Subject
Blindness -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Homer Greene
The Blind Brother: A Story of the Pennsylvania Coal Mines
"The Blind Brother: A Story of the Pennsylvania Coal Mines" by Homer Greene is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around two brothers, Tom and Bennie Taylor, who are navigating the harsh realities of life in the Pennsylvania coal mines during a time of labor strikes. Tom, the older brother, is determined to help his blind sibling regain his sight, highlighting themes of familial loyalty, sacrifice, and the moral dilemmas faced by the working class. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Bennie, a blind boy who works as a door-boy in the coal mine, relying on his older brother Tom for support and guidance. The narrative sets the stage for their struggles as they navigate the complexities of life in a mining community facing turmoil from strikes. A significant moment occurs when Bennie shares his hopes of saving money to seek medical treatment for his blindness, which underscores the brothers' deep bond. As the story unfolds, Bennie becomes lost in the mine, prompting a desperate search by Tom, which ultimately tests their resilience and love for one another amid a backdrop of social unrest and personal sacrifice. This opening sets up a poignant exploration of the intersection of personal dreams and harsh realities.
Eleanor H. (Eleanor Hodgman) Porter
Dawn
"Dawn" by Eleanor H. Porter is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story revolves around young Keith Burton, who on his fourteenth birthday, discovers he is starting to experience blurred vision, leading to the anxiety of potential blindness. The narrative explores his emotional struggles alongside his relationships with his father and the lively, supportive figure of Susan Betts, as they navigate the fears and hopes surrounding Keith's condition and future dreams. The opening portion of the book introduces us to Keith's initial realization of his failing eyesight after receiving a gift from his father. It captures his apprehension about the implications of his condition, as he overhears conversations about a local man going blind. A significant relationship begins to form between Keith and Susan, who brings comic relief and heartfelt concern into his life, while illuminating the challenges Keith faces. The chapters illustrate Keith's dread as he grapples with potential blindness, while hinting at the strong themes of friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the characters' journeys in the rest of the novel.
Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards
Toto's Merry Winter
"Toto's Merry Winter" by Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards is a children's story written in the late 19th century. This charming tale follows the adventures of a young boy named Toto and his animal friends, including Bruin the bear and a raccoon, as they experience the joys of winter and engage in various delightful activities around their cozy cottage. The narrative embodies warmth and whimsy, appealing to young readers with its vivid descriptions and endearing characters. At the start of the story, the setting is beautifully described, filled with the sights and sounds of a snowy winter evening. Toto and his companions, including Bruin and a raccoon, gather around a cheerful kitchen fire and engage in light-hearted banter while preparing for supper. As they interact, various animal friends detail their little adventures and responsibilities in assisting the blind grandmother, creating an idyllic and vivid portrayal of friendship and cooperation. The opening ends with the promise of storytelling, setting the stage for the whimsical tales that will follow, making it a perfect winter read for children.
Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards
The Joyous Story of Toto
"The Joyous Story of Toto" by Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards is a children's novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative focuses on a young boy named Toto and his grandmother, who lives in a cozy cottage by the woods. The story reveals their sweet and whimsical lives as well as Toto's adventures, particularly his efforts to bring companionship to his blind grandmother. At the start of the story, we learn about Toto’s loving relationship with his grandmother, who is blind and often feels lonely in their isolated cottage. The opening portion establishes their environment, detailing their cozy home and the grandmother's skilled knitting and baking. Toto, a spirited and curious child, is depicted as forgetful yet affectionate, leading to humorous situations, such as the mix-up with gingerbread ingredients. The chapter closes with Toto's resolution to introduce his forest friends to his grandmother to alleviate her loneliness, setting the stage for enchanting interactions between the animal characters and the loving grandmother.
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