Subject
Airplanes -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Edward Stratemeyer
The aircraft boys of Lakeport : $b or, Rivals of the clouds
No description available.
Herbert Strang
The Air Patrol: A Story of the North-west Frontier
"The Air Patrol: A Story of the North-west Frontier" by Herbert Strang is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of Northern India, particularly exploring themes of adventure, military strategy, and the nascent use of aircraft in warfare. Central to the plot are the young Appleton brothers, Robert and Lawrence, who venture into the rugged mountains to join their adventurous uncle in his mining endeavors, ultimately becoming embroiled in the geopolitical intrigues and dangers of borderlands. At the start of the story, the Appleton brothers are traveling with Major Endicott, a political officer tasked with negotiating peace with a troublesome tribe. As they navigate the treacherous mountain terrain, they come across armed hill-men laying in ambush, which sets the stage for the unfolding action and tension. The narrative hints at the complexity of the region’s politics and the dynamics between the British, local tribes, and the looming threat of Russian expansion. The brothers’ journey not only involves physical challenges but also deepens their understanding of bravery and the complexities of leadership as they adapt to their dangerous surroundings.
Clayton Knight
The non-stop stowaway : $b The story of a long distance flight
"The Non-Stop Stowaway: The Story of a Long Distance Flight" by Clayton Knight is an adventure novel written in the late 1920s. The story revolves around young Kiwi and his father, who are preparing for an ambitious long-distance flight from New York to India. It highlights the thrills of aviation and the challenges they face as they undertake this journey, with Kiwi determined to prove himself despite initially being left behind. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Kiwi and his father, who are living on a houseboat while final preparations for the flight are made. Kiwi is eager to learn about flying and is excited about the imminent test of their plane. However, he is initially kept out of the test flights. The situation escalates when Kiwi sneaks aboard the plane as a stowaway during the actual flight attempt, showcasing his determination to be part of the adventure. The opening chapters establish the dynamics between Kiwi and his father, introduce other key characters, and set the stage for the thrilling challenges they will face during their flight.
E. J. (Edith Janice) Craine
The Air Mystery of Isle La Motte
"The Air Mystery of Isle La Motte" by E. J. Craine is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book follows the thrilling adventures of step-brothers Jim Austin and Bob Caldwell as they navigate a world of flying and intrigue aboard their plane, "Her Highness." Their journey takes them to Quebec and Isle La Motte, where they encounter the mysteries of smuggling and turkey theft, intertwining their experiences with local characters and law enforcement. At the start of the novel, the boys land in Quebec and meet a Canadian Mounted Policeman, Sergeant Bradshaw, who highlights concerns about illicit activities in the area. This encounter sets the tone for their summer adventure filled with secrets. As they explore their surroundings, they express curiosity about a mysterious boy working on the Fenton's turkey farm and decide to form a "detective bureau" to solve the three mysteries they have identified: the identity of the boy, the disappearance of turkeys, and the presence of suspicious characters linked to smuggling. The opening chapters establish an exciting blend of youth, adventure, and mystery, drawing readers into the step-brothers' world as they seek to unravel the enigmas surrounding them.
James R. Driscoll
The Brighton Boys in Transatlantic Flight
"The Brighton Boys in Transatlantic Flight" by Lieutenant James R. Driscoll is a historical adventure novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story centers around four young aviators, led by the physically imposing Jack Carew, as they prepare for a groundbreaking Transatlantic flight. Amidst preparations and rival crews, they face unexpected tension from a fellow pilot, Henryson, and must work together to navigate various challenges while unveiling a plot that threatens their mission. The opening of the book introduces readers to Jack Carew and his crew as they spontaneously engage in playful banter while awaiting their fateful flight in cold Halifax. The camaraderie among the crew members—Big Jack, navigator Donald Harlan, wireless operator Fred Bentner, and alternate pilot Andy Flures—is established through humorous exchanges and shared aspirations for the historic flight. The atmosphere soon shifts as they encounter hostility from Henryson and discover a mysterious figure lurking around their hangar, hinting at impending treachery, while their excitement is intermingled with the challenge of the uncertain weather and a secret mission that lies ahead. This sets the stage for an engaging tale of friendship, bravery, and adventure in the face of adversity.
Sinclair Lewis
Hike and the aeroplane
"Hike and the Aeroplane" by Tom Graham is a young adult adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story features two boys, Hike Griffin and his friend Poodle Darby, who embark on exhilarating escapades involving horseback riding and a mysterious aeroplane. The narrative hints at themes of bravery, friendship, and the spirit of exploration against the backdrop of early aviation. The opening of the book introduces Hike and Poodle as they navigate a rugged canyon trail in California. During their exploration, Hike courageously saves Poodle from a near-fatal accident with a skittish horse, showcasing his adventurous spirit and resourcefulness. The boys subsequently discover a mysterious aerodrome where an eccentric aviator, Martin Priest, is building an innovative tetrahedral aeroplane. As they bond with Priest over their shared interest in aviation, they realize that their adventures are only beginning, setting the stage for thrilling experiences that will test their courage and creativity.
W. Crispin (William Crispin) Sheppard
The Rambler Club's aeroplane
"The Rambler Club’s Aeroplane" by W. Crispin Sheppard is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the escapades of a group of boys from the Rambler Club, particularly focusing on Bob Somers and his ward, Willie Sloan, as they travel to Wyoming to engage in thrilling activities, including a visit to Circle T Ranch and interactions with aviators experimenting with dirigibles. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Cranny Beaumont and his father as they discuss the troublesome and lazy behavior of Willie Sloan, Cranny's father's ward. They learn that Bob Somers and his friends are on their way to Tacoma, and excitement builds as Cranny anticipates their arrival and the adventures that await, particularly in the context of a booming Border City and the possibility of flying in an aeroplane. The opening sets the stage for not only character dynamics but also hints at a transformation for Willie, who is portrayed as discontent and reluctant about his new surroundings and activities. The narrative promises a mix of humor, friendship, and young adolescent challenges against the adventurous backdrop of the American West.
Roy J. (Roy Judson) Snell
Witches Cove A Mystery Story for Girls
"Witches Cove" by Roy J. Snell is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around two adventurous girls, Ruth Bracket and Betty Bronson, who find themselves drawn into a series of mysterious events while spending summer on the coast of Maine. Their exploration leads them to encounter a beached schooner, seemingly linked to intriguing mysteries, including potential smuggling activities and a crew of pirates who turn out to be something quite different. The opening portion of the book introduces readers to the atmospheric setting of Casco Bay during a moonless night as Ruth and Betty row out in their dory, drawn by their love for mystery and adventure. They stumble upon a beached three-masted schooner, which ignites their curiosity when they see strange bolts of red cloth inside. Their night takes a thrilling turn when they encounter a mysterious dory crewed by men dressed like pirates. After a brief scare, they discover that the supposed pirates are hosting a celebratory gathering aboard the ancient vessel, joined by locals. As the chapter progresses, Ruth and Betty's adventures set the stage for a summer filled with excitement, budding friendships, and unresolved mysteries linked to smuggling and local folklore.
Gordon (Adventure story writer) Stuart
Hal Kenyon Disappears
"Hal Kenyon Disappears" by Gordon Stuart is a children's adventure novel written in the mid-20th century. The story unfolds around a group of Boy Scouts at Lakefarm School who embark on outdoor adventures, led by their charismatic headmaster, Dr. Regulus Byrd. The main character, Hal Kenyon, faces an unexpected ordeal when he attempts to explore a mysterious cave behind a waterfall in Mummy Cañon, leading to exciting twists and challenges. The opening of the novel introduces the picturesque setting of Mummy Cañon, highlighting the boys’ enthusiasm during a summer outing. As Hal and his friend Byron attempt to ignite a campfire, the camaraderie and spirited atmosphere of the group are established. However, Hal's adventure takes a turn when the excitement of exploring the hidden cave leads to his accidental entrapment. The narrative sets up a tense search for Hal, emphasizing themes of friendship, bravery, and the unpredictability of adventure as the other boys, led by Dr. Byrd, band together to rescue him from behind the waterfall.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
The Flying Boys to the Rescue
"The Flying Boys to the Rescue" by Edward S. Ellis is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a young aviator named Harvey Hamilton and his quest to rescue his friend Bohunkus Johnson, who has been taken by the eccentric professor Milo Morgan on a perilous journey. The narrative captures the excitement of early aviation while introducing themes of friendship, bravery, and adventure against a whimsical backdrop of fantastic inventions. The opening of the book sets the stage for Harvey's urgent mission after learning that Bunk has been whisked away by Professor Morgan, who plans to undertake a treacherous voyage across the Atlantic. As Harvey grapples with his feelings of guilt for not preventing Bunk’s impulsive departure, he seeks the assistance of Detective Simmons Pendar to devise a rescue plan. The initial chapters involve Harvey preparing for his journey into the wilderness while uncovering clues about Morgan's location and intentions, maintaining a tone of enthusiasm and suspense that promises readers an engaging adventure as the plot unfolds.
Roy J. (Roy Judson) Snell
Gypsy Flight A Mystery Story for Girls
"Gypsy Flight" by Roy J. Snell is a mystery story for girls written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around Rosemary Sample, a young stewardess, as she navigates her duties aboard an airplane while encountering mysterious characters and situations, including a dark woman with a suspicious bag and a young man named Danby Force who seems to be connected to her story. The opening of "Gypsy Flight" introduces Rosemary as a capable and optimistic stewardess who loves her job and seeks to help her passengers. Her journey begins when she meets Danby Force, who urgently requests a seat on her flight. As Rosemary interacts with him and other passengers, she finds herself drawn into a world of mystery that includes a fortune-telling gypsy girl, a sinister dark woman, and the possibilities of adventure in the skies. The tension builds as the story hints at deeper connections and secrets yet to be uncovered, setting the stage for an intriguing tale of discovery and danger.
E. J. (Edith Janice) Craine
Airplane Boys in the Black Woods
"Airplane Boys in the Black Woods" by E. J. Craine is an adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows two young boys, Bob Caldwell and Jim Austin, known as the Flying Buddies, as they embark on an exciting journey filled with mystery and danger in the tropical forests of South America. Facing an unexpected encounter with an ancient-looking man, they soon find themselves entangled in a series of perilous situations involving hostile natives and the supernatural, all while exploring themes of bravery, curiosity, and friendship. At the start of the tale, Bob and Jim land their borrowed plane in a secluded area of the dense forest, where they observe strange vegetation and the remnants of what could be ancient civilization. Their exploration takes a thrilling turn when they encounter a bizarre, old native man, setting off a chain of events that lead to an attack by hostile natives wielding deadly weapons. As they attempt to escape, they also navigate their own humorous interactions and banter, showcasing their contrasting personalities—Jim's cautious nature balanced by Bob's bold curiosity. The opening chapters set a tone of suspense and adventure, laying the groundwork for their challenges ahead.
Recently surfaced classics