of a promising friendship between him and Haviland.
Victor Appleton
Tom Swift and His Electric Rifle; Or, Daring Adventures in Elephant Land
"Tom Swift and His Electric Rifle; Or, Daring Adventures in Elephant Land" by Victor Appleton is a young adult novel published in 1911. When young inventor Tom Swift perfects his electric rifle—a weapon that fires bolts of electricity—he embarks on an African safari that becomes far more dangerous than expected. Beyond hunting elephants for ivory, Tom and his companions must rescue friends held captive by hostile tribes. The novel is notable for inspiring the name of the Taser, a non-lethal weapon developed sixty years later.
Eugenio Cherubini
Pinocchio in Africa
"Pinocchio in Africa" by Eugenio Cherubini is a fictional adventure that draws inspiration from the classic tale of Pinocchio, written in the early 20th century. The story chronicles the escapades of Pinocchio, a wooden marionette, as he embarks on an adventurous journey to Africa, leaving behind his traditional schooling for a world full of wild animals, exotic landscapes, and unexpected challenges. As he pursues wealth and the thrill of adventure, readers are treated to a whimsical narrative that maintains the charm and moral undertones of the original Pinocchio story. The opening portion of the book introduces Pinocchio's initial ambition to study, which quickly falls by the wayside when he is captivated by the arrival of a circus in town. Ignoring his homework, he is drawn into the vibrant and chaotic spectacle of the circus, mingling with exotic performers and animals. Through his fascination, Pinocchio decides to set off for Africa in search of riches, somewhat naively driven by the fantastical tales he hears. His initial encounters with the circus and his contemplation of adventure set the stage for a journey filled with wild experiences, hinting at the mixture of mischief and life lessons that will come as he navigates African adventures.
R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne
Black Ivory
"Black Ivory" by R. M. Ballantyne is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. It explores themes related to the slave trade in East Africa during a period when British warships aimed to curb this inhumane practice. The story follows Harold Seadrift, the son of a ship charterer, and his loyal companion Disco Lillihammer as they navigate the harsh realities of slavery and seek to uncover the narrative behind the slave trade in Zanzibar and the surrounding regions. At the start of "Black Ivory," readers are introduced to Harold Seadrift and Disco as they survive a shipwreck on the East African coast and become embroiled in the ongoing horrors of the slave trade. They encounter slave traders almost immediately upon landing and manage to escape by hitching a lift aboard a British warship. However, their adventure takes a dark twist as they are eventually captured by slave traders, including the menacing Arab, Yoosoof. The opening chapters powerfully set the stage for an exploration of human suffering and the complex moral dilemmas faced by those caught in the web of slavery and commerce during this tumultuous period.
F. S. (Frederick Sadleir) Brereton
With Wolseley to Kumasi: A Tale of the First Ashanti War
"With Wolseley to Kumasi: A Tale of the First Ashanti War" by Captain F. S. Brereton is a historical adventure novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Dick Stapleton, who finds himself in dire circumstances in the Gold Coast after the death of his father and the theft of his family's gold. As he grapples with the threat of dishonesty from his father's former employee, James Langdon, the stage is set for a gripping tale of intrigue, self-reliance, and the clash between the indigenous culture and European ambitions. The opening of the narrative introduces Dick Stapleton, who is struggling to find solace on a sweltering night in Cape Coast as he contemplates his father's death, his dwindling financial resources, and his suspicions about James Langdon's dishonesty. Distracted by the oppressive heat and the threat of thieves, he takes a position on the verandah with a rifle, intending to keep watch over his fortune. However, he soon finds himself embroiled in a confrontation when Langdon, intent on robbing him, appears under the cover of darkness. The tension escalates as Dick fights to reclaim what is rightfully his, ultimately leading to a daring nighttime chase that promises more adventures to unfold.
Harry Collingwood
The Adventures of Dick Maitland: A Tale of Unknown Africa
"The Adventures of Dick Maitland: A Tale of Unknown Africa" by Harry Collingwood is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows the main character, Dick Maitland, a young man's journey from a doctor's apprentice in London's impoverished East End to embarking on an adventurous voyage to South Africa, driven by dire family circumstances. As Dick navigates new friendships and faces challenges that lie ahead, the narrative hints at themes of exploration, adventure, and personal growth. The opening of the novel paints a vivid picture of Dick's life and the catalyst that spurs his journey. After receiving distressing news from his mother about their financial ruin due to a trusted solicitor's misconduct, Dick resolves to leave his apprenticeship and work his passage to South Africa. He meets a wealthy young man named Grosvenor during his voyage, leading to a budding friendship marked by shared excitement about exploring the unknowns of Africa. As they anticipate encounters with mysterious tribes and treasure, the beginning sets the tone for a thrilling adventure filled with unexpected challenges and the promise of self-discovery amidst the backdrop of a fascinating land.
Edgar Rice Burroughs
The Tarzan twins
"The Tarzan Twins" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a collection of two novellas originally published in 1927 and 1936. Two schoolboy cousins, nicknamed the Tarzan Twins, visit their famous relative's African estate but become lost in the jungle. Their adventure leads them through capture by cannibals, escape, and ultimately into a dangerous quest to rescue a missionary's daughter from exiled worshippers of Opar's Flaming God. Together with Tarzan and his golden lion, they must stop a group seeking to restore human sacrifice.
William Henry Giles Kingston
In the Wilds of Africa
"In the Wilds of Africa" by William Henry Giles Kingston is an adventure novel written in the late 19th century." The story follows Andrew Crawford, the protagonist, who embarks on a perilous journey after accepting a position aboard the brig Osprey, destined for the Cape of Good Hope. As circumstances take a dire turn with the death of Captain Page and the incompetency of the second mate, Kydd, Andrew finds himself in a fight for survival alongside a group of passengers and crew, confronting the treacherous shores of Africa and the dangers they hold, including natives and the threat of slavery. "The opening of the book sets a tense atmosphere aboard the Osprey as it drifts near the African coast, struggling with heat and illness." Andrew reflects on his life experiences and the passengers on board, including the captain's son, Natty, who is deeply affected by his father's declining health. Following Captain Page’s death, the crew becomes embroiled in a conflict over leadership with Kydd taking command, leading to mounting tensions and challenges. Eventually, the brig runs aground, and many aboard are left to prepare for an uncertain escape, underscoring the themes of loyalty, leadership, and the fight for survival amidst chaos.
John Henry Goldfrap
The Boy Aviators in Africa; Or, an Aerial Ivory Trail
"The Boy Aviators in Africa; Or, an Aerial Ivory Trail" by Captain Wilbur Lawton is a spirited adventure novel likely written in the early 20th century. This narrative follows the youthful protagonists Frank and Harry Chester, alongside their friend, the reporter Billy Barnes, as they prepare for an audacious expedition in search of ivory in Africa. The trio embarks on an action-packed journey filled with the promise of danger, discovery, and the thrill of flight in their aeroplane, the Golden Eagle II. At the start of the story, the boys are busy assembling their gear for the journey in a garage turned workshop, showcasing their adventurous spirit as they ready themselves for the African expedition. The narrative quickly introduces their aim to rescue ivory stolen by a rival trader, leading to clashes with both local threats and cunning adversaries. As they prepare to leave, an unexpected letter calls them to a meeting with a mysterious ivory importer named Luther Barr, hinting at further complexities in their quest and setting the stage for a series of challenges and encounters. The opening segments paint a picture of youthful ambition, camaraderie, and the spirit of adventure that will propel the story forward.
Herbert Strang
The long trail: A story of African adventure
"The Long Trail: A Story of African Adventure" by Herbert Strang is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows two Englishmen, Hugh Royce and Tom Challis, as they venture into the uncharted terrains of Northern Nigeria to explore and prospect for tin. Their journey is not just a quest for natural history and fortune; it becomes a survival tale marked by encounters with danger, including hostile tribes and the harsh realities of colonial life in Africa. At the start of the story, Royce and Challis, accompanied by a group of Hausa carriers, trek through the arid landscape near Lake Chad. Their initial optimism is shattered upon discovering a village recently ravaged by a tribal raid, leaving them without a safe place to rest or replenish supplies. As they navigate the challenges of their expedition, they must confront their fears of encounters with the notorious Tubus, a local tribe known for their violent raids. The opening chapters set a tone of suspense and foreboding while establishing the duo’s determination to push forward despite the escalating dangers they face.
Harry Castlemon
Oscar in Africa
"Oscar in Africa" by Harry Castlemon is a fiction novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows the adventurous young protagonist, Oscar Preston, as he embarks on a journey to Africa for an expedition to collect natural history specimens for a museum back home in America. As an ambitious and somewhat independent young man, Oscar faces the challenges, treachery, and swindles posed by locals as he strives to prove his worth and succeed in his quest. The opening portion of the book introduces us to Oscar's character and the atmosphere surrounding him as he prepares for his adventure. It begins in a hotel in Maritzburg, where gossip among cattle-dealers reveals their contempt for Oscar, mainly due to his status as a young American embarking on a hunting expedition. This creates an initial tension as he must navigate both the suspicions of the locals and their schemes against him. The narrative showcases Oscar's determination and bravery while hinting at challenges ahead—from dealing with dubious characters to the tougher realities of African travel. As he interacts with the landlord and others in the hotel, we see his confidence grow in the face of skepticism, setting the stage for his upcoming trials in the wilds of Africa.
Verney Lovett Cameron
In Savage Africa Or, The adventures of Frank Baldwin from the Gold Coast to Zanzibar.
"In Savage Africa" by Verney Lovett Cameron is a historical adventure written in the late 19th century. This narrative tells the story of Frank Baldwin, a young boy who embarks on a thrilling journey as he leaves school to join his father and brother aboard the brig "Petrel" for maritime adventures along the African coast. The text captures Frank's transition from school life into the challenging and exotic world of seafaring, hinting at the perils and excitement ahead. At the start of the book, Frank Baldwin receives a letter informing him that he will leave school to join his father on a sea voyage aboard the "Petrel". Excited by the prospect of adventure, he bids farewell to his classmates, who see him as a figure of admiration as he prepares for life at sea. The opening chapters detail his departure, the camaraderie with his brother Willie, and Frank’s eagerness to prove himself as a sailor. As the story unfolds, themes of duty, adventure, and the contrast between the safety of school and the unpredictability of the sea begin to emerge, setting the stage for the challenges Frank will face in Savage Africa.
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