Subject
Courage -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum is a children's novel written in 1900. When a cyclone sweeps young Dorothy and her dog Toto from Kansas to the magical Land of Oz, she discovers only one way home: she must destroy the Wicked Witch of the West. Joined by a Scarecrow seeking brains, a Tin Woodman wanting a heart, and a Cowardly Lion desiring courage, Dorothy follows the yellow brick road to seek help from the mysterious Wizard of Oz.
L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum is a children's novel published in 1900. When a cyclone sweeps young Dorothy and her dog Toto from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, she discovers only one way home: she must destroy the Wicked Witch of the West. Joined by a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodman, and a Cowardly Lion, Dorothy embarks on an adventure down the yellow brick road to seek help from the mysterious Wizard of Oz.
Eugène (Dramatist) Leclerc
Coward or Hero?
"Coward or Hero?" by Eugène Leclerc is a fiction work written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the timid young boy Paul Bicquerot, his struggle with cowardice, and his interactions with his soldier father who is disappointed in his son's fears. Faced with his insecurities, Paul grapples with societal expectations of bravery and finds himself in humorous yet challenging situations, indicating themes of childhood innocence and social dynamics. The opening of the narrative introduces us to Paul, who is quaking with fear at the mocking faces of a boy across the street. His father’s harsh criticism punctuates his anxiety, highlighting the tension between fatherly expectations and a child's emotional turmoil. In the midst of his fear, Paul contemplates his cowardice and compares himself to others, setting the stage for his desire to be brave. The initial chapters also introduce various characters like Colonel Boissot, who represents an old-school mentality about handling cowardice, foreshadowing the conflicting advice Paul will receive as he seeks to redefine his self-image amidst external pressures.
L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
The Magic of Oz
"The Magic of Oz" by L. Frank Baum is a fantasy novel published in 1919. A Munchkin boy named Kiki Aru discovers a powerful transformation spell and joins forces with the exiled Nome King Ruggedo to conquer Oz. Together they deceive the forest animals and begin transforming friends and foes alike. Dorothy and the Wizard must stop their scheme before the Emerald City falls. Can they master the magic word in time to save Oz and rescue those trapped by enchantment?
L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
Glinda of Oz In Which Are Related the Exciting Experiences of Princess Ozma of Oz, and Dorothy, in Their Hazardous Journey to the Home of the Flatheads, and to the Magic Isle of the Skeezers, and How They Were Rescued from Dire Peril by the Sorcery of Glinda the Good
"Glinda of Oz" by L. Frank Baum is a children's fantasy novel published in 1920. The fourteenth and final book in Baum's original Oz series follows Princess Ozma and Dorothy as they journey to a remote corner of Oz to prevent war between the Flatheads and Skeezers. When their peace mission fails and they become trapped at the bottom of a lake on a magically submerged island, Glinda must rally Dorothy's friends and fellow magicians to mount a daring rescue operation.
L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
Glinda of Oz In Which Are Related the Exciting Experiences of Princess Ozma of Oz, and Dorothy, in Their Hazardous Journey to the Home of the Flatheads, and to the Magic Isle of the Skeezers, and How They Were Rescued from Dire Peril by the Sorcery of Glinda the Good
"Glinda of Oz" by L. Frank Baum is a children's novel published in 1920. The fourteenth and final book in Baum's original Oz series follows Princess Ozma and Dorothy as they journey to a remote corner of Oz to prevent war between the Flatheads and Skeezers. When their peace mission fails and they become trapped underwater on a magically submerged glass island, Glinda must lead a rescue expedition to free them before it's too late.
L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
The Magic of Oz
"The Magic of Oz" by L. Frank Baum is a fantasy novel published in 1919. When a Munchkin boy named Kiki Aru discovers a powerful transformation spell, he teams with the exiled Nome King Ruggedo to conquer Oz. Together they scheme to raise an army of forest animals by transforming them into soldiers. Dorothy, the Wizard, and their friends must stop this magical threat before Ozma's birthday celebration turns into disaster for the Emerald City.
G. A. (George Alfred) Henty
To Herat and Cabul: A Story of the First Afghan War
"To Herat and Cabul: A Story of the First Afghan War" by G. A. Henty is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows a young boy named Angus Campbell, who embarks on a journey through turbulent Persian territories and into war-torn Afghanistan during the First Afghan War. As Angus navigates the complexities of diplomacy, survival, and warfare, he becomes embroiled in the fate of Herat and the efforts to counter Russian influence in the region. The opening of the novel introduces Angus Campbell, a sixteen-year-old boy who recently lost his parents to the plague. Left alone in a foreign land, he seeks to forge a path for himself, ultimately finding service with the British minister at the Persian court. With his knowledge of languages, Angus is entrusted with a vital mission to deliver a letter to the ruler of Herat, encouraging him to resist Persian invaders. This initial setup not only establishes Angus as a resourceful and determined protagonist but also sets the stage for the historical conflicts and personal trials he will encounter as the story unfolds.
Jim Kjelgaard
Hi Jolly!
"Hi Jolly!" by Jim Kjelgaard is a novel written in the late 20th century. The story revolves around a young camel driver named Ali as he embarks on a pilgrimage to Mecca, facing various challenges in a harsh desert world. With the backdrop of historical facts, Ali's journey is marked by both his deep connection with camels and the trials posed by bandits and harsh conditions. At the start of the narrative, Ali awakens in the Syrian desert, acutely aware of the dangers surrounding him. He prepares for his journey towards Mecca, reflecting on his past experiences with camels and his aspirations to earn respect through the pilgrimage. As Ali plans to join the larger caravan known as the Hadj, his situation rapidly deteriorates when he witnesses the massacre of a local caravan by raiders. Resolute, he still decides to pursue the Hadj, driven by his passion for camels and a fortuitous encounter that leads him to discover a captured riding camel, which he names Ben Akbar. This encounter sets in motion a series of events that intertwine Ali's fate with that of the magnificent camel and introduces themes of bravery, loyalty, and survival.
Rudyard Kipling
Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls
"Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls" by Rudyard Kipling is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. This compilation features adventure tales that explore themes of bravery, character, and heroism, often drawing on Kipling's experiences with British colonial culture and the sea. The stories can be enjoyed by younger readers, making them a delightful read for both children and adults alike. The opening of the collection begins with a preface that sets the tone for the tales to follow, emphasizing the importance of being fit—both in mind and body. It introduces the idea that true valor comes in various forms, whether in quiet acts of courage or on the battlefield. The first story, "Winning the Victoria Cross," recounts the history and significance of the prestigious military honor awarded for acts of bravery, with examples illustrating the diverse ways in which heroism manifests. This establishes a framework for the subsequent tales, which promise to celebrate valor and the adventurous spirit of young and old alike against the backdrop of land and sea.
Henry Harrison Lewis
Yankee Boys in Japan; Or, The Young Merchants of Yokohama
"Yankee Boys in Japan; Or, The Young Merchants of Yokohama" by Henry Harrison Lewis is a historical fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around two brothers, Grant and Nathaniel "Nattie" Manning, who are trying to salvage their father's failing importing business in Yokohama, Japan, following his death. As they navigate the complexities of business and personal rivalry, they confront challenges from a local competitor, Ralph Black, who threatens their newfound stability. The opening of the novel introduces the brothers, highlighting their contrasting personalities and circumstances; Grant is a crippled youth burdened by his family's legacy while Nattie is impulsive and passionate. They are met with the harsh realities of business when they discover that a debt may have been paid by their deceased father but lacks supporting documentation. Tension quickly escalates when Ralph Black attempts to provoke Nattie, leading them into a web of rivalry and conflict. As they strive to seek justice for their father's affairs, they encounter potential allies and enemies, setting the stage for a tale of resilience, adventure, and the pursuit of honor in the face of adversity.
G. A. (George Alfred) Henty
Through the Sikh War: A Tale of the Conquest of the Punjaub
"Through the Sikh War: A Tale of the Conquest of the Punjaub" by G. A. Henty is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around a young protagonist named Percy Groves, who embarks on an adventurous journey from England to India to join his uncle amidst the backdrop of the tumultuous Punjab region, which is on the brink of war. The book aims to relate the events of the two Sikh wars, providing both historical detail and thrilling narrative. At the start of the novel, Percy is introduced as a fifteen-year-old boy who has recently lost his father and longs for a life of adventure. After receiving a letter from his uncle, Colonel Roland Groves, inviting him to live in India, Percy decides to embark on this journey despite warnings about the dangers that lie ahead in the unsettled Punjab. The opening portion portrays Percy’s preparation for the voyage, his reflections on his father’s wishes regarding his future in the army, and his eagerness to learn the local languages to better integrate himself into his uncle's world. Additionally, we see hints of the political tensions in Punjab that foreshadow the conflicts Percy will soon find himself entangled in.
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