Subject
Boardinghouses -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Kirk Munroe
Canoemates: A Story of the Florida Reef and Everglades
"Canoemates: A Story of the Florida Reef and Everglades" by Kirk Munroe is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around the adventures of a young boy named Sumner Rankin, who is eager to escape his life of poverty in Key West and embarks on a canoe trip with his wealthy companions, the Mantons. The narrative unfolds in the picturesque yet challenging setting of the Florida Reef and the Everglades, highlighting themes of friendship, adventure, and self-discovery. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Sumner, a skilled sailor and a dreamer who feels trapped in a life of genteel poverty with his mother after the death of his naval officer father. His feelings of jealousy arise when he sees wealthy boys with beautiful cedar canoes, stirring a desire for adventure and exploration within him. As he encounters the Mantons, who are visiting Key West for a canoeing expedition, Sumner's pride initially leads him to refuse their offer to join. However, incidents involving storms and canoe mishaps ultimately forge a path into adventure, testing Sumner's character and skills as they navigate the exquisite yet perilous waters of the reef.
L. T. Meade
A Plucky Girl
"A Plucky Girl" by L. T. Meade is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book centers around a young woman named Westenra Wickham, who faces a dramatic change in her fortunes following the death of her father and the subsequent loss of her family's wealth. Determined to maintain a sense of dignity and purpose, Westenra proposes to start a boarding house in London to support herself and her mother, reflecting her spirited and ambitious character. At the start of the story, Westenra reflects on her privileged upbringing and her father's heroic legacy, as well as the stark reality that both she and her mother are now nearly penniless. Westenra rejects the idea of retreating to a rural life and instead, outlines a plan to take in paying guests in a house they can furnish with their belongings. Despite her mother’s trepidation and the societal implications of their new venture, Westenra's resolve is evident. She embarks on a quest to secure a suitable house and begins reaching out to friends, challenging their perceptions of her and their willingness to support her new direction. The opening portion sets the stage for themes of courage, the struggle against societal norms, and the pursuit of independence amidst adversity.
Alice Calhoun Haines
The Luck of the Dudley Grahams As Related in Extracts from Elizabeth Graham's Diary
"The Luck of the Dudley Grahams" by Alice Calhoun Haines is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the lives of the Dudley Graham family, particularly focusing on the struggles they face after the death of their father, who was an inventor. The narrative is presented through the diary entries of Elizabeth Graham, the eldest daughter, as she navigates family responsibilities, societal challenges, and the dynamics of poverty while remaining hopeful for a brighter future. At the start of the novel, Elizabeth introduces her family, consisting of her mother and three siblings, who are trying to cope with their father's passing and the financial hardships that ensued. The family has begun keeping boarders to sustain themselves, but tensions arise from both the demands of their new lifestyle and their socio-economic status. As Elizabeth writes in her diary, we see glimpses of the family members' personalities, their dreams, and their fears, most poignantly concerning their sickly younger brother, Robin. The narrative sets a tone of resilience and humor amidst trials, hinting at the greater adventures and conflicts that are sure to unfold throughout the book.
Amy Bell Marlowe
The Girls of Hillcrest Farm; Or, The Secret of the Rocks
"The Girls of Hillcrest Farm; Or, The Secret of the Rocks" by Amy Bell Marlowe is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story follows sisters Lydia ("Lyddy") and Euphemia ("'Phemie") Bray as they navigate a series of challenges after their family home is destroyed in a fire. Following their mother’s death and their father's struggling health, the sisters make plans to move to their aunt's old farm, Hillcrest, in hopes of finding a more stable life. At the start of the book, Lyddy is dealing with the anxiety of living in a cramped tenement and the burdens of adulthood after her mother's passing. She is particularly worried about her father's health and feels the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. The situation escalates when an accidental fire forces their family to evacuate, prompting a decision to move to Hillcrest Farm. As Lyddy and 'Phemie prepare for their new life in the countryside, they encounter various characters, including the sometimes awkward yet earnest Lucas Pritchett, whose family has historically worked the farm. The opening chapters establish both a physical and emotional journey for the sisters as they seek a place to rebuild their lives.
Annie F. (Annie Fellows) Johnston
The Little Colonel in Arizona
"The Little Colonel in Arizona" by Annie F. Johnston is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the Ware family, particularly the spirited young Mary Ware, as they relocate from Kansas to Arizona in search of a better life for Mary’s ailing mother. This transition to a new home filled with adventures and challenges provides a rich backdrop for exploring themes of family, resilience, and the charm of childhood innocence." "At the start of the book, the Ware family is introduced while they travel on a train to Arizona, where they will live in a boarding camp for invalids, Lee's Ranch. Young Mary quickly becomes an engaging character, captivating fellow travelers with her chatter about her family's move and their past home. She eagerly looks forward to living in a tent and embarking on new adventures, while her older siblings exhibit more apprehension and embarrassment, particularly concerning her outspoken nature. The family's dynamic is highlighted through the interactions between the siblings and their new acquaintances, setting the stage for further developments as they settle into their new desert life."
Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin
Polly Oliver's Problem
"Polly Oliver's Problem" by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story introduces readers to Polly Oliver, a spirited young girl who grapples with her desire for independence while supporting her ailing mother and managing a household filled with boarders. The novel reflects themes of personal growth, the challenges of young adulthood, and the intricacies of familial love, set against the backdrop of California's picturesque landscapes. The opening of the novel centers on Polly's strong-willed nature and her humorous determination to rid her household of the boarders who disrupt her aspirations for a more joyful family life. With a firm declaration that "the boarders must go," Polly shares her whimsical strategies for evicting them, all while displaying her vibrant personality and wit. The dynamic between Polly and her gentle mother is highlighted as they navigate the difficulties of managing their lives after the loss of Polly's father, setting the stage for Polly's evolving roles as a young woman striving for a better future. Through her playful musings and earnest commitments to her mother, Polly begins to envision a life beyond the constraints of their current situation.
Eleanora H. Stooke
Whilst father was fighting
"Whilst Father Was Fighting" by Eleanora H. Stooke is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of World War I, the story revolves around the lives of two young brothers, Bob and Jackie, who are coping with their father's absence as he serves in the military. The narrative explores themes of bravery, fear, and the importance of compassion as the children navigate their daily lives under the care of their strict Aunt Martha, while finding solace and friendship with their new lodger, Mrs. Winter. The plot centers on the brothers’ struggles with fears associated with the dark and their familial loss, highlighting their bond and resilience. Bob, the elder brother, takes on the responsibility of caring for his younger sibling, Jackie, who grapples with fear and loneliness. Their friendship with Mrs. Winter, an elderly woman who offers kindness and a nurturing presence, becomes a source of comfort. A pivotal moment in the story occurs when Bob finds a valuable brooch and returns it to its rightful owner, leading to a series of connections that showcase acts of bravery and character development. Ultimately, the narrative portrays the significance of relationships, the importance of doing what is right, and the comfort of faith during trying times, culminating in a hopeful resolution for the characters involved.
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