Subject
Floods -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
William Theophilus Nichols
The Safety First Club and the Flood
"The Safety First Club and the Flood" by William Theophilus Nichols is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Sam Parker and his friends in the Safety First Club, who encounter a series of adventures and challenges, particularly relating to the themes of responsibility, bravery, and teamwork as they deal with new experiences. With elements of youth camaraderie, the narrative likely highlights the importance of learning from one's mistakes through practical lessons. The opening of the story introduces readers to a typical winter afternoon in Plainville, where Sam Parker is on his way to the clubroom of the Safety First Club. There, he finds himself and his friends engaged in light banter about the boredom of winter. As they discuss the club's purpose, they contemplate the need for excitement and variety in their activities. An unexpected surprise arrives in the form of newcomer Paul Varley, who enters uninvited, shaking up the group's dynamics. This scene sets the stage for the unfolding events that will challenge the boys and test their understanding of safety and courage amidst the impending adventures.
Herbert Carter
The Boy Scouts Along the Susquehanna; or, The Silver Fox Patrol Caught in a Flood
"The Boy Scouts Along the Susquehanna; or, The Silver Fox Patrol Caught in a Flood" by Herbert Carter is a children’s adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of Boy Scouts, particularly the Silver Fox Patrol, led by Thad Brewster, as they embark on a quest to recover an old army coat that contains a valuable document. Their journey unfolds with a mix of excitement, challenges, and the spirit of camaraderie as they explore the great outdoors and encounter various obstacles along the Susquehanna River. The opening of the narrative introduces the boys during a rest on their hike, discussing weather predictions and their gear. Thad Brewster has organized this expedition not only for fun but also to investigate the whereabouts of the army coat lost to a hobo named Wandering George, who is suspected of having a connection to an important story involving Thad's family. As they navigate the trails, the boys exhibit their scouting skills and tease one another amid their journey, setting a light-hearted tone. The camaraderie, humor, and adventures hint at the themes of resilience and teamwork, inviting readers to join the Scouts in their quests and experiences that promise more excitement ahead.
Victor Appleton
The moving picture boys and the flood : $b or, Perilous days on the Mississippi
"The Moving Picture Boys and the Flood; Or, Perilous Days on the Mississippi" by Victor Appleton is a fictional adventure novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story follows two young protagonists, Joe Duncan and Blake Stewart, who are moving picture operators navigating the challenges brought about by a disastrous flood on the Mississippi River. As they seek to capture the dramatic unfolding events with their cameras, they also face the urgency of rescuing friends who are reported missing. The beginning of the book introduces Joe and Blake enjoying a peaceful vacation when they learn about the catastrophic flood through a newspaper. Their initial relaxation is abruptly shaken as they decide to document the flood with their moving pictures, prompted by exciting news reports of destruction and heroism. Soon, they receive a long-distance call that indicates their associates are missing, driving them to abandon their leisure plans and rush to assist in rescue efforts, showcasing their dedication and adventurous spirit right from the outset.
Robert Shaler
The Boy Scouts in the Great Flood
"The Boy Scouts in the Great Flood" by Robert Shaler is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the experiences of a group of Boy Scouts, particularly focusing on two characters, Hugh Hardin and Billy Worth, as they navigate the dangers posed by a sudden flood. Through their resourcefulness and bravery, the scouts engage in rescue efforts to help those affected by the disaster, showcasing themes of camaraderie, courage, and the spirit of service. At the start of the narrative, Hugh and Billy travel to Lawrence on a seemingly normal journey that quickly turns urgent as they witness ominous signs of a flood, notably the heavy rain expected to follow the spring thaw. Their plans are disrupted when the rain triggers severe flooding in the area, isolating them in a city grappling with disaster. As they absorb the gravity of the situation, they take the initiative to rally local scouts, forming a relief effort to save lives and property. The opening sequence sets the stage for a compelling tale of heroism and teamwork amid adversity, with the two friends at the forefront of the action.
Carolyn Judson Burnett
The Blue Grass Seminary Girls' Vacation Adventures Or, Shirley Willing to the Rescue
"The Blue Grass Seminary Girls' Vacation Adventures" by Carolyn Judson Burnett is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Shirley Willing, a brave and determined young girl, as she embarks on a vacation adventure filled with excitement and danger. Set against a backdrop of natural disaster, the narrative showcases themes of heroism, friendship, and the spirited resolve of young women. At the start of the novel, Shirley finds herself in a dire situation as a dam has broken, threatening the lives of people living in the valley below. In a display of courage, she seizes a horse from a bewildered boy and races against the rising floodwaters to warn the local residents. As she gallantly gallops from farmhouse to farmhouse, she skillfully alerts families to the impending danger, saving many from disaster. Meanwhile, the opening chapters introduce her close friends Mabel and Lois and set the stage for their summer vacation adventures, intertwining elements of suspense and camaraderie as they navigate unexpected challenges.
Sara Ware Bassett
Ted and the Telephone
"Ted and the Telephone" by Sara Ware Bassett is a fictional work written in the early 20th century, specifically in the 1920s. The story centers around a young boy named Ted Turner, who lives in the mill town of Freeman's Falls, New Hampshire. The narrative unfolds around Ted's journey as he navigates childhood, family dynamics, and his deep desire for a more vibrant life beyond the confines of the cotton mills, ultimately exploring themes of friendship and innovation. The opening of the book introduces Ted Turner's struggles with his new life after moving from a rural Vermont farm to a factory town. Despite his family's circumstances that led them to Freeman's Falls, Ted yearns for the vast beauty of nature he experienced before and expresses a strong interest in science, particularly in electricity and telecommunications. As Ted begins working at the Fernald estate, he finds himself gradually becoming involved in the operations while also harboring dreams of building his own inventions. The narrative sets the stage for the relationships he will forge, particularly with the Fernald family, and hints at the humorous and heartfelt moments that will come with both his scientific pursuits and his budding friendship with Mr. Laurie Fernald, who struggles with his own challenges.
R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne
The Red Man's Revenge: A Tale of The Red River Flood
"The Red Man's Revenge: A Tale of The Red River Flood" by R. M. Ballantyne is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story likely revolves around the life and challenges faced by the settlers near the Red River, particularly during the catastrophic flood of 1826, as well as a subplot involving a kidnapping by a Native American character named Petanawaquat. Central to the narrative are the interactions among settlers, led by Samuel Ravenshaw and his family, providing a glimpse into frontier life in Canada. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Samuel Ravenshaw and his family living on the banks of the Red River during a harsh winter. Samuel is characterized as both irascible and proud of his daughter Elsie's beauty. Their domestic life is lively, with their son, Victor, preparing for a shooting match with friends. An unexpected encounter with Petanawaquat, a local Native American, sets the stage for a brewing tension between the settlers and the indigenous population, foreshadowing a conflict that arises from misunderstandings and cultural clashes. With the establishment of these familial and community dynamics, the opening lays the foundation for themes of survival, cultural conflict, and the exploration of human character under duress.
Edward Stratemeyer
The Rover Boys on a Tour; or, Last Days at Brill College
"The Rover Boys on a Tour; or, Last Days at Brill College" by Edward Stratemeyer is a novel written in the early 20th century. This installment in the popular Rover Boys series focuses on the titular characters, primarily Sam Rover, as they navigate their final days at Brill College. Faced with exciting situations, the Rover boys engage in everything from playful snowball fights to serious adventures involving robbery and personal trials, emphasizing themes of friendship, courage, and growth. The beginning of the story introduces readers to a lively snowball fight among students at Brill College, specifically focusing on Sam Rover and his friends as they participate in this annual event. Amid the excitement, Sam inadvertently strikes a local lawyer, Belright Fogg, with a snowball, leading to a confrontation that hints at underlying tensions in the narrative. As the action unfolds, an unexpected twist occurs when Sam learns that his friend, Songbird, has been attacked and robbed while carrying a large sum of money meant for a local farmer, heightening the stakes of their college experience and setting the stage for subsequent investigations and adventures.
F. M. (Frederic Morell) Holmes
The Island House: A Tale for the Young Folks
"The Island House: A Tale for the Young Folks" by F. M. Holmes is a children's adventure novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the unexpected flooding of a house and the plight of its young inhabitants as they navigate various challenges during this crisis. With themes of bravery, resourcefulness, and the spirit of cooperation, it captures the essence of childhood adventure and the emotional bond between young characters and their caretaker. The narrative follows young Alfy and his nurse, Mansy, as they find themselves stranded in the Island House, surrounded by floodwaters after a reservoir burst. Alfy, resourceful and brave, attempts to ferry Mansy and himself to safety using a washing tub and later, a bath. As they strategize their survival, they encounter several obstacles, including an unwelcome visitor who adds tension to their situation. Ultimately, the story highlights the children's cleverness and teamwork as they rescue one another and secure provisions. The tale culminates in addressing the aftermath of the flood and the resilience exhibited by the characters, making it an engaging read for young audiences.
Lawrence J. Leslie
Afloat on the Flood
"Afloat on the Flood" by Lawrence J. Leslie is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the fictional town of Carson, where a group of friends faces the dire consequences of an overflowing river during a spring storm. The narrative follows characters named Max, Steve, Bandy-legs, and Toby as they respond to the flooding by helping those in need, and it captures themes of heroism, friendship, and adventure. The opening of the book introduces a tense atmosphere as the boys learn about the Evergreen River's unprecedented flood levels and the panic it has caused within their community. The boys quickly decide to lend a helping hand, moving a widow's belongings to safety as the water rises around them. They encounter several challenges, including dealing with local bullies at a candy store and managing the precarious bridge under which they ultimately find themselves when it collapses. Their story promises to be filled with perilous adventures that test their bravery and camaraderie amidst the chaos of natural disaster.
Recently surfaced classics