Subject
Fatherless families -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Margaret Sidney
Five Little Peppers and How They Grew
"Five Little Peppers and How They Grew" by Margaret Sidney is a novel published in 1881. It follows the Pepper family—five children and their widowed mother—living in poverty in their little brown house. Though Mamsie works tirelessly to support them, the children's spirits remain unbroken. When young Phronsie is kidnapped, her rescue by wealthy Jasper King transforms their lives forever. The Kings welcome the Peppers into their grand home, surrounding them with luxury while Mamsie ensures her children never forget the values of hard work and humility.
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.
Enid Leigh Hunt
Hazelhurst
"Hazelhurst" by Enid Leigh Hunt is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the Le Mesurier family, particularly focusing on the last-born child, Hazel, as she navigates through significant changes and challenges following the death of her father and the resulting financial struggles of the family. The narrative explores themes of class, identity, and the resilience of love and familial bonds during hard times. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the Le Mesurier family dynamic and their once-grand estate, Hazelhurst, now reduced to echoing emptiness after the father's death. The narrative conveys Hazel's deep connection to her home and her struggle with the family's financial woes. She longs to help support her grieving mother, who is tormented by the loss of her husband, while her brothers are similarly trying to find their place in a world of reduced circumstances. The opening chapters establish Hazel as a thoughtful and empathetic character, determined to seek ways to earn money and contribute to her family's well-being despite her youth and the changing social landscape surrounding them.
Emma Leslie
Arthur's inheritance : $b or, How he conquered
"Arthur's Inheritance: or, How He Conquered" by Emma Leslie is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around young Arthur Murray, who, after the death of his father, struggles with the family's financial decline and seeks to contribute to their household through work, thus confronting the challenges of growing up and responsibility. The initial chapters introduce Arthur and his sisters as they navigate their new reality while trying to maintain their family dignity amidst financial hardship. At the start of the novel, readers find Arthur discussing his ambitions with his sisters, revealing their family's recent struggles following the death of their father. Arthur takes it upon himself to secure a job at a local shop, much to the concern of his sisters, who worry about societal perceptions. As they navigate their domestic challenges, including their mother's fixation on her cherished cats, the siblings' lively discussions illustrate their resilience and camaraderie. The opening portion sets the stage for Arthur's journey of self-discovery as he grapples with the ideals of family honour, the dignity associated with work, and the harsh realities of their circumstances.
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.
G. (George) Norway
Ralph Denham's Adventures in Burma: A Tale of the Burmese Jungle
"Ralph Denham's Adventures in Burma: A Tale of the Burmese Jungle" by G. Norway is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Ralph Denham, a young boy who is forced to leave his home in Liverpool to seek work in Burma after the death of his father leaves his family in a precarious position. This adventure promises both a journey into the unknown and the character's struggle with personal growth and the hardships of life in a foreign land. The opening of the novel introduces Ralph Denham and his family, revealing the circumstances that lead him to embark on a voyage to Burma. The narrative begins with Ralph's mother, who is grappling with grief and economic hardship following her husband's death, and explores Ralph's internal conflict about leaving his family behind to take a job as an apprentice in Rangoon. Encouraged by his supportive uncle, Ralph ultimately decides to embrace this challenge, setting the stage for his adventure on the ship "Pelican of the North". The details of his departure and the emotional farewells highlight the stakes of his journey, both for him and his family.
Margaret Sidney
Five little Peppers in the Little Brown House
"Five Little Peppers in the Little Brown House" by Margaret Sidney is a children's novel published in 1907. Part of the beloved Five Little Peppers series, this book returns to the humble origins where the Pepper family's story began. Despite now living in luxury with their wealthy benefactor Mr. King, the five Pepper children's hearts remain tied to their original home. The story explores how the values of hard work, humility, and togetherness instilled by their mother continue to guide them, even as they navigate their unique position between working-class roots and upper-class surroundings.
Margaret Sidney
The Stories Polly Pepper Told to the Five Little Peppers in the Little Brown House
“The Stories Polly Pepper Told to the Five Little Peppers in the Little Brown House” by Margaret Sidney is a children's storybook written in the late 19th century. This volume features Polly Pepper as she entertains her younger siblings with imaginative tales, bringing joy and adventure to their modest home life. The stories seem to revolve around the daily experiences and antics of the Pepper family, particularly showcasing Polly’s knack for storytelling. The opening of the book introduces the scene in the Pepper household, where Polly engages her siblings, including the adorable Phronsie, who is recovering from a minor injury. As Polly weaves stories filled with amusing characters and situations, the familial dynamic unfolds, emphasizing their close-knit bond and innocence. The children are captivated by Polly’s tales, particularly the one about a brave little white chicken, showcasing Polly's role as both a caretaker and an imaginative storyteller in their lives. With a blend of humor and warmth, the beginning sets a charming tone for the adventures to come.
Sarah Pratt Carr
Billy To-morrow
"Billy To-morrow" by Sarah Pratt Carr is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a young boy named Billy Bennett as he navigates the complexities of childhood, family responsibilities, and emerging adulthood in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake. The novel explores themes of friendship, adventure, and the transition from innocence to maturity against a backdrop of community and resilience. At the start of the book, we meet Billy as he rushes home to help his mother, who seems weary from her responsibilities. Despite his desire to play and explore, he is tasked with running errands and helping out at home. As Billy encounters new friends and a little girl named May Nell, who has lost her family in the earthquake, the narrative begins to touch on themes of love, compassion, and the struggles of growing up. The opening establishes Billy as a spirited and loving boy, eager to contribute to his family while also longing for adventure. Overall, the beginning sets the stage for a heartfelt exploration of childhood and the significance of finding one's place in the world.
Margaret Sidney
Our Davie Pepper
"Our Davie Pepper" by Margaret Sidney is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. This delightful story continues the adventures of the beloved Pepper family, focusing on the character of Davie, who is often overshadowed by his more boisterous siblings. The book centers on themes of family, love, and resilience as the Peppers navigate the trials of life in the little brown house. The beginning of the story introduces us to Davie Pepper, a kind-hearted and gentle boy who finds himself in a challenging situation when he tries to deliver a basket of goods to his mother. While on his errand, he encounters Old Man Peters, who bullies him. Fortunately, with the help of a young man named Jim Thompson, Davie is rescued and taken home to his concerned family. At home, the story reveals the close-knit dynamics of the Pepper family as they react to the various challenges they face, including sickness and the responsibility of caring for each other. The opening sets the stage for Davie's journey, showcasing themes of courage and the importance of familial bonds.
Alice Calhoun Haines
The Luck of the Dudley Grahams As Related in Extracts from Elizabeth Graham's Diary
"The Luck of the Dudley Grahams" by Alice Calhoun Haines is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the lives of the Dudley Graham family, particularly focusing on the struggles they face after the death of their father, who was an inventor. The narrative is presented through the diary entries of Elizabeth Graham, the eldest daughter, as she navigates family responsibilities, societal challenges, and the dynamics of poverty while remaining hopeful for a brighter future. At the start of the novel, Elizabeth introduces her family, consisting of her mother and three siblings, who are trying to cope with their father's passing and the financial hardships that ensued. The family has begun keeping boarders to sustain themselves, but tensions arise from both the demands of their new lifestyle and their socio-economic status. As Elizabeth writes in her diary, we see glimpses of the family members' personalities, their dreams, and their fears, most poignantly concerning their sickly younger brother, Robin. The narrative sets a tone of resilience and humor amidst trials, hinting at the greater adventures and conflicts that are sure to unfold throughout the book.
Amy Ella Blanchard
Worth his while
"Worth His While" by Amy Ella Blanchard is a children’s novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young boy named Benny Jordan, who aspires to create a better life for his family and dreams of living in the countryside, reflecting themes of determination, kindness, and the value of hard work. The narrative follows Benny as he embarks on an unintentional journey to the countryside to work as a strawberry picker, motivated by his desire to support his family and fulfill his father's hopes of owning a small farm. Along the way, he encounters various challenges, including dealing with bullying from other pickers and navigating his new environment. Throughout his experiences, he exemplifies bravery and honesty, helping those around him, including saving a little girl from a runaway horse. Ultimately, his selfless actions lead to a newfound home for his family, where they can thrive and live in a supportive, close-knit community. The charming story emphasizes the importance of family, friendship, and the rewards of perseverance.
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