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Fishers -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Jim Kjelgaard
The Spell of the White Sturgeon
"The Spell of the White Sturgeon" by Jim Kjelgaard is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with Ramsay Cartou, a young man who finds himself on a treacherous side-wheeler, the "H. H. Holter", en route to Wisconsin from New York. Enthralled by the wild beauty of Lake Michigan, Ramsay’s journey quickly turns into a struggle for survival when the ship faces an unforeseen storm, thus presenting themes of adventure, danger, and the lure of the uncharted frontier. At the start of the novel, Ramsay is captivated by the turbulent lake while awaiting his voyage to Three Points. However, his fascination is interrupted when he encounters a belligerent man named Devil Chad, who commands the crew's obedience. As Ramsay contemplates his decision to leave New York for the Midwest, the ship becomes overwhelmed by the storm, leading to a climactic wreck that plunges Ramsay into the icy depths of Lake Michigan. Struggling to survive, he is faced with the fearsome legend of the White Sturgeon, a mysterious creature of local folklore. The opening sets the stage for a thrilling exploration of man versus nature, as Ramsay learns to navigate a new, wild world filled with hostility and fortitude.
Gordon Stables
Two sailor lads : $b A story of stirring adventures on sea and land
"Two Sailor Lads: A Story of Stirring Adventures on Sea and Land" by Gordon Stables is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story centers around the adventures of two young children, Fred Arundel and his foster-sister Toddie, who encounter bravery and excitement while playing by the sea in Methlin, Scotland. Their exploration leads them into various adventures and the themes of friendship, courage, and the beauty of nature are prevalent throughout. The beginning of the book introduces us to the picturesque setting of Methlin, a quaint fishing village with a serene bay. As the sun sets, Fred and Toddie hear a distant cry for help, which prompts them to take action. They bravely launch a small boat to rescue a drowning boy named Frank Fielding, who they later bring to safety at their home. The chapter portrays the innocent courage of the children as they navigate the challenges of the sea and their strong bonds of friendship, setting the stage for the adventures that lie ahead.
R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne
The Young Trawler
"The Young Trawler" by R. M. Ballantyne is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the life of young Billy Bright, a fisher-boy from Yarmouth, who embarks on his first fishing trip at sea aboard the "Evening Star", under the watchful eye of his father, David Bright, and the friendly mate, Joe Davidson. The novel portrays the struggles and adventures of fishermen and their families as well as the camaraderie of the fishing community. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Billy and his setting as he prepares for his maiden voyage, filled with pride for being part of the crew. The narrative describes the emotional farewells of the fisher-folk with their loved ones and provides a glimpse into their simple yet vigorous lives. As Billy boards the fishing smack, dressed in his new suit, he begins to understand the realities of sea life, the labor involved, and the challenges he will face ahead. The opening chapters establish a vivid backdrop of the fishing industry and the personal dynamics within a family, setting the stage for Billy's growth and the themes of resilience and adventure that will develop throughout the story.
R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne
The Eagle Cliff
"The Eagle Cliff" by R.M. Ballantyne is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story begins with John Barret, a young man who, after an accident involving an elderly lady while cycling, embarks on an adventure that takes him and his friends on a yacht to explore the islands off the coast of Britain. The plot unfolds amidst a series of mishaps, including a fog that damages their yacht and leads them to seek refuge at an isolated residence, setting the stage for both romantic and adventurous escapades. The opening of the narrative introduces John Barret as a spirited and athletic cyclist navigating through the English countryside. His journey is abruptly altered when a collision with an elderly lady creates a wave of guilt and sets him off on an emotional spiral. Following a series of events, including a yacht disaster and the discovery of a beautiful young artist named Milly at a remote home, Barret finds himself entangled in unexpected relationships and challenges. The early chapters paint a vivid picture of his character, foreshadowing the deeper themes of courage, guilt, and the longing for adventure that will likely unfold as the story progresses.
Emma Leslie
A sailor's lass
"A Sailor's Lass" by Emma Leslie is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Tiny, a little girl rescued by old fisherman Coomber during a stormy night after her ship wrecks. The novel explores themes of family, love, and survival within the harsh realities of a fishing community. At the start of the book, we meet the Coomber family living in a home fashioned from a boat on the edge of the sea. The narrative opens with a sense of urgency as Mrs. Coomber is alarmed about their boat being loose during a storm. Old Coomber, dismissive at first, dons his clothes to go and assist the crew of a nearby ship in distress, taking their son, Bob, along with him. After a perilous struggle against the elements, Coomber returns with a young girl, whom they name Tiny, after recovering her from the wreckage while searching for survivors. The family's dynamics begin to shift as Tiny's presence brings both hope and turmoil, revealing deeper tensions within the Coomber household, particularly concerning their father who struggles with alcohol.
William Henry Giles Kingston
The Heir of Kilfinnan: A Tale of the Shore and Ocean
"The Heir of Kilfinnan: A Tale of the Shore and Ocean" by W.H.G. Kingston is a historical novel likely written in the mid-19th century. This tale follows Dermot O'Neil, a young Irish fisher-boy with noble blood, as he embarks on adventures that unfold against the backdrop of the beautiful but tumultuous west coast of Ireland. The story explores his rise from humble beginnings, his quest for education, and the impending danger as he becomes embroiled in societal conflicts influenced by his heritage and personal growth. At the start of the novel, Dermot, a 12-year-old boy, demonstrates his resourcefulness while fishing alone and subsequently selling his catch to the Earl of Kilfinnan. He captures the attention and admiration of the Earl's daughter, who offers to teach him to read. As Dermot begins his formal education, he becomes aware of his potential and the limitations of his current life, particularly in light of his noble heritage. When Dermot is unexpectedly drawn into a dangerous plot involving a rebel faction intent on attacking the Earl's castle, he must navigate perilous situations while remaining true to his roots. His journey is filled with themes of loyalty, courage, and ambition as he strives to protect those he loves amidst rising tensions in Ireland.
George Gladstone
Waiting for sailing orders : $b Fisher-life at the Land's End.
"Waiting for Sailing Orders: Fisher-Life at the Land's End" by Mrs. George Gladstone is a Christian juvenile story written in the late 19th century. Set among Cornish fishers at Newlyn, it follows the devout Trevan family—father John, mother Philippa, their twin daughters Dorothy and Judith, and venerable Captain Nance—as work, weather, and faith shape their days while they yearn for the return of a long-lost prodigal son, Willy. The narrative blends local seafaring life with moral reflection and Scripture, using “sailing orders” as a tender metaphor for death and readiness to meet God. The opening of the tale introduces bustling mackerel fishing in Mount’s Bay, the respected skipper John Trevan and his crew, and the homelife anchored by Philippa and her Bible-loving father, Captain Nance. We learn the family’s “great sorrow”: Willy, once wayward, ran off years earlier after stealing from his mother, leaving them to pray and hope. Amid twin birthday celebrations, the old sailor recounts sons lost at sea, and the family visit Land’s End, sing Wesley’s hymn, and hear lighthouse lore and giant legends. Further excursions to St. Michael’s Mount bring stories of St. Michael’s chair, “Jack the Giant-killer,” and Judith’s retelling of David and Goliath, sharpening the book’s moral and scriptural tone. Dorothy strives to master her temper and studies, the girls comfort their mother on Willy’s birthday with prayer on Paul Hill, and village life unfolds through Midsummer Eve bonfires and a trip to the Logan Rock, where a local recounts how it was toppled and reset—rich scene-setting that frames the family’s faith, work, and waiting.
R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne
The Life of a Ship
"The Life of a Ship from the Launch to the Wreck" by R. M. Ballantyne is a children's adventure novel written during the Victorian era. The story centers on the character of a young boy named Davy who dreams of life at sea. Through his experiences, the narrative explores themes of adventure, resilience, and the unpredictability of maritime life. The plot follows Davy's journey as he witnesses the construction of a ship, the "Fair Nancy", and ultimately serves as a boy-seaman aboard her. After a series of adventures at sea, including intense storms and sea sickness, the ship is tragically wrecked on a hostile shore. Davy and the crew face numerous challenges as they attempt to survive, including the construction of a raft for escape. Throughout these trials, the story highlights Davy's growth from an eager lad to a brave young man, culminating in their eventual rescue and return home. The narrative serves as both an engaging tale of adventure and a cautionary exploration of the harsh realities sailors faced during that period.
William Henry Giles Kingston
Michael Penguyne; Or, Fisher Life on the Cornish Coast
"Michael Penguyne; Fisher Life on the Cornish Coast" by William H. G. Kingston is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative centers around the life of Michael Penguyne, a young fisherman growing up in Cornwall alongside his father Paul Trefusis, who imparts wisdom on resilience and faith amidst the struggles of their coastal life. The story explores themes of loss, survival, and community, highlighting the hardships faced by fisherfolk, including the dangers of the sea and the moral lessons that shape Michael's character. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Michael and his father as they navigate the challenges of fishing on the tumultuous Cornish waters. The opening chapter reveals their strong bond, with Paul intending to tell Michael about his true parentage—a connection to a friend who perished at sea, highlighting the themes of family and duty. As they prepare their fishing boat "Wild Duck" for another day at sea, Michael learns about the will of God and the importance of caring for one another, setting the stage for the trials they are about to face. Meanwhile, the stormy weather foreshadows impending challenges, particularly regarding Paul's health and the dangers present in their volatile seaside existence.
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