Subject
Colorado River (Colo.-Mexico) -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
A. R. (Alfred Rochefort) Calhoun
Lost in the Cañon The Story of Sam Willett's Adventures on the Great Colorado of the West
"Lost in the Cañon" by A. R. Calhoun is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around young Sam Willett, his father Mr. Willett, and their companions as they navigate the treacherous landscapes and challenges of Southwestern Colorado while pursuing a life as miners. The narrative unfolds in a wilderness setting filled with adventure, danger, and the struggle for survival, highlighting themes of camaraderie and resilience. The opening of the novel introduces Sam Willett and his companions, including the young Ute boy Ulna and the stout black boy Ike, as they hunt in the unforgiving terrain in search of food. After successfully capturing a bighorn sheep, they make their way back to their camp known as Gold Cave Camp, where Mr. Willett awaits. The father-son duo, along with their diverse group of friends, face not only the challenges of the wild but also interpersonal conflicts, as hinted by tensions surrounding a recent murder that entwines them with the local mining community in Hurley’s Gulch. Through rich descriptions and engaging dialogue, the stage is set for a coming adventure filled with peril and moral dilemmas as they navigate their harsh realities.
Clarence Young
The Motor Boys After a Fortune; or, The Hut on Snake Island
"The Motor Boys After a Fortune; or, The Hut on Snake Island" by Clarence Young is a novel written in the early 20th century. This adventure story follows a group of young characters, particularly three boys named Jerry, Ned, and Bob, as they set off on an expedition to find a rumored deposit of radium on Snake Island, located in the Grand Canyon of the Colorado. Their journey is fraught with excitement, as they not only face the natural challenges of navigating the river but also contend with a bully named Noddy Nixon, who desires to thwart their plans. The opening of the story introduces the three boys at Ned Slade's house, where they engage in a conversation with Professor Uriah Snodgrass, who enlightens them about the potential existence of valuable radium on Snake Island. Their initial discussion is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Andy Rush, who brings alarming news of a flood caused by a broken dam. This event sets the scene for the boys' heroic rescue of Noddy Nixon, bringing an element of urgency to their adventures. As they discuss the possibility of seeking out the radium, we catch a glimpse of Noddy's antagonistic nature as he begins to plot against them, hinting at the rivalry that will evolve as the story progresses. This introductory section effectively establishes the boys' camaraderie, the impending dangers of their adventure, and the central tension with Noddy, setting the stage for the thrilling escapades ahead.
Harry Gordon
The River Motor Boat Boys on the Colorado; Or, The Clue in the Rocks
"The River Motor Boat Boys on the Colorado; Or, The Clue in the Rocks" by Harry Gordon is an adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a trio of resourceful boys—Clayton Emmett, Cornelius Witters, and Alexander Smithwick—as they embark on a thrilling journey along the Colorado River aboard their motor boat, the "Rambler". In the opening chapters, the boys encounter a mystery involving mysterious disappearances and the pursuit of a missing friend, setting up a tale filled with challenges, excitement, and a hint of danger. At the start of the story, the boys prepare breakfast on their boat, but find that their food mysteriously vanishes. This quirky occurrence hints at the presence of a phantom or intruder on board. Not long after, one of the boys, Alex, dives into the river in pursuit of a pancake thief, which brings him face to face with an enigmatic character named Don Durand, who bears secrets of his own—including having stolen a substantial sum of money. Suddenly, the summer adventure takes a dark turn when Alex goes missing, igniting the search for him and raising the stakes in a chase filled with excitement and unforeseen twists. The opening sets the foundation for a story rich in camaraderie, mystery, and the thrill of exploration.
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