Subject
Children of alcoholics -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
L. T. Meade
Jill: A Flower Girl
"Jill: A Flower Girl" by L.T. Meade is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the life of a young girl named Jill, who sells flowers in London and lives with her mother and two younger brothers in a modest flat. As the narrative begins, Jill navigates the stark contrast between the opulence of the upper classes and her own struggles, exploring themes of love, loyalty, and hardship as she grapples with her mother’s struggles with alcohol and the challenges of caring for her family. The opening portion of the book introduces readers to the vibrant world of London during the season, juxtaposing the glamor of the high society with the impoverished lives of Jill and her family. Jill's deep admiration for the elegant ladies and gentlemen she observes from the street reflects her longing for a better life, while her commitment to her mother and determination to protect her from judgment drive her actions. The scene quickly unfolds to showcase Jill's compassionate nature, as she rushes to aid her inebriated mother, Poll, who faces a painful reality. This initial glimpse sets the stage for Jill's internal struggles, her aspirations for a loving marriage with Nat, and the poignant dynamics of her family life.
Hesba Stretton
"No place like home"
"No Place Like Home" by Hesba Stretton is a novel written during the late 19th century. The book explores themes of hardship, family, and resilience set against the backdrop of rural England. It tells the story of a mother and son navigating the challenges posed by poverty, societal judgment, and familial love, ultimately underlining the value of home and belonging. The narrative centers around Ruth Medway and her youngest son, Ishmael, who live in a dilapidated hut on the outskirts of their village. Ruth works tirelessly to keep their modest home afloat, while Ishmael aims to carve out a better future for them both. However, circumstances take a turn when Ishmael, seeking to please a friend, finds himself caught in a legal conflict over a few stolen pheasant eggs and is sentenced to prison. During his absence, Ruth grapples with her own struggles, yearning for her son and later confronting her mortality. As events unfold, the bond between mother and son proves to be a source of strength, with themes of sacrifice and forgiveness culminating in Ishmael's eventual path to redemption. In the end, the novel reveals that true home extends beyond mere physicality, resonating with love and hope amid life's hardships.
Susan Warner
The Carpenter's Daughter
"The Carpenter's Daughter" by Susan Warner and Anna Bartlett Warner is a novel likely written in the mid-19th century. The book focuses on the struggles and resilience of a young girl named Nettie Mathieson, who navigates life in a challenging household burdened by her father's alcoholism and the overall poverty of her family. As she balances her responsibilities at home while seeking to uplift and support her weary mother, the novel explores themes of faith, hope, and love amid hardship. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Nettie and her mother as they draw water from a clear spring in a quiet, rural setting. Their interactions reveal the weight of their day-to-day struggles, with Nettie's mother expressing her exhaustion and despair, while Nettie remains optimistic and devoted to her family. The family dynamic is strained, particularly due to Mr. Mathieson's drinking and lack of support for his family. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Nettie's unwavering faith and dedication to her loved ones will be pivotal in facing the challenges ahead. The comfort she finds in her faith provides a counterpoint to the harsh realities of her life, setting the stage for a tale that promises both sorrow and resilience.
Gertrude P. Dyer
Little Pollie Or a Bunch of Violets
"Little Pollie" by Gertrude P. Dyer is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story centers around a young flower seller named Pollie, a ten-year-old girl who begins her first day of selling violets to support her ailing mother in London. As she navigates the bustling streets and the challenges of her environment, the narrative explores themes of kindness, morality, and the struggles faced by the impoverished. At the start of the novel, Pollie's innocence shines as she tries to sell her violets outside the Bank of England, but she struggles to attract customers. She encounters various characters, including a more brazen girl named Sally, who offers her some unsolicited advice. Despite her melancholy circumstances, such as the loss of her father and her mother's illness, Pollie displays a strong moral compass, returning a mistakenly received shilling to a lady who purchases her flowers. The opening chapters establish Pollie's tender nature and deep sense of right and wrong, laying the groundwork for her journey through adversity while fostering connections with those around her, such as her ill mother and other vulnerable characters in her community.
William P. (William Pendleton) Chipman
The Black Forge Mills : $b or, Up the King's highway
"The Black Forge Mills: or, Up the King's Highway" by William P. Chipman is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Ralph Carleton, a pastor who seeks to connect with the working-class community at the Black Forge Mills and addresses the struggles of the miners and their families, particularly through the character of Ray Branford, a young boy caught between the influences of his challenging upbringing and his desire for a better life. At the start of the novel, Ralph Carleton is introduced as a thoughtful pastor who finds solace in nature while contemplating his sermons. During a walk, he observes the Black Forge Woolen Mills, which have become a metaphor for the struggles and moral darkness faced by the workers inside. Through interactions with the local children, including the mischief-maker Ray Branford, it becomes clear that the community is in desperate need of spiritual support and guidance. Ray is a central figure, illustrating both the innocence and potential of youth amidst adversity as he navigates a world filled with hardship, peer pressure, and challenges related to his family's struggles. As Carleton recognizes the urgent calling to minister to this community, the stage is set for themes of redemption, faith, and the transformative power of compassion through their unfolding stories.
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