Subject
Best friends -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Evelyn Raymond
Dorothy's House Party
"Dorothy's House Party" by "Evelyn Raymond" is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story likely centers around a young girl named Dorothy as she navigates her newfound wealth and the responsibilities that come with it, all while planning a house party filled with friends and engaging activities. The narrative brings themes of friendship, innocence, and the joys of childhood to life, inviting readers into a charming and warm setting. The opening of the tale introduces Dorothy in a whimsical and delightful manner as she awakens in a luxurious room, reflecting on her previous life and the joys of her new circumstances. Her excitement is palpable, particularly as she interacts with her friend Alfaretta, who remembers the hardships Dorothy once faced. When the house party is suddenly altered due to unforeseen events, Dorothy takes initiative to lead the remaining guests, showcasing her growth from a timid girl into a budding hostess, eager to ensure the happiness of her friends. The early events suggest a blend of humor, warmth, and youthful adventure, setting the stage for further exploits during the house party.
Carolyn Wells
Two Little Women and Treasure House
"Two Little Women and Treasure House" by Carolyn Wells is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around two girls, Dotty Rose and Dolly Fayre, who are excited about their new shared space, charmingly dubbed "Treasure House," which is designed to be their own little retreat for study and fun. The novel focuses on their adventures and interactions, highlighting themes of friendship, creativity, and growing up. At the start of the narrative, the two girls express their delight over the plans for their new house, which will provide them with a peaceful place to study away from the distractions of their bustling homes. Mr. Rose, Dotty's father, is involved in the project and shares in the enthusiasm for this exciting venture. The girls' excitement grows as they imagine the possibilities of decorating and enjoying their new space, setting the stage for their future adventures within its walls. The opening establishes a warm, whimsical atmosphere, inviting readers into the charming world of the Two D's as they embark on this new chapter of their lives.
Gertrude W. Morrison
The Girls of Central High; Or, Rivals for All Honors
"The Girls of Central High; Or, Rivals for All Honors" by Gertrude W. Morrison is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The book centers around Laura Belding and her friends as they navigate school life and the challenges of forming a girls' athletic association in Central High, amidst the prejudice and restrictions often placed on young women in sports. The tale emphasizes themes of friendship, resilience, and the importance of physical activity, while also showcasing the rivalry between different schools. The opening of the story introduces Laura Belding, a diligent and sensible girl who works in her father's jewelry store. She has a close friendship with the spirited and mischievous Bobby Hargrew, who often finds herself in trouble due to her antics. As they discuss the need for more athletic opportunities for girls, the plot takes a serious turn when a prank involving a magnifying glass leads to a fire in Bobby's father's grocery store. The narrative quickly escalates as a misunderstanding and accusations arise, particularly against Bobby, creating a dramatic backdrop for the girls’ attempt to assert their place in sports and school life. The excitement and challenges of their world are vividly brought to life, setting the stage for further events.
Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards
Quicksilver Sue
"Quicksilver Sue" by Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards is a children's novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around a young girl named Sue Penrose, whose adventurous spirit and longing for excitement are piqued by the arrival of a new family in her quiet village—particularly, Clarice Packard, a rich and stylish girl. The book explores themes of friendship, social class differences, and the charm of youthful enthusiasm as Sue navigates her relationship with Clarice and her efforts to maintain her bond with her best friend, Mary. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Sue Penrose and her lively personality, as she exuberantly shares the news of Clarice's arrival with her mother and later her friend Mary. Sue is brimming with excitement and imaginations of how the newcomer might change her everyday life. Through her vibrant interactions, particularly her telephonic "conversations" with Mary, the narrative establishes the charming and whimsical tone of the book. Sue's adventures, characterized by her impetuosity and imagination, set the stage for the unfolding dynamics between the three girls as they engage in play and navigate challenges of friendship that come with the contrasting personalities and backgrounds.
Carolyn Wells
Two Little Women on a Holiday
"Two Little Women on a Holiday" by Carolyn Wells is a novel written during the early 20th century, likely in the 1910s. The story revolves around two young girls, Dolly Fayre and Dotty Rose, who receive a sudden and exciting invitation to spend a week in New York City with their friend Bernice Forbes and her uncle. The narrative explores their adventures and experiences as they navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by this trip. The opening of the novel introduces the excitement sparked by Bernice's invitation, igniting a whirlwind of emotions and conversations between the three girls. As they gather to discuss the prospect of visiting New York, readers are introduced to each character's personality and the dynamics of their friendships. The chapter highlights Dolly's initial doubts and her mother’s concerns about the trip, setting the stage for the girls' eagerness to explore the city and experience its wonders. The anticipation builds as Dolly's mother ultimately agrees to let her go, paving the way for the girls to prepare for their upcoming adventure filled with fun, exploration, and youthful innocence.
Lillian Elizabeth Roy
Polly in New York
"Polly in New York" by Lillian Elizabeth Roy is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. This story follows the adventures of Polly Brewster, a young girl who has left her rural Colorado home for the bustling city life in New York. The narrative captures her impressions as she navigates this new urban environment, with her friends Eleanor and Anne, and introduces themes of adaptation and friendship. The opening of the novel sets the stage for Polly's first journey away from home, expressing her awe and trepidation as she travels by train, observes the busy streets of Chicago, and finally arrives in New York City. Polly's personality emerges as curious and outspoken, providing humorous observations about the city and its inhabitants, particularly as she attempts to adjust her expectations to the realities of urban life. The beginning depicts her excitement mixed with candid critiques of city life, setting a rich backdrop for her adventures to come in the big city.
Margaret Penrose
Dorothy Dale's Great Secret
"Dorothy Dale's Great Secret" by Margaret Penrose is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows two close friends, Dorothy Dale and Tavia Travers, as they navigate life at Glenwood School amidst adventures and mischief. The narrative centers around their friendship, highlighting themes of loyalty and the challenges of growing up, all set against the backdrop of an all-girls school environment. The opening of the novel introduces Dorothy and Tavia in their dormitory, eagerly anticipating a ride in an automobile owned by Dorothy's aunt. Their playful banter reveals their contrasting personalities: Dorothy is more serious and cautious, while Tavia is lively and carefree. After a perilous automobile ride that nearly ends in disaster when the car approaches a broken bridge, the girls reflect on their friendship and the changes that may come with the approaching summer vacation. The chapter sets the tone for their adventures and misadventures at Glenwood, establishing the importance of their bond as they face various challenges together.
Edith Lavell
Linda Carlton, Air Pilot
"Linda Carlton, Air Pilot" by Edith Lavell is a fictional novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Linda Carlton, a spirited young girl passionate about aviation, as she embarks on thrilling flights and navigates her ambitions to become a pilot. Throughout the narrative, readers are drawn into Linda's adventures, from her exhilarating first flight to the challenges she faces in pursuing her dreams against societal expectations. The opening of the book introduces Linda's excitement as she prepares for her first flight, showcasing her determination and passion for flying. Despite some initial setbacks, including a potential rain cancellation of her flight, Linda persuades her pilot, Ted Mackay, to take her up in a less reliable biplane. During this flight, she experiences both the euphoric thrill of being aloft and the terrifying prospect of a potential crash, revealing her fearless nature and dreams of becoming a skilled aviator. As the chapter progresses, readers witness Linda's eagerness to learn about flying and her unwavering spirit, setting the tone for her journey as she encounters various characters and challenges throughout the book.
Carolyn Wells
Two Little Women
"Two Little Women" by Carolyn Wells is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around two girls, Dolly Fayre and Dotty Rose, who are neighbors and navigate their relationship as they transition from shyness and misunderstanding to a blossoming friendship. This coming-of-age tale explores themes of childhood innocence, friendship, and the trials of growing up. At the start of the book, the reader is introduced to the charming neighborhood of Summit Avenue in Berwick, where the Fayre and Rose families reside next door to each other. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Dolly and Dotty as they observe each other from their respective homes, revealing their shy personalities and preconceived judgments. Their first interactions are marked by misunderstandings, leading to an initial scuffle between their pets, which ultimately helps to break the ice. As the story progresses, the girls' friendship deepens through shared experiences, including their upcoming birthdays and a joint birthday party, setting the stage for further adventures and challenges to come.
Josephine Chase
Marjorie Dean, High School Sophomore
"Marjorie Dean, High School Sophomore" by Pauline Lester is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story continues the adventures of Marjorie Dean, now entering her sophomore year at Sanford High School, as she navigates friendships and new experiences, primarily focusing on her relationship with her friends, especially the newly arrived Mary Raymond and the familiar Constance Stevens. At the start of the book, Marjorie and Constance enjoy a day at the beach during their summer vacation, filled with laughter and swimming lessons. As Marjorie reflects on her past year and her friendship with Constance, she eagerly anticipates the return of her childhood friend Mary, who has been away due to her mother's illness. When Mary arrives, their reunion is joyous but becomes complicated by underlying jealousies and the dynamics of their friendships, particularly with Constance, who also feels the tensions as they all prepare to enter their new school year together. The opening sets the stage for themes of friendship, competition, and the challenges of adolescence as they navigate the social intricacies of high school life.
Elizabeth B. (Elizabeth Barker) Comins
Marion Berkley: A Story for Girls
"Marion Berkley: A Story for Girls" by Elizabeth B. Comins is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around the life of Marion Berkley, a schoolgirl navigating the complexities of friendship, rivalry, and young womanhood as she prepares to leave for boarding school. Through her journey, we meet various characters, including her mother, brother, and close friend Florence, setting the stage for coming-of-age experiences filled with personal growth and social dynamics. At the start of the book, we find Marion rushing to catch a train to her New England boarding school, emphasizing the challenges of time management in a busy household. The opening chapters paint a vivid portrait of schoolgirl life, as Marion interacts with her friend Florence during their train ride, revealing their shared history and contrasting personalities. As Marion arrives at school, she faces strict authority figures, such as Miss Stiefbach, and experiences the social dynamics among her peers. The narrative highlights Marion's artistic nature and her struggles against her pride, alongside the budding rivalry with a new student, Rachel, setting a tone that explores themes of rivalry, growth, and the quest for self-identity in a formative environment.
Sophie May
Little Prudy's Cousin Grace
"Little Prudy's Cousin Grace" by Sophie May is a children's novel written in the mid-19th century. The book follows two young friends, Grace Clifford and Katharine "Cassy" Hallock, as they navigates the complexities of childhood friendships, ambitions, and social dynamics against the backdrop of their daily school life and the formation of a secret society called the Ruby Seal. The story captures the innocence and fervor of youth, touching on themes of loyalty, ambition, and the importance of true friendship. The opening of the book introduces us to Grace and Cassy, who are nearly twelve and inseparable friends. They display contrasting personalities, with Grace being vibrant and expressive while Cassy is calm and gentle. The pair has created a bond symbolized by exchanging rings, pledging to remain loyal to each other forever. As they walk through town pondering the differences between boys and girls, they discuss their desire to create a secret society. The narrative sets the stage for their adventures and challenges, hinting at the deeper explorations of friendship and rivalry that will unfold as the story progresses.
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