Subject
Canada -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
J. Macdonald (James Macdonald) Oxley
My Strange Rescue, and Other Stories of Sport and Adventure in Canada
"My Strange Rescue and Other Stories of Sport and Adventure in Canada" by J. Macdonald Oxley is a collection of short stories published in the early 20th century. The book captures thrilling adventures and sportsmanship in a Canadian setting, prominently featuring young characters and their daring exploits amidst the wilderness. The stories likely draw inspiration from the themes of courage, childhood ambition, and encounters with nature. The opening of the first story, "My Very Strange Rescue," introduces Walter, a spirited young boy determined to prove his bravery to his older brothers by hunting a bear on his own. This leads to a series of events where he ventures into the forest with his loyal dog, Tiger, and inadvertently falls into a bear's den. After losing consciousness, he finds himself in a perilous situation with the potential return of the bear, creating a tense atmosphere as he works to escape while his canine companion valiantly tries to defend him against the approaching danger. Walter's initial bravado quickly becomes overshadowed by fear, setting the stage for a gripping tale of adventure and resilience.
Harriet Pyne Grove
The Greycliff Girls in Camp
"The Greycliff Girls in Camp" by Harriet Pyne Grove is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. This book belongs to a series aimed at young girls and explores themes of adventure, friendship, and personal growth during a summer camp experience. It focuses on a group of young girls, including characters like Hilary Lancaster and Cathalina Van Buskirk, as they embark on a journey filled with excitement, exploration, and the challenges of camp life. At the start of the story, the Greycliff girls are preparing for a trip to Merrymeeting Camp in Maine, guided by their beloved teacher, Miss Patricia West. The opening chapters detail their preparations and the excitement of travel, including their stops at iconic locations like Niagara Falls and Toronto. As they travel, they engage in dialogue that reveals their personalities, relationships, and interactions with one another while navigating the logistics of their journey. The stage is set for an enriching summer filled with camaraderie and adventures that await them at camp, promising delightful experiences and personal growth in the world of young girls.
Charles Winslow Hall
Adrift in the Ice-Fields
"Adrift in the Ice-Fields" by Capt. Charles W. Hall is a fictional adventure novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds as a group of English sportsmen embark on a hunting expedition in the dangerous and unforgiving ice-fields of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, highlighting their exploits, mishaps, and camaraderie. The narrative weaves together the excitement of hunting sea-fowl, the challenges posed by the harsh environment, and moments of folklore, all while painting a vivid picture of life in the maritime provinces during winter. At the start of the book, we are introduced to the backdrop of St. Pierre Island, a remote setting where winter sportsmen gather in anticipation of spring hunting. The opening chapter presents the characters, including seasoned hunters and their sturdy host, Captain Lund, revealing their preparations for a season of adventure amidst the ice. As the party settles in for their expedition, they share anecdotes and experiences over dinner, further establishing the bonds among them. Captain Lund forebodes superstitions about dangers concerning the ice, hinting at impending challenges that lie ahead, setting a tone of suspense and adventure for the remainder of their journey.
Eleanor Stredder
Lost in the wilds : $b A Canadian story
"Lost in the Wilds: A Canadian Story" by Eleanor Stredder is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative is set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Canadian wilderness and follows the journey of a young boy named Wilfred Acland as he navigates the challenges of frontier life after being sent to live with his aunt and uncle in a remote area. The opening of the story introduces Wilfred as he arrives at Acland’s Hut, where he is greeted with a mix of warmth and confusion due to a misunderstanding about his identity. With winter approaching, the novel sets the stage for Wilfred's rustic life, incidents of mischief, and compelling adventures in the untamed landscape. As he settles into his new home, we meet key characters such as his Aunt Miriam and the driver Forgill, who are integral to shaping his experiences. The first chapters vividly depict the scenic beauty of the wilderness while hinting at the trials that await Wilfred as he embarks on his journey of self-discovery and survival in the wilds of Canada.
Alice B. Emerson
Ruth Fielding at Snow Camp; Or, Lost in the Backwoods
"Ruth Fielding at Snow Camp; Or, Lost in the Backwoods" by Alice B. Emerson is a novel likely written during the early 20th century. The story centers around a young girl named Ruth Fielding, who, along with her friends Helen and Tom, embarks on an adventure to a winter camp in the woods following their holiday break. As they prepare for their trip, they encounter unexpected challenges, including a confrontation with an angry bull and the mysterious disappearance of a boy named Fred Hatfield. At the start of the tale, we meet Ruth and her friends as they enjoy winter activities. Their fun comes to an abrupt halt when they encounter a fierce bull while cutting through a pasture, leading to a frantic escape. Additionally, they stumble upon Fred Hatfield, a boy in distress, who soon becomes part of their journey. As Ruth and her friends set off for Snow Camp, the narrative hints at deeper mysteries surrounding Fred's past and the reasons for his wanderings, setting the stage for thrilling adventures in the uncharted wilderness.
Clarence Young
The Motor Boys on the Border; Or, Sixty Nuggets of Gold
"The Motor Boys on the Border; Or, Sixty Nuggets of Gold" by Clarence Young is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. This adventure story follows a group of youthful protagonists—Jerry, Ned, and Bob—as they embark on quests filled with excitement, including a search for elusive gold nuggets and encounters with Blackfeet Indians. The tale combines themes of friendship, adventure, and the thrill of discovery, making it appealing to readers who enjoy action-packed narratives. At the start of the book, the three friends are involved in a humorous mishap with their automobile, which sets the tone for their camaraderie. Their adventure begins in earnest when they encounter Jim Nestor, a foreman from their gold mine in Arizona, who has traveled east with a companion to seek help in recovering sixty nuggets of gold hidden in a remote valley. As the boys quickly become embroiled in a town-wide commotion sparked by rumors of gold, they must navigate various challenges, including dealing with rival characters like Noddy Nixon, who adds a layer of tension to their quest for treasure. With their sights set on the exciting possibilities ahead, the boys are eager to embark on another escapade.
Theodore Goodridge Roberts
The Red Pirogue: A Tale of Adventure in the Canadian Wilds
"The Red Pirogue: A Tale of Adventure in the Canadian Wilds" by Captain Theodore Goodridge Roberts is a fiction novel likely written in the early 20th century. This tale revolves around young Ben O'Dell, who unexpectedly encounters a little girl named Marion Sherwood while tending to salmon nets, which unfolds a series of mysterious and adventurous events intertwined with her father, a fugitive, and the enigmatic past involving their family. The opening of the novel introduces us to Ben O'Dell, an eighteen-year-old who, while navigating the beautiful Canadian wilds, discovers a large red pirogue and its occupant, a young girl named Marion. Their interaction reveals that her father, Richard Sherwood, is on the run, entangled in past troubles related to the Balenger family. As Ben helps Marion to his home, the story hints at deeper layers of conflict involving Sherwood's past and the peculiar circumstances surrounding their lives, including the burning of the red pirogue and the unexplained thefts at O'Dell's Point. This intriguing setup captures the reader's attention, creating a sense of adventure and suspense that promises further exploration of the characters’ fates and the mysteries of the wilds they inhabit.
Catharine Parr Strickland Traill
In the Forest; Or, Pictures of Life and Scenery in the Woods of Canada: A Tale
"In the Forest; Or, Pictures of Life and Scenery in the Woods of Canada: A Tale" by Mrs. Traill is a children's fiction book written in the late 19th century. The narrative, rich with descriptions of forest life, explores the experiences of young Lady Mary, the Governor's daughter, as she engages with her environment and her pet flying squirrel, as well as learning about Canadian wildlife and indigenous culture through her conversations with her nurse, Mrs. Frazer. The opening of the tale introduces Lady Mary and her curiosity about nature, specifically focusing on her new pet, a flying squirrel. As she interacts with her nurse, they discuss various aspects of the animal's life, including its diet and the dangers in the wild, such as wolves and other predators. The text sets a whimsical tone, blending factual wildlife information with imaginative storytelling, allowing young readers to be enchanted by the beauty of the Canadian woods while learning about the creatures that inhabit them. The chapter hints at adventures to come, as Lady Mary prepares to learn more about her surroundings and her animal companion.
Frank Lillie Pollock
The Timber Treasure
"The Timber Treasure" by Frank Lillie Pollock is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Tom Jackson, a city boy from Toronto, who seeks adventure in the Canadian wilderness through a visit to his uncle's homestead. As he arrives in Oakley, he finds himself in an unexpected situation of uncertainty and adventure, focusing on themes of independence, survival, and the allure of the wilderness. The opening of the novel introduces Tom's arrival in Oakley, where he is anxious to reunite with his uncle and cousins but discovers that they are not present. After an exhausting journey, Tom is faced with the reality that his uncle's homestead has been abandoned, possibly due to a fire that has left behind charred remains. This initial setback sparks a sense of determination in Tom, who begins to consider the possibilities for his future in the woods, including trapping and potentially claiming land for himself. As he grapples with survival and self-sufficiency in the wilderness, he meets Indian Charlie, with whom he forms a bond and shared purpose, all while oppressing shadows of danger and competition in the form of other claimants interested in the valuable resources of the land.
Catharine Parr Strickland Traill
Lady Mary and Her Nurse; Or, A Peep into the Canadian Forest
"Lady Mary and Her Nurse; Or, A Peep into the Canadian Forest" by Mrs. Traill is a children's story written during the mid-19th century that encapsulates the flora and fauna of the Canadian wilderness through the eyes of its main character, Lady Mary. The narrative primarily revolves around Lady Mary and her interactions with her nurse as they explore the wonders of nature, focusing on animals such as the flying squirrel and other woodland creatures. The opening of the story introduces Lady Mary, the daughter of the Governor of Canada, who is enchanted by a flying squirrel her nurse has brought into the room. As they converse about this small creature and its lifestyle, the nurse educates Lady Mary on various aspects of life in the Canadian forest, including the food habits of beavers and the sights and sounds of the wilderness. The conversation flows into anecdotes about life in the woods, Indian villages, and the activities of various animals. This section sets a warm and educational tone, establishing a rich backdrop of natural beauty and wildlife in Canada, while also introducing themes of curiosity, innocence, and the bond between Lady Mary and her nurse.
David Grew
Beyond Rope and Fence
"Beyond Rope and Fence" by David Grew is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book tells a poignant story about the experiences of wild horses on the Canadian prairies, particularly focusing on a young mare named Queen and her journey of love, loss, and survival. The narrative explores themes of freedom, the relationship between humans and animals, and the harsh realities of life on the plains. The opening of the novel paints a vivid picture of the Alberta prairies during autumn, illustrating the natural beauty and the lifestyle of ranch horses. It introduces the main character, a buckskin mare, and her young foal, Queen, who is blissfully unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. As the narrative progresses, the foal's innocence is shattered when the ranchers round up the horses for branding, an act that elicits fear and traumatic responses in both the mare and her foal. The tension increases as they face capture, highlighting the emotional bond between Queen and her mother amidst the brutality of human intervention in nature.
H. L. (Harry Lincoln) Sayler
On the Edge of the Arctic; Or, An Aeroplane in Snowland
"On the Edge of the Arctic; Or, An Aeroplane in Snowland" by H. L. Sayler is a juvenile adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around two Canadian boys, Norman Grant and Roy Moulton, who exhibit their aeroplane, the "Gitchie Manitou"," during Calgary's Stampede celebration. They are passionate about aviation and eager for adventure, intending to showcase their machine's capabilities in the Arctic wilderness. The opening of the novel introduces the main characters and sets the stage for their adventure. Norman and Roy, having crafted their aeroplane with the help of their fathers, are excitedly preparing to participate in the Stampede, where they plan to demonstrate their invention. Along the way, they meet Count Paul Zept, a wealthy young man new to Calgary, who expresses a keen interest in joining their expedition into the wilderness. The early chapters highlight the unique blend of excitement and challenges that the boys face as they set out to prove the worth of their aeroplane while encountering various characters from the frontier. Their journey promises to reveal the romance of the Northwest while testing their ingenuity and bravery.
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