Subject
Coal mines and mining -- 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.
Archibald Lee Fletcher
Boy Scouts in the Coal Caverns; Or, The Light in Tunnel Six
"Boy Scouts in the Coal Caverns; Or, The Light in Tunnel Six" by Major Archibald Lee Fletcher is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on a group of four Boy Scouts—George Benton, Charley ("Sandy") Green, Tommy Gregory, and Will Smith—who arrive at the Labyrinth mine to assist in searching for two missing boys, Jimmie Maynard and Dick Thompson. As they delve into the treacherous environment of the coal mine, the Scouts encounter mysterious lights and strange noises that suggest they are not alone. At the start of the book, the four scouts meet with Case Canfield, the mine's caretaker, who informs them about the missing boys and hints at possible dangers throughout the mine, including the odd occurrences that have been reported. The boys are quickly instructed to begin their quest beneath the mine's surface, where their adventure takes a suspenseful turn as they hear strange noises and even the calls of another patrol, suggesting the presence of other Scouts. The opening chapters lay the groundwork for a thrilling exploration filled with mystery as the boys navigate through underground tunnels while trying to uncover the fate of Jimmie and Dick.
R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne
Deep Down, a Tale of the Cornish Mines
"Deep Down, A Tale of the Cornish Mines" by R. M. Ballantyne is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story begins with a young man named Oliver Trembath, who journeys to Cornwall in search of fortune and adventure. In the opening chapters, Oliver's character is introduced as a spirited youth full of vigor and a sense of exploration, setting the stage for a narrative that delves into the lives and challenges faced by individuals in the mining community. The opening of the tale begins with Oliver arriving in Penzance, where he quickly finds himself lost on his way to St. Just. Despite initial setbacks, he encounters a cottage where he assists a woman and her injured son, showcasing both his medical skills and his willingness to help others. As his journey continues, he meets a grumpy old gentleman whose unpredictable advice sends him further astray. Through a series of engaging interactions, including a tumultuous encounter with local fishermen, Oliver's character begins to evolve, hinting at the adventures and conflicts that the larger mining narrative will unveil. This introduction sets an adventurous tone, hinting at both camaraderie and the challenges that lie ahead in the rugged environment of Cornwall.
Roy J. (Roy Judson) Snell
The Silent Alarm
"The Silent Alarm" by Roy J. Snell is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a strong and resourceful young girl named Florence Huyler, who finds herself a prisoner in a cabin in the mountains of Kentucky. Despite her precarious situation, Florence is determined to escape and complete her mission to secure coal land for a school. The narrative is set against a backdrop of friendship, danger, and the challenges of persevereing through a society steeped in poverty and tradition. The opening of the novel sets the stage for Florence's unexpected captivity as she reflects on her uncertain fate. The story starts with her solitary existence in a lonely cabin guarded by mysterious men, while outside, her friend Marion signals to her from a distance using a makeshift system they've established. As the story unfolds, Florence contemplates her situation, the purpose of her captors, and her hopes of contacting Marion to relay important information about the land. Amidst the tension and fear, the themes of bravery, loyalty, and determination emerge, promising a gripping tale of adventure and courage.
G. Harvey (George Harvey) Ralphson
The Call of the Beaver Patrol; Or, A Break in the Glacier
"The Call of the Beaver Patrol; Or, A Break in the Glacier" by G. Harvey Ralphson is a novel written in the early 20th century. This adventure story centers around a group of Boy Scouts, particularly the Beaver Patrol, as they embark on a mysterious mission involving the search for two missing boys in an abandoned coal mine. Their journey is filled with suspense and camaraderie as they encounter various dangers and challenges in the depths of the mine, testing their bravery and teamwork. The opening of the story introduces Case Canfield, the caretaker of the Labyrinth mine, who recruits four Boy Scouts—Will Smith, George Benton, Tommy Gregory, and Sandy Green—to help locate the two lost boys, Jimmie Maynard and Dick Thompson. As they settle into a makeshift camp in the mine, an adventure begins that combines elements of mystery and exploration. They hear strange noises and see unusual lights in the mine, fueling their curiosity and determination to uncover the truth behind the boys' disappearance. The narrative hints at deeper secrets lurking within the mine, as well as the possibility of danger posed by characters like a suspicious detective, suggesting an enthralling blend of adventure and intrigue ahead.
Kirk Munroe
Derrick Sterling: A Story of the Mines
"Derrick Sterling: A Story of the Mines" by Kirk Munroe is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book revolves around the life of young Derrick Sterling, who is forced to confront the harsh realities of life after the death of his father, a mining engineer. The story begins with Derrick, now working as a breaker boy in a coal mine, as he faces dangerous situations and the struggles of his new life while also trying to support his family. At the start of the narrative, Derrick is seen working in the breaker alongside other boys, including his friend Paul Evert, who is physically disabled. The opening depicts a frantic fire in the breaker that threatens the lives of the boys, emphasizing Derrick’s bravery as he fights to save Paul from the flames. As the chaos unfolds, Derrick’s selflessness becomes apparent when he chooses to help his friend despite the imminent danger, setting the stage for a tale filled with bravery, hardship, and the camaraderie of those working in the mines.
Homer Greene
Burnham Breaker
"Burnham Breaker" by Homer Greene is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in the backdrop of Scranton, Pennsylvania, a city entrenched in the coal-mining industry, and follows the lives of young boys toiling under harsh conditions, particularly highlighting the character of Ralph. Ralph, who yearns for a sense of belonging and searches for his identity, becomes entwined with Robert Burnham, the compassionate manager, whose kindness touches the lives of those working under him. The opening of "Burnham Breaker" sets up a vivid portrayal of the coal breaker where boys work long hours, picking slate from coal, while dreaming of freedom and a better life outside their prison-like environment. On a significant day, which happens to be circus day, the screen-room boys find their mundane toil interrupted when Burnham rewards their loyalty by granting them time off to visit the circus. This gesture highlights Burnham's compassion and foreshadows the deeper connections that will unravel between him and Ralph, especially as Ralph's past comes to light, revealing his lack of identity and longing for family. The narrative begins to weave themes of identity, loss, and the struggles of the working class in an industrial society.
James Otis
Down the Slope
"Down the Slope" by James Otis is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story focuses on Fred Byram, a young breaker boy who begins work in a coal mine, facing adversity and bullying from his peers. As he navigates the harsh realities of working conditions and the dangers posed by a group known as the "regulators," Fred showcases determination and resilience. The opening of the book introduces Fred as he starts his first day at the mine. He quickly encounters Sam Thorpe, another youth who warns him about the rough nature of the boys in this workplace. Fred learns about the exploitative dynamics in the mine, specifically the unwritten rule among the boys that new employees must pay 'footing' or face physical harassment. When Fred refuses to comply, he is bullied, beaten, and eventually thrown into an abandoned mine shaft by Skip Miller and his gang. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into Fred's struggles against the mob mentality of his peers and the looming threat of danger underground, amplifying the tension and sense of urgency as Fred grapples with survival and courage in the face of fear.
Recently surfaced classics