Subject
Diligence -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Horatio Alger
Adrift in the City; or, Oliver Conrad's Plucky Fight
"Adrift in the City; or, Oliver Conrad's Plucky Fight" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. This coming-of-age story centers on young Oliver Conrad, who faces a challenging relationship with his step-brother Roland Kenyon and his cruel step-father, Mr. Kenyon. The narrative explores themes of resilience and the struggle for independence amidst familial tensions, as Oliver learns to assert himself against the bullying he experiences. The opening of the book introduces a confrontation between Oliver and Roland, establishing their antagonistic relationship marked by class and privilege disparities. Roland, feeling entitled, commands Oliver to fetch a ball, leading to a physical altercation that exemplifies the underlying tension between them. After defending himself successfully, Oliver is summoned before Mr. Kenyon, who unjustly accuses him of assaulting Roland. As Oliver stands firm in his principles and self-defense, the stage is set for a deeper exploration of his plight, hinting at future conflicts and Oliver's quest for autonomy against the backdrop of his step-father's deceitful motives.
Horatio Alger
The Errand Boy; Or, How Phil Brent Won Success
"The Errand Boy; Or, How Phil Brent Won Success" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Phil Brent, a young boy who faces challenges and adversities after discovering that his stepmother doesn’t consider him her son, which shakes the foundation of his identity and home life. The narrative unfolds as Phil resolves to leave his unhappy home and seek his fortune in New York City, revealing themes of resilience, ambition, and personal growth. At the start of the tale, Phil endures a painful scuffle with his stepbrother Jonas, followed by a confrontation with his stepmother, Mrs. Brent, where he learns that she does not view him as a true member of the family. This revelation prompts Phil to consider a future for himself outside of the oppressive environment he’s lived in. He decides to leave home, sells some of his possessions to save money, and embarks on a journey to New York, where he hopes to find work and establish his independence. Along the way, he encounters various characters, such as Mr. Lionel Lake and Mr. Oliver Carter, who play crucial roles in shaping his fortunes and experiences in the big city. The opening chapters set up Phil's character as determined and resourceful, as well as foreshadowing the trials and opportunities he will face in his quest for a better life.
Horatio Alger
Do and Dare — a Brave Boy's Fight for Fortune
"Do and Dare — a Brave Boy's Fight for Fortune" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story follows young Herbert Carr, a boy determined to help his widowed mother keep their livelihood as she struggles to maintain her position as postmaster after the death of her husband. Facing obstacles from selfish local influences, including the wealthy Squire Walsingham and his manipulative nephew, Ebenezer Graham, Herbert's resilience and determination to fight for his family's well-being set the stage for this tale of courage and adventure. The beginning of the novel introduces Herbert and his mother in their humble cottage, discussing their precarious situation as Mrs. Carr loses her postmaster position to Ebenezer Graham, who covets the income. After experiencing defeat in his efforts to plead for his mother’s retention in the office, Herbert finds himself out of work when Ebenezer returns home and takes Herbert's place in the post office. Through the opening chapters, readers witness Herbert's emotional turmoil and the challenges he faces, including betrayal when Eben falsely accuses him of theft. Herbert's journey reflects themes of integrity, hard work, and the struggle for fortune, setting the stage for his adventures and growth as a character.
Horatio Alger
Tony, the Hero; Or, A Brave Boy's Adventures with a Tramp
"Tony, the Hero; Or, A Brave Boy's Adventures with a Tramp" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Tony, a 14-year-old boy who leads a vagrant life alongside his uncle, Rudolph, a dark and suspicious tramp. The narrative explores themes of resilience, the desire for a better life, and the quest for identity as Tony grapples with his situation and dreams of a stable future. The opening of the book introduces Tony and Rudolph trudging through a country town in New York. As they converse, it becomes apparent that Tony is weary of the life of a tramp and wishes to break free from it, while Rudolph believes in the independence of their lifestyle. The dynamics of their relationship highlight Tony's internal struggle between loyalty to his guardian and the yearning for a more conventional life. Despite feeling stuck, Tony manages to assert his desire for change, setting the stage for his eventual quest for self-discovery and belonging.
Horatio Alger
Mark the Match Boy; or, Richard Hunter's Ward
"Mark the Match Boy; or, Richard Hunter's Ward" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. This story follows a young boy named Mark, who sells matches on the streets of New York City while enduring hardships and abuse from his caregiver, Mother Watson. As Mark navigates his struggles, themes of resilience, friendship, and the hope for a better life are prevalent throughout the narrative. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Mark, a thinly-clad boy deeply affected by hunger and the harsh realities of street life. He returns home after a long day of trying to sell matches but is met with hostility and threats from Mother Watson, who only cares about the money he brings in. As he contemplates his situation, Mark begins to consider breaking free from this abusive arrangement. His fate takes a turn when he unexpectedly receives some money while resting on a ferryboat, igniting a spark of independence. This opening sets the stage for Mark's journey toward self-sufficiency as he ponders his future and contemplates the possibility of escaping his current life.
Lester Chadwick
Baseball Joe in the World Series; or, Pitching for the Championship
"Baseball Joe in the World Series; or, Pitching for the Championship" by Lester Chadwick is a sports novel likely written in the early 20th century. This tale continues the adventures of Joe Matson, a talented young pitcher for the New York Giants, who is now facing the pressure and excitement of the World Series against the Boston Red Sox. The storyline revolves around his journey, challenges, and personal relationships as he aims to lead his team to championship glory. The opening of the novel introduces Joe Matson immediately after his victorious game that secures the National League pennant for the Giants. Excitement and joy surround his achievement, highlighted by the enthusiastic reactions of fans and teammates. As he makes his way through the celebrations, Joe’s thoughts drift towards Mabel Varley, a girl he harbors feelings for, and the rivalry from a former acquaintance, Beckworth Fleming, arises. This portion sets the stage for Joe's emotional stakes in both his baseball career and personal life, intertwining themes of ambition, friendship, and his battle against external adversities as he prepares for the upcoming World Series.
Horatio Alger
Dan, the Newsboy
"Dan, the Newsboy" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a young newsboy named Dan Mordaunt, who faces the challenges of poverty after his father's death forced him and his mother into a life of hardship. The narrative explores themes of resilience, social justice, and the contrasting lives of the wealthy and the poor. At the start of the book, we meet Dan as he sells newspapers and navigates the difficulties of supporting his sick mother while dealing with the harsh realities of urban life. Dan’s character is portrayed as hardworking and caring, showing an admirable devotion to his mother. The opening chapters introduce the struggle against an unkind employer, Mr. Gripp, who withholds payment for Dan's mother's work, and highlight Dan's interactions with various characters, demonstrating his resourcefulness and determination to improve their situation. As the narrative develops, Dan encounters both kindness and cruelty, which set the stage for his personal growth and adventures ahead.
Gordon Stables
From ploughshare to pulpit : $b A tale of the battle of life
"From Ploughshare to Pulpit: A Tale of the Battle of Life" by Gordon Stables is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story primarily follows Sandie M‘Crae, a determined ploughman-student, who aspires to become a clergyman while contending with the challenges of rural life and his own ambitions. The narrative explores themes of perseverance, friendship, and the pastoral beauty of Scotland, illustrating Sandie's journey from his humble beginnings to the complexities of university life. The opening of the novel sets a vivid and serene scene in the Scottish Highlands, focusing on Mackenzie, the cheerful local minister, on a beautiful spring day. As he prepares to visit an ailing elder parishioner, readers get a glimpse of the idyllic setting filled with detail about the landscape, flora, and fauna. The atmosphere shifts dramatically as Mackenzie and his daughter Maggie May's lives are endangered by an uncontrollable pony, Larnie. The scene culminates in a heroic moment when Sandie M‘Crae intervenes to save them, establishing him as a central and noble character. This pointer introduces Sandie's aspirations and foreshadows the challenges he will face as he navigates life, love, and loyalty while nurturing his ambition of becoming a minister.
Harry Castlemon
Julian Mortimer: A Brave Boy's Struggle for Home and Fortune
"Julian Mortimer: A Brave Boy's Struggle for Home and Fortune" by Harry Castlemon is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows the adventures of Julian Mortimer, a young boy navigating life in the American frontier, filled with danger, wild landscapes, and the quest for belonging. As the main character, Julian's journey leads him through perils that test his courage and resilience, all while seeking his true identity and a home he feels connected to. At the start of the narrative, Julian and a seasoned trapper named Silas Roper prepare to select a campsite for their wagon train while evading a lurking Indian threat. This setting quickly evolves into a tense atmosphere when Julian learns of an impending danger not just from the Indians, but also from two men plotting against him. The stakes rise dramatically as he discovers he is being sought after by two factions—one desiring him dead and the other willing to pay a fortune for him alive. This compelling beginning introduces readers to Julian's struggles, foreshadowing the trials he will face in his hopes for safety and a sense of belonging.
Everett T. (Everett Titsworth) Tomlinson
Ward Hill, the Senior
"Ward Hill, the Senior" by Everett T. Tomlinson is a coming-of-age novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Ward Hill, a boy returning to Weston school after a year of struggles and failures, and his determination to redeem himself. The narrative captures the challenges of adolescence, friendship, loyalty, and the complex social dynamics within a school setting. The opening of the book introduces us to Ward as he awaits a friend at the train station, reflecting on his past year at Weston school marked by disappointment and feelings of alienation. As he anticipates the arrival of his friend Jack Hobart, we learn about Ward's turbulent relationship with his peers, particularly Tim Pickard, a central antagonist. The narrative explores Ward's internal conflict regarding his return to school, where he must face not only the academic challenges but also the social repercussions of his previous mistakes. Ward's journey of self-discovery begins as he grapples with his past, the expectations of his friends, and the dynamics of school life.
Lester Chadwick
Baseball Joe, Captain of the Team; or, Bitter Struggles on the Diamond
"Baseball Joe, Captain of the Team; or, Bitter Struggles on the Diamond" by Lester Chadwick is a sports novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on Baseball Joe Matson, a talented pitcher for the Giants, who faces challenges both on the field and in his personal life. As the season progresses, Joe and his team find themselves struggling against a losing streak while dealing with the pressure of expectations, team dynamics, and personal relationships. The opening of the novel introduces Joe and his friend Jim Barclay as they grapple with their team's recent poor performance. Despite Joe's skills on the mound, the rest of the team seems to have fallen into a slump, with speculations arising about the team's chemistry and potential disruptions from new players. As the narrative unfolds, Joe remains determined to turn the team's fortunes around, but external pressures and personal concerns loom large, particularly the impact of his mother's health on his focus.
Horatio Alger
Ralph Raymond's Heir
"Ralph Raymond's Heir" by Horatio Alger Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows the character Ralph Raymond, who, in his final days, reveals to his friend Paul Morton that he has a son named Robert Raymond, setting off a chain of intriguing events that blend themes of deception and the quest for wealth. Morton's ambitions, coupled with the backdrop of Ralph's terminal illness, raise the stakes as loyalties are tested, and the reader is introduced to the struggles of several characters navigating the complexities of morality and greed. At the start of the story, we meet James Cromwell, a clerk in a drugstore who sells a rare poison to a mysterious customer, which leads to suspicions regarding the customer's intentions. We are introduced to the affluent yet troubled Paul Morton, who grapples with financial stresses and the impending loss of his wealthier friend, Ralph Raymond, who comes to stay with him as he nears death. The opening chapters establish a tense atmosphere marked by impending doom and moral corruption, as Cromwell’s discovery of Morton’s connection to the poison and the fate of Ralph’s son sets the stage for a thrilling narrative filled with betrayal and the possible misfortune that accompanies the pursuit of riches.
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