Subject
Gold -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
H. A. (Henry Anderson) Bryden
The Gold Kloof
"The Gold Kloof" by H. A. Bryden is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book follows the adventures of Guy Hardcastle, a young English schoolboy whose life changes dramatically due to the death of his father. He is sent to South Africa to live with his Uncle Charles, where he becomes involved in farming life and embarks on a quest for gold, guided by a native Bushman named Poeskop. The opening of the novel unfolds in Tewkesbury, England, where Guy is celebrated for his bravery in saving a drowning girl after a boat race. This act establishes his character as courageous and self-assured. Soon after, he receives a letter from his Uncle Charles in South Africa detailing the death of his father and inviting him to live with him. The narrative transitions to Guy's journey across the ocean, as he adjusts to a new life on his uncle's farm, Bamborough, full of opportunities for hunting and exploration. The young protagonist is eager to prove himself and navigate the challenges of his new environment, hinting at a rich adventure to follow.
Douglas Frazar
Perseverance Island; Or, The Robinson Crusoe of the Nineteenth Century
"Perseverance Island; Or, The Robinson Crusoe of the Nineteenth Century" by Douglas Frazar is a novel written in the late 19th century. This adventure story follows a character who, after a series of maritime disasters, finds himself shipwrecked on a deserted island in the South Pacific. Drawing on his ingenuity and skills, he attempts to survive and thrive in this unfamiliar environment, focusing on themes of resilience, resourcefulness, and the indomitable human spirit. The opening of the narrative introduces the protagonist and provides the backstory of his life as a sailor, detailing his aspirations for adventure that culminate in joining the ill-fated expedition aboard the schooner "Good Luck." After navigating treacherous seas and facing storms, the crew suffers devastating losses, leading to the shipwreck. The protagonist survives the chaos of the storm, finds himself washed ashore on an unknown island, and begins to contemplate his situation, setting the stage for his struggle for survival. Filled with emotional depth and survival challenges, the beginning wastes no time immersing the reader into the hardships faced by the protagonist, highlighting both his vulnerabilities and strengths.
Percy Keese Fitzhugh
Roy Blakeley's Silver Fox Patrol
"Roy Blakeley's Silver Fox Patrol" by Percy Keese Fitzhugh is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of young scouts, led by the spirited and talkative Pee-wee Harris, as they discover an old railroad car that inspires them to unravel its mysterious past. Their excitement escalates when they find an old letter hinting at adventure and buried treasure, setting the stage for a series of thrilling escapades. The opening of the novel introduces the main characters, including Roy Blakeley and Pee-wee Harris, as they sit in a field reflecting on the newly acquired railroad car that will serve as their troop's meeting place. Their playful banter leads them to find an old letter that reveals tales of train robbers and stolen gold from the past. This discovery ignites their imagination and curiosity, compelling them to embark on an adventure to uncover the secrets behind the letter and pursue the possible treasure associated with it, foreshadowing the escapades that will fill the rest of the story.
James Carson
The saddle boys on the plains : $b or, after a treasure of gold
"The Saddle Boys on the Plains: or, After a Treasure of Gold" by Captain James Carson is a juvenile adventure novel published in 1913. This Western tale follows Frank Haywood and Bob Archer as they venture into the Great Plains of the southwest and toward the Mexican border. Their journey leads them into a dangerous struggle for gold, filled with the challenges and excitement of frontier life. The story promises action and mystery in the wide-open spaces where fortune and peril await at every turn.
John C. (John Conroy) Hutcheson
Fritz and Eric The Brother Crusoes
"Fritz and Eric" by John C. Hutcheson is a historical adventure novel written in the late 19th century. The book follows the lives of two brothers, Fritz and Eric, during the tumultuous period surrounding the Franco-Prussian War, focusing on their respective journeys of growth, bravery, and family bonds. The narrative intertwines their experiences of war and maritime adventure as they seek fortunes in unfamiliar lands, showcasing themes of love, loss, and the bonds of brotherhood. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to the brothers Fritz and Eric as they prepare for their respective journeys—Fritz is embarking on a career shaped by his war experiences, while Eric is setting out to sea. The poignant farewells exchanged with their mother highlight the emotional weight and sense of uncertainty that accompanies their departures. As the story unfolds, the brothers face numerous challenges and adventures, including Eric’s harrowing sea journey on a questionable vessel and Fritz’s enlistment in the army as war looms on the horizon. The narrative sets a stage rich with anticipation, propelling the reader to follow their adventures as they navigate the trials of life both at sea and on land.
Frank V. Webster
Two Boy Gold Miners; Or, Lost in the Mountains
"Two Boy Gold Miners; Or, Lost in the Mountains" by Frank V. Webster is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around two brothers, Jed and Will Crosby, who live on a struggling farm in the Midwest. Facing hard times due to drought and financial difficulties, the boys become intrigued by the prospect of gold mining and set off on an adventure to find their fortunes in the West. The opening of this tale introduces us to the Crosby family and their challenging life on the farm, emphasizing their struggles during a dry spell affecting their crops. We meet Enos, their father, who is worried about providing for his family, and his two sons, Jed and Will, whose contrasting temperaments reflect different outlooks on their situation. As the story unfolds, the boys encounter Gabe Harrison, an old gold miner, who ignites their ambition to prospect for gold. Their journey to the mountains promises excitement and adventure, setting the stage for the challenges and discoveries that lie ahead.
R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne
Twice Bought
"Twice Bought" by R. M. Ballantyne is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story unfolds in the backdrop of the American West, focusing on the struggles of Tom Brixton, a young miner who becomes entangled in a life of gambling and theft. As he navigates the harsh realities of gold digging, Brixton's moral compass is tested when he resorts to desperate measures to reclaim what he believes was stolen from him. The opening of the novel introduces Tom Brixton and his friend Fred Westly as they work at a gold dig site, revealing Brixton's reckless gambling habits that lead him to lose all his possessions to a notorious bully named Gashford. Frustrated and determined to get back what he lost, Brixton makes the fateful decision to steal from Gashford, setting off a chain of events that will see him become an outlaw with a heavy conscience. As he grapples with his choices, he finds himself pursued by the community that once embraced him, leading to moments of intense moral conflict and external danger as he must face the consequences of his actions. This opening lays a foundation for a tale of redemption and the search for personal integrity amid the lawlessness of the frontier.
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