Subject
Everglades (Fla.) -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Kirk Munroe
Canoemates: A Story of the Florida Reef and Everglades
"Canoemates: A Story of the Florida Reef and Everglades" by Kirk Munroe is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around the adventures of a young boy named Sumner Rankin, who is eager to escape his life of poverty in Key West and embarks on a canoe trip with his wealthy companions, the Mantons. The narrative unfolds in the picturesque yet challenging setting of the Florida Reef and the Everglades, highlighting themes of friendship, adventure, and self-discovery. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Sumner, a skilled sailor and a dreamer who feels trapped in a life of genteel poverty with his mother after the death of his naval officer father. His feelings of jealousy arise when he sees wealthy boys with beautiful cedar canoes, stirring a desire for adventure and exploration within him. As he encounters the Mantons, who are visiting Key West for a canoeing expedition, Sumner's pride initially leads him to refuse their offer to join. However, incidents involving storms and canoe mishaps ultimately forge a path into adventure, testing Sumner's character and skills as they navigate the exquisite yet perilous waters of the reef.
Noel Sainsbury
Bill Bolton—Flying Midshipman
"Bill Bolton—Flying Midshipman" by Lieutenant Noel Sainsbury, Jr. is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Bill Bolton, a young midshipman, who finds himself in the midst of a hurricane while piloting a seaplane with his father. As they navigate through a perilous storm, they eventually crash and become entangled in a dangerous adventure on an uninhabited island filled with criminals and peril. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to Bill Bolton and his father as they struggle to maintain control of their amphibious plane against the ferocious winds of an impending hurricane. After managing a harrowing landing on the Bay of Florida, they experience a sudden turn of events that leads to their capture by armed men upon reaching the shore. The opening sets the stage for their subsequent entrapment in a sinister plot involving kidnapping and forced labor, drawing intriguing connections to themes of resilience, bravery, and the fight for freedom amidst overwhelming adversities as Bill grapples with his situation.
A. W. (Anthony Weston) Dimock
Dick in the Everglades
"Dick in the Everglades" by A. W. Dimock is a true adventure story likely written in the early 20th century. This captivating narrative recounts the experiences of two young boys, Dick and Ned, as they embark on a journey into the wilderness of Florida's Everglades, filled with exploration, hunting, and encounters with nature. The book promises thrilling escapades as the boys navigate challenges while in pursuit of adventure and camaraderie. The opening of the narrative introduces us to Dick and his friend Ned, who are caught trying to explain their absence from school after a camping trip. Their escapades soon lead them to ambitions of becoming explorers. The boys are revealed as enthusiastic, albeit mischievous, characters full of life and curiosity. A heartfelt exchange between Dick and his mother shows his determination not to be a burden, highlighting his sense of responsibility. The preface reassures the reader of the authenticity of the adventures depicted, as much is drawn from the author's real-life experiences in the region. As the plot unfolds, readers can expect a blend of excitement and vivid descriptions of Florida’s unique landscapes and its wild inhabitants.
Clarence Young
The Motor Boys in Strange Waters; or, Lost in a Floating Forest
"The Motor Boys in Strange Waters; or, Lost in a Floating Forest" by Clarence Young is a novel written in the early 20th century. This adventure story follows a group of boys known as the "Motor Boys" who are excited to spend their summer vacation exploring. The main characters, Jerry Hopkins, Ned Slade, and Bob Baker, embark on a journey filled with unforeseen challenges and mysteries, beginning with a plan to travel to Florida. The opening portion of the story introduces the boys as they revel in the onset of their vacation after a long school year. They entertain ideas of adventure, leading to their decision to take a trip in their motorboat, the Dartaway. Early discussions reveal their rivalry with a local bully, Noddy Nixon, who boasts of a cocoanut plantation he claims to own in Florida. As the three friends unwind in lively banter, they also meet Professor Snodgrass, who becomes an important companion during their travels. The narrative sets the stage for their journey, teasing future excitement and mishaps as the boys prepare for their expedition.
Robert Shaler
The Boy Scouts on Picket Duty
"The Boy Scouts on Picket Duty" by Robert Shaler is an adventure novel written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around a group of Boy Scouts who embark on a summer expedition, encountering mystery and danger as they become involved in thwarting smugglers operating along the Florida coast. The main characters include Captain Vinton and a group of young scouts, particularly highlighting Hugh, who faces perilous situations that challenge their courage and resourcefulness. The opening of the story sets the scene aboard the sloop "Arrow", where Captain Vinton is on a mission to report suspicious activity from a mysterious steamer seen cruising near the shore. Along with a party of scouts and a Seminole guide, they head toward Key West, fueled by their curiosity and a sense of duty. As they sail, the scouts learn of a potential smuggling operation involving contraband cargo meant for nefarious purposes. The narrative introduces a tense atmosphere as the boys become embroiled in a thrilling chase against the backdrop of the beautiful yet dangerous Florida coastline, hinting at the unfolding adventures that await them.
W. L. (William Livingston) Alden
The loss of the Swansea : $b A story of the Florida coast
"The loss of the Swansea: A story of the Florida coast" by W. L. Alden is a seafaring adventure novel for young readers written in the late 19th century. It follows Bristol brothers Jack and Tom, cast onto the Florida coast after a mutiny on the brig Swansea, as they face pirates, wild country, secret caves, and the lure of hidden treasure alongside a weathered ex-pirate ally. The opening of the story finds the orphaned brothers bound for America on the Swansea, where the drink-weakened Captain Fearing is overthrown by his mate, John March. Set adrift with the captain, the boys reach a Florida inlet, discover an abandoned pirate fort and a glittering cave, and endure a night of rattlesnakes and panthers. When another pirate gang appears and murders Fearing, the boys flee into the cave, are swept by an underground river to a hidden pool, and meet Bill Catchley, a marooned former pirate. With Bill’s help they blast open Blackbeard’s iron gate, wander a labyrinth, and narrowly find daylight again. They then slip upriver, steal back a boat, and push into the Everglades, where Bill reveals a long-buried treasure he once nearly unearthed. As they begin to dig at the marked spot, six armed Indians emerge and seize them.
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