Subject
China -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Charles Gilson
Held by Chinese Brigands
"Held by Chinese Brigands" by Captain Charles Gilson is an adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Hennessy K. Waldron, an American traveler, and his companions, Sir Thomas Armitage and his nephew Frank, who embark on an expedition in China. Their journey leads them into peril when they fall into the hands of the notorious brigand leader, Cheong-Chau, who demands a hefty ransom for their freedom. The opening of the book introduces the enchanting beauty of Hong-Kong Harbour, contrasting it sharply with the dark and dangerous world of Chinese banditry. Mr. Waldron is depicted as a jovial and somewhat reckless character, eager to explore the mysteries of China. As they begin their journey, a sense of impending doom looms as they encounter the treacherous underbelly of society represented by pirates and criminals, notably Cheong-Chau and his band. The reader is drawn into a rich narrative that illustrates the vibrancy of the setting while setting the stage for the unfolding drama of capture, negotiation, and the quest for survival against formidable odds.
L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
The Boy Fortune Hunters in China
"The Boy Fortune Hunters in China" by Floyd Akers is an adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of young boys, led by Sam Steele, as they embark on a sea voyage filled with intrigue and excitement that leads them to China. When a tragic shipwreck occurs, the boys find themselves intertwined with the fate of Prince Kai Lun Pu, a young Mandarin whose life they seek to save, setting the stage for a grand treasure-hunting adventure that involves navigating both foreign customs and potential treachery. At the start of the novel, the boys are aboard the merchant ship "Seagull", where they witness the disaster of the passenger steamship "Karamata Maru". After rescuing survivors, they learn about Prince Kai Lun Pu, who becomes a central figure in their journey. Despite being severely injured, the prince expresses gratitude towards Sam, leading to a friendship that develops amid the urgency of his impending death. The narrative quickly escalates as the prince reveals secrets about his ancestral wealth and proposes an ambitious plan to retrieve it. This sets the boys on a course toward adventure as they navigate the complexities of Chinese culture and the dangers posed by the prince's treacherous servant, Mai Lo.
Arthur Bowie Chrisman
Shen of the Sea: A Book for Children
"Shen of the Sea: A Book for Children" by Arthur Bowie Chrisman is a collection of short stories published in 1925. This Newbery Medal-winning work presents sixteen original tales written in the style of humorous Chinese folk tales. The stories blend fantasy with clever explanations for everyday inventions, from chopsticks to gunpowder to fine china. Kings match wits with demons, prophecies take unexpected turns, and ordinary characters use cleverness to overcome extraordinary challenges in these whimsical adventures that captivated young readers.
Herbert Strang
The Flying Boat: A Story of Adventure and Misadventure
"The Flying Boat: A Story of Adventure and Misadventure" by Herbert Strang is a novel written in the early 20th century. This adventure story centers around the life of Pierce Errington, a young Englishman who navigates challenges both at school and later in China, surrounding his relationships with his friends and the mysterious Mr. Ting, a Chinaman from his father’s past. The story hints at themes of friendship, adventure, and cultural interplay during a time of significant historical transformation. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to Cheltonia School, where sports activities are underway and the main characters, Errington, Burroughs, and the imposing Hattersley-Carr, are preparing for the high jump. The unexpected arrival of Mr. Ting, a small Chinese man who is an old acquaintance of Errington’s family, creates a stir among the boys. As Errington navigates the dynamics at school, he faces the tension between social status and cultural differences exemplified by Mr. Ting's presence. The opening also hints at Errington's internal struggles and playful camaraderie, foreshadowing the adventures and misadventures that lie ahead in both their personal and broader contexts as they transition from English schoolboy life to the complexities of adulthood in China.
Andy Adams
Mystery of the Chinese Ring
"Mystery of the Chinese Ring" by Andy Adams is a mystery novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story centers around a young boy named Biff Brewster, who receives a mysterious ring under unusual circumstances. As Biff prepares for a trip to Rangoon, his adventure unfolds with the integration of mystery and the exploration of themes related to family, friendship, and peril. The opening of the book sets the stage for a thrilling mystery as Biff receives an unexpected gift in the form of a jade ring thrown through his bedroom window, accompanied by a cryptic message about fortune and protection. His concern grows when he learns from Ling Tang, a family friend, that there may be a connection between the ring and his upcoming trip to Burma, with potential dangers lurking from mysterious figures who seem to be following him. In the backdrop of Biff's departure, familial dynamics and excitement build, suggesting that the journey ahead will be fraught with mystery and adventure.
Yates Stirling
A United States Midshipman in China
"A United States Midshipman in China" by Lt. Com. Yates Stirling Jr. U.S.N. is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows midshipman Philip Perry and his friend Sydney Monroe as they navigate the complex and perilous waters of late 19th-century China, where foreigners face increasing hostility amid political upheaval. As they serve on the U.S. gunboat "Phœnix," the narrative captures their adventures and the challenges they face in safeguarding various missions and lives within a strained diplomatic climate. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to the setting, the Yangtse River, with Philip Perry and Sydney Monroe keenly observing the potential dangers of their surroundings. Upon hearing about the violent viceroy and the increasing threats against foreigners, they become embroiled in a series of events that lead to a dramatic rescue attempt. After an incident involving a drowning man, Philip's courage shines through when he saves the drowning Chinaman, which leads to greater complications as they learn about a potential uprising against the mission they are tasked to protect. Their journey begins to unfold against a backdrop of imminent danger, secrecy, and treachery, setting the tone for an intricate narrative filled with action and intrigue.
Eleanor Raper
The Little Girl Lost A Tale for Little Girls
"The Little Girl Lost" by Eleanor Raper is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Nelly Grey, a young English girl born in China, who navigates the complexities of her life within the British Legation in Peking, interacting with both her British friends and local Chinese children. The plot takes a dramatic turn when Nelly and her friend Little Yi find themselves lost and captured, leading to a journey filled with adventure, danger, and the desire for freedom. The opening of the book introduces readers to Nelly and her lively environment as she plays with friends in the Legation compound in Peking. It highlights her bilingual abilities and her close relationships with other children of foreign nationals. However, curiosity leads her and Little Yi to venture outside their safe confines, which subsequently results in their abduction by a Chinese woman wanting to collect a reward for their return. The narrative sets the stage for Nelly's ensuing adventure as she grapples with the challenges of captivity and the hope of an eventual rescue or escape back to her family. The initial chapters effectively blend the charm of childhood friendships with the tension of their precarious situation, drawing readers into the story's unfolding drama.
M. C. Bell
Little Yellow Wang-lo
"Little Yellow Wang-lo" by M. C. Bell is a children's story written in the early 20th century. The book is part of the "Dumpy Books for Children" series, and it narrates the whimsical adventures of a little boy named Little Yellow Wang-lo who lives with his father, a duck merchant, on a houseboat. The story's themes revolve around childhood innocence, exploration, and the consequences of greed. The narrative follows Little Yellow Wang-lo as he embarks on a journey to the market to sell ducks and buy a pig for dinner. After a series of misadventures involving a mischievous pig and a giant eagle, he finds himself in a sticky situation but ultimately manages to uncover a hidden treasure with the help of the pigs. The tale concludes with his father's greed leading to his downfall, allowing Little Yellow Wang-lo to live happily on the houseboat, no longer needing to sell ducks or eat pork, and instead enjoying his newfound wealth and a fresh wardrobe.
G. Harvey (George Harvey) Ralphson
Boy Scouts on Motorcycles; Or, With the Flying Squadron
"Boy Scouts on Motorcycles; Or, With the Flying Squadron" by G. Harvey Ralphson is an adventure novel likely written during the early 20th century. The story focuses on a group of Boy Scouts who find themselves in China, where they are embroiled in a mission involving local intrigue and potential danger amid the backdrop of foreign tension. At the start of the novel, we meet four boys—Ned Nestor, Jimmie McGraw, Frank Shaw, and Jack Bosworth—who are waiting in a rundown apartment in Taku for a Secret Service operative who has yet to arrive with crucial information. The boys share their grievances about their current location compared to their beloved New York City and discuss their expectations of the mission ahead. As they prepare to head to Peking on their motorcycles, they grow increasingly suspicious of their surroundings, especially as peculiar events unfold, including tampered motorcycles and the presence of shady locals. The opening chapter sets an atmospheric tension, indicating that the boys must face challenges as they pursue their mission and navigate the complexities of a land foreign to them.
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