Subject
Heaven -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Charles Dickens
A Child's Dream of a Star
"A Child's Dream of a Star" by Charles Dickens is a poignant short story written in the late 19th century. It is a reflective piece that embodies themes of love, loss, and spiritual connection, exploring the bond between siblings and the concept of an afterlife. This narrative captures the imagination with its ethereal qualities and deep emotional resonance. The story follows a child who shares a close relationship with his sister, with both captivated by the beauty of the world around them and a particular star that shines brightly in the night sky. As they grow, the sister falls ill and eventually passes away, leading the child to dream of a mystical star that serves as a gateway to the afterlife. Throughout his life, he experiences further losses, including that of his mother and daughter, but each time he dreams of the star and the angels that await them. In the end, as the child grows into an old man, he reflects on his life, recognizing the star as a symbol of reunion with his loved ones in the celestial realm, ultimately finding peace as he approaches the end of his earthly existence.
Margaret M. (Margaret Murray) Robertson
The Inglises; Or, How the Way Opened
"The Inglises; Or, How the Way Opened" by Margaret M. Robertson is a novel written in the second half of the 19th century. The story centers on the Reverend Mr. Inglis and his family, who navigate the challenges and moral inquiries of their lives in a rural community, emphasizing themes of religious devotion, social responsibility, and personal integrity. The narrative provides a window into the everyday struggles of its characters, particularly the reverend’s children as they confront their belief systems and the implications of living a righteous life. The opening portion introduces readers to the setting in Gourlay, where the Inglis family awaits the return of Mr. Inglis amid a stormy night. Their dialogue hints at their worries about his journey and showcases their close familial bonds through shared moments of prayer and discussion about faith and life. David, the reverend's son, expresses concern for his father's safety, while conversations among the family reflect on the nature of Christian service, the concept of living a life of purpose, and the struggles of the human condition. This establishes the foundational themes of the novel, unraveling the intricacies of faith and morality as experienced by the Inglis family in their daily lives.
Pansy
Following heavenward : $b or, The story of Alfred Reid
"Following Heavenward: or, The Story of Alfred Reid" by Pansy is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book follows the journey of the main character, Alfred Reid, as he grapples with the legacy of his late sister, Esther Reid, who was a compassionate soul dedicated to helping the underprivileged. The narrative explores themes of duty, social responsibility, and the complexities of human relationships, particularly in the context of urban poverty. The opening of the story introduces a rain-soaked city where Alfred Reid, a young clerk, reflects on the impactful life of his sister, expressing confusion and sorrow over how to help a group of troubled boys she had cared for. His internal struggle becomes apparent as he feels inadequate to continue her work. Concurrently, we are introduced to Mrs. Roberts, an elegantly dressed woman interested in Alfred’s sister's life. They quickly engage in a conversation about the boys of whom Alfred speaks, revealing a shared desire to assist them. As Mrs. Roberts volunteers to take on the challenge of teaching a difficult children's class, Alfred’s reservations about her capabilities highlight the tension between privilege and outreach, setting the stage for their eventual collaboration and the unfolding narrative of compassion and community involvement.
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