Subject
Automobiles -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Stanley R. Matthews
Motor Matt's Red Flyer; or, On the High Gear Motor Stories Thrilling Adventure Motor Fiction No. 6, April 3, 1909
"Motor Matt's Red Flyer; or, On the High Gear" by Stanley R. Matthews is a thrilling adventure fiction written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows the exploits of the young and daring protagonist, Motor Matt, as he finds himself intertwined with an eccentric group of actors led by the mysterious Legree, amidst encounters with villains like the treacherous Hank Brisco. The story encapsulates themes of bravery, friendship, and the unexpected challenges that come with helping others. The opening of the story introduces the stranded actors from "Uncle Tom's Cabin," who are in a comical yet precarious situation involving a river and the bumbling Uncle Tom. The narrative quickly transitions into chaos when a bear appears, leading to their rescue by Motor Matt and his friend Carl, who arrive in their remarkable red automobile, the Red Flier. As the story unfolds, the characters' backstories and the pursuit of the elusive Brisco introduce a sense of urgency and danger, setting the stage for a larger conflict that hints at escalating adventures ahead. The tone is lively and humorous, engaging readers with a blend of action and character-driven storytelling that promises excitement throughout the journey.
Stanley R. Matthews
Motor Matt's Clue; or, The Phantom Auto
"Motor Matt's Clue; or, The Phantom Auto" by Stanley R. Matthews is a thrilling adventure novel written in the early 20th century, featuring fast-paced motor fiction. The story centers around the courageous protagonist, Motor Matt, and his friend Carl Pretzel, as they encounter a mysterious and seemingly haunted automobile in New Mexico. The narrative sets the tone for a blend of mystery and excitement as they seek to unravel the secrets behind the phantom car while navigating various challenges and unexpected encounters. At the start of the tale, Motor Matt and Carl are driving the Red Flier along a dangerous cliffside road when they witness a ghost-like white automobile gliding smoothly without a driver. Intrigued and spurred on by curiosity, Matt decides to follow the mysterious vehicle despite Carl's trepidation. They soon encounter Dick Ferral, a young man with ties to an estate that holds deeper secrets, and discover strange events unfolding in the night, including mysterious yells and the sudden disappearance of the phantom auto. As the characters' paths intertwine, the stage is set for a mix of suspense, adventure, and the exploration of hidden motives amid colorful, early automotive-era settings.
Clarence Young
The Motor Boys in Mexico; Or, The Secret of the Buried City
"The Motor Boys in Mexico; Or, The Secret of the Buried City" by Clarence Young is a fictional adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows three boys—Ned, Bob, and Jerry—who embark on a journey from Arizona to Mexico after learning about a buried city rumored to hold great treasures. Their journey is filled with encounters both amusing and perilous as they deal with old enemies and new challenges along the way. At the start of the narrative, the boys are living in a mining camp in Arizona when a familiar figure, Professor Uriah Snodgrass, gets himself trapped in an abandoned mine shaft while collecting specimens. After rescuing the professor, he reveals the tale of a buried city in Mexico, igniting their curiosity. The boys decide to make the trip in their automobile, despite the looming threat of Noddy Nixon, a former nemesis, who they discover may also be heading to Mexico. The opening chapters set the tone for a mix of adventure and humor, foreshadowing the various challenges they will encounter on their quest.
Howard Roger Garis
Uncle Wiggily's Auto Sled or, How Mr. Hedgehog Helped Him Get Up the Slippery Hill; and, How Uncle Wiggily Made a Snow Pudding. Also, What Happened in the Snow Fort
"Uncle Wiggily's Auto Sled" by Howard Roger Garis is a children's storybook written in the early 20th century. This whimsical tale features Uncle Wiggily, a kind-hearted rabbit gentleman, who embarks on light-hearted adventures with his friends. The book centers around themes of friendship, teamwork, and problem-solving against a backdrop of charming animal characters. In this delightful narrative, Uncle Wiggily and his companion, Nurse Jane, find themselves struggling to ascend a steep, icy hill in their auto sled. With the help of Mr. Hedgehog, who cleverly uses his quills to provide traction, they finally manage to conquer the hill. The story continues as they create a snow pudding to help a sick friend, only to be interrupted by the mischievous Pipsisewah and Skeezicks. Their humorous escapades culminate in a snowball battle, showcasing Uncle Wiggily's bravery and the strong bond he shares with the young animal characters as they protect their snowy fort from the villains. Through this story, young readers are entertained and brought into a world of imagination and adventure.
Stanley R. Matthews
Motor Matt's Mandarin; or, Turning a Trick for Tsan Ti
"Motor Matt's Mandarin; or, Turning a Trick for Tsan Ti" by Stanley R. Matthews is a fictional adventure story written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows the character Matt King, also known as Motor Matt, along with his friend Joe McGlory, as they embark on a quest involving the mystical Eye of Buddha and a peculiar mandarin named Tsan Ti. Their adventure takes unexpected turns filled with thrilling escapades and encounters that blend humor with danger. The beginning of the tale introduces Motor Matt and Joe McGlory as they navigate a challenging mountainside on their motorcycles, drawn by a mysterious letter from Tsan Ti, who seeks their help in a dire situation. Upon meeting the mandarin, they learn of a stolen ruby that could lead to his death if not recovered within two weeks. Shortly after their introduction, the story unfolds with excitement as they witness a series of events, including a crash involving a fat Chinaman and a chase after a one-eyed sailor, setting the stage for a captivating mystery filled with action, cultural intrigue, and the looming threat of danger.
Ralph Henry Barbour
Benton's Venture
"Benton's Venture" by Ralph Henry Barbour is a young adult novel written in the early 20th century. The book focuses on the ambitions and entrepreneurial spirit of a high school student named Tom Benton, who dreams of buying and fixing up a dilapidated automobile to start a business. Through the eyes of Tom and his friend Willard, it explores themes of friendship, determination, and the desire to make money through innovative ideas. The opening of "Benton's Venture" introduces us to Tom Benton, a seventeen-year-old with aspirations for entrepreneurship. After a chance encounter with an automobile dealer, Tom becomes fascinated with the idea of buying an old, rundown car and using it to transport passengers from the train station to local destinations, which he believes would be profitable. Tom shares his plans with his friend Willard Morris, who becomes intrigued by the idea and suggests they go into business together, pooling their resources to buy the car. As they discuss the feasibility of this venture, we see Tom grappling with challenges including financial limitations and the expectations of his father, who advises caution despite Tom's enthusiasm and belief in his potential success. This sets the stage for an engaging tale of youthful ambition and partnership.
Clarence Young
The Motor Boys on Road and River; Or, Racing To Save a Life
"The Motor Boys on Road and River; Or, Racing To Save a Life" by Clarence Young is a work of juvenile fiction written in the early 20th century. This adventure novel centers around a trio of boys—Jerry Hopkins, Ned Slade, and Bob Baker—who often embark on thrilling escapades involving motor vehicles and intrigue. In this particular story, they are embroiled in a mystery regarding the value of land owned by Jerry’s mother and an urgent mission that unfolds as they contend with urgency to save a life. The opening of the book introduces Jerry and his friends reflecting on a local baseball game, hinting at Jerry's absent-mindedness which has recently troubled him. As the boys decide to take a spin in their car, Jerry's erratic driving reveals that something preoccupies his mind. It is soon disclosed that Jerry is concerned over an intriguing offer for a swamp land owned by his mother from the Universal Plaster Company, which he suspects carries hidden motives. The boys plan to investigate the land themselves and uncover a potential mystery involving clay diggers, adding suspense and adventure to their summer escapades. The stage is set for an exhilarating journey as they determine to uncover the truth behind the land's value and the company's intentions.
Clarence Young
The Motor Boys Overland; Or, A Long Trip for Fun and Fortune
"The Motor Boys Overland; Or, A Long Trip for Fun and Fortune" by Clarence Young is a novel written in the early 20th century. This exciting installment follows a group of adventurous boys—Bob, Ned, Jerry, and their friend Andy—who delve into the world of automobiles. The boys, emboldened by their recent victory in a motorcycle meet and the acquisition of a touring car, decide to embark on a thrilling journey across the American West, ignited by the prospect of adventure and the treasure of a lost gold mine. At the start of the story, the boys take a leisurely drive in their newly-won automobile, sharing playful banter and friendship. Their journey is punctuated by high-energy moments, including an automobile race that highlights their competitive spirit. They soon find themselves intertwined with the tale of Jim Nestor, a miner with knowledge of a precious gold mine, whose misadventures set off a series of dangerous encounters with old foes. The opening chapters establish an atmosphere of youthful exuberance mixed with the thrill of the unknown, setting the stage for the Motor Boys' captivating expedition filled with challenges, rivalries, and excitement beckoning in the horizon.
Nell Speed
Tripping with the Tucker Twins
"Tripping with the Tucker Twins" by Nell Speed is a fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the escapades of the Tucker twins, Dum and Dee, as well as their friend Page, as they navigate life after a fire disrupts their boarding school experience. Their journey explores themes of friendship, mischief, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The opening portion of the novel introduces us to the aftermath of a fire that has forced the Tucker twins and their friend Page to reassess their lives. With both their families encouraging them to continue their education, the girls advocate for a break instead. Page, hampered by a sprained ankle, observes the twins as they devise creative ways to earn money to clear their debts. The twins' naive yet spirited discussions lead to ambitious plans, including one of them taking a jitney driving job and the other selling household novelties. As their plans unfold, the dynamics of their friendship, ambition, and humor set the tone for the adventures that await.
Unknown
A Hoodoo Machine; or, The Motor Boys' Runabout No. 1313. Brave and Bold Weekly No. 363
"A Hoodoo Machine; or, The Motor Boys' Runabout No. 1313" by Stanley R. Matthews is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book centers around a group of adventurous boys, particularly focusing on the character of Matt King and his friends as they encounter various challenges while navigating the world of automobiles, superstitions, and the unexpected events that accompany their journey. The narrative blends humor, friendship, and the thrill of adventure with elements of mystery and suspense. At the start of the story, Matt King and his companions, Joe McGlory and Billy Wells, are on an outing involving a troublesome car—dubbed the "hoodoo car" due to its erratic behavior and the ominous number it bears. The chaotic events unfold as they attempt to help a distressed driver and ultimately find themselves tangled in a subplot involving a deceitful mining scheme. The opening chapters set the stage for a series of dramatic twists, demonstrating Matt's determination to control the unpredictable runabout while hinting at deeper treacheries surrounding the characters, particularly involving a suspicious mining engineer and a cunning colonel. The excitement is heightened as the boys face both physical challenges and moral dilemmas, establishing a gripping context for the unfolding adventure.
Helen Beecher Long
The testing of Janice Day
"The Testing of Janice Day" by Helen Beecher Long is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Janice Day, a spirited young girl living in the quaint town of Polktown, as she navigates life after her father sends her an unexpected surprise from Mexico, an automobile, which symbolizes change and new opportunities. At the start of the book, Janice is eagerly anticipating a surprise from her father; her cousin Marty and she engage in playful speculation about the possible gift. Janice, a lively and responsible character, displays a deep longing for her father, who has been away working at a mine for two years. When she learns that the surprise is a new car, her excitement captures the attention of her relatives and the townsfolk, and this event marks the beginning of her adventures. As Janice navigates her new car, learns to drive, and interacts with new acquaintances such as Frank Bowman, a civil engineer, the narrative unfolds various themes of family, friendship, and personal growth amid a changing society.
Stanley R. Matthews
Motor Matt's Mystery; or, Foiling a Secret Plot
"Motor Matt's Mystery; or, Foiling a Secret Plot" by Stanley R. Matthews is a thrilling adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the charismatic protagonist, Motor Matt, also known as Matt King, an athletic young man with a reputation for quick thinking and bravery. Alongside him are colorful characters like Carl Pretzel, a cheerful German boy, as they navigate a complex web involving stolen black pearls, mysterious assailants, and unexpected twists. The opening of the tale introduces readers to a chaotic scene where Motor Matt intervenes in a comical conflict between a Chinese laundryman and a fat German boy named Carl Pretzel. After resolving the ruckus, they soon find themselves enmeshed in something far more serious when they stumble upon a runaway automobile. This seemingly innocuous incident quickly escalates into a perilous mystery involving the unconscious owner, James Q. Tomlinson, who reveals he was attacked by masked robbers. As they help the injured man, they discover a bag of valuable black pearls and a note hinting at a larger conspiracy, setting the stage for an electrifying adventure filled with suspense and intrigue.
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