Subject
Engineers -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Kirk Munroe
Campmates: A Story of the Plains
"Campmates: A Story of the Plains" by Kirk Munroe is a fictional adventure novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story follows young Glen Eddy, a boy who has recently learned of his adoptive status after surviving a tragic train wreck that claimed his true mother's life. Set against the backdrop of early railroading and expanding settlements, the narrative explores themes of identity, adventure, and the transition from boyhood to maturity as Glen navigates his new life. The beginning of the story introduces us to Glen's challenging journey as he travels by a slow, uncomfortable train to reunite with his army officer father at a fort in the West. The scene is vivid with descriptions of weather-related travel woes, highlighting the dangers faced by passengers, including a weary young mother and her baby—a crucial subplot that foreshadows events to come. After the train encounters a catastrophic accident due to flooding, only Glen and his rescuer, the engine-driver Luke Matherson, survive. As the story unfolds, Glen, now without any known family, is left to discover his identity and purpose while embarking on a new adventure under the guidance of Mr. Hobart, a civil engineer, learning about his aspirations and the challenges that come with them.
George Manville Fenn
Patience Wins: War in the Works
"Patience Wins: War in the Works" by George Manville Fenn is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows a young boy named Jacob, his father, and his three uncles as they navigate the challenging world of industrial expansion. After purchasing a steel working business in Arrowfield, they face resistance from a hostile workforce, igniting conflicts that test their resolve and ingenuity. The title reflects the central theme of overcoming adversity through perseverance and patience. At the start of the narrative, Jacob, a sixteen-year-old boy, is introduced as the protagonist who enjoys a close and playful relationship with his uncles. The family decides to move from London to Arrowfield to revitalize their new steel works. However, they quickly encounter challenges with the local workforce, who resent the newcomers and their modern ideas. The tension escalates as Jacob and his uncles are forced to confront the aggressive attitudes of the workers, creating an atmosphere ripe for conflict. Fenn sets the stage for a story of resilience in the face of adversity, hinting at both personal and industrial battles to come.
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