Subject
High schools -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Leslie W. Quirk
The Boy Scouts of Lakeville High
"The Boy Scouts of Lakeville High" by Leslie W. Quirk is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story revolves around the life of Rodman Cree, a new boy at Lakeville High School, as he navigates the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and belonging within the Boy Scouts. The narrative promises youthful adventures intertwined with themes of courage, teamwork, and coming-of-age as Rodman learns about himself and the Scout ideals. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to Rodman Cree, who arrives at his new home and school with a sense of apprehension and eagerness. After a clumsy yet comical encounter involving a stuck shoe and a rescued kitten, Rodman quickly meets Molly Sefton, his supportive and determined peer. Their conversation reveals Rodman's uncertainty about fitting in due to his lack of athletic prowess, which contrasts sharply with the energetic Scout Patrol that he aspires to join. Despite his initial doubts, he finds encouragement in the vibrant school community, particularly Molly, who believes in his potential to become a valuable member of the Boy Scouts. The opening sets the stage for Rodman's journey as he faces challenges, seeks acceptance, and learns what it means to be a Scout.
I. T. (Ida Treadwell) Thurston
Boys of the Central: A High-School Story
"Boys of the Central: A High-School Story" by I. T. Thurston is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story takes place in a traditional high school setting, following the experiences of a group of boys in section D, particularly focusing on two characters: the vulnerable Freeman and the morally upright Stanley Clark. The narrative explores themes of bullying, courage, loyalty, and the social dynamics of adolescence. The opening portion introduces readers to section D during an algebra recitation, highlighting the struggles of Freeman, who faces bullying from fellow classmate Crawford. Despite his quick mind, Freeman falters during class, leading to the embarrassment that invites verbal threats from Crawford when he tries to help. As friendships and rivalries unfold, the text establishes tensions that hint at the challenges of growing up, including the pressure to conform and the conflicts between the morally steadfast boys and the unruly ones like Crawford. In this first chapter, we see the early formation of social cliques and the dramatic impact of peer relationships, setting the stage for further developments in the story.
Josephine Chase
Marjorie Dean, High School Senior
"Marjorie Dean, High School Senior" by Josephine Chase is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story focuses on Marjorie Dean, a senior at Sanford High School, as she navigates the trials and tribulations of adolescence, friendship, and personal growth. Themes of loyalty, social dynamics, and the challenges of self-identity are woven throughout the narrative, especially as Marjorie interacts with her peers, including the enigmatic Mignon La Salle and the new girl, Veronica Browning. The opening of the book introduces us to Marjorie as she engages in a conversation with Mignon, revealing their complex relationship marked by underlying tensions and pretenses. As Marjorie heads to visit Miss Archer, the principal, she contemplates her mission to assist Lucy Warner in securing a secretarial position. The reader is drawn into high school life, characterized by the social hierarchy, budding friendships, and the struggle for acceptance, all of which set the stage for the challenges Marjorie will face in asserting her values and friendships amidst the conflicting influences of those around her.
Edward Stratemeyer
Garry Grayson's football rivals : $b or, The secret of the stolen signals
"Garry Grayson's football rivals : or, The secret of the stolen signals." by Elmer A. Dawson is a juvenile sports novel written in the early 20th century. Centered on high-school football, it follows quarterback Garry Grayson as he leads Lenox High amid fierce rivalries, risky pranks, and a brewing mystery tied to stolen signals. Friends rally around him while local toughs, notably Sandy Podder, scheme to trip him up on and off the field. The opening of the story introduces Garry and his close-knit crew—Rooster, Nick, Bill, and Ted—whose fishing trip turns dramatic when a storm forces a mail plane to crash onto a hut; they rescue the pilot, Ross Yates, and meet his fast-driving son, Cal. Back in town, Garry tangles with the crabby Jacob Fish (and befriends his fierce dog) before school starts and Coach Phillips names the revamped team: Garry at quarterback and captain, Rooster at fullback, Nick at right half, with Bill and Ted on the scrubs. After spirited practices, Lenox edges Pawling when Garry’s late line plunges deliver a comeback win. Unease follows as prankish vandalism hits the school and, after the boys free a cow at dusk and glimpse shadowy figures, the next morning a cow turns up in the Latin classroom, hinting that mischief—and rivalry—are escalating.
Edward Stratemeyer
Garry Grayson at Lenox High : $b or, The champions of the football league
"Garry Grayson at Lenox High: or, The Champions of the Football League" by Elmer A. Dawson is a school adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The book centers on Garry Grayson and his close-knit group of friends as they transition from grammar school to Lenox High, eager to prove themselves on the football field. Their journey explores not only their athletic ambitions but also the friendships, rivalries, and challenges that come with entering a new stage in their academic and sporting lives. The story blends school life, sportsmanship, and the trials of youth in a small American town. At the start of the novel, Garry and his friends—former grammar school football champions—look forward to joining Lenox High and hope to earn spots on the school's football team despite being freshmen. Their summer ends with an eventful rescue on Bass Lake, establishing themes of teamwork, courage, and character. Upon starting high school, Garry and his group face animosity from local troublemakers Sandy Podder and Lent Stewart, as well as challenges with a stern new English teacher, Trompet Shrugg. As football tryouts begin, Garry and his friends anxiously await their fate, eventually making the school's second team. The opening portion sets up a story of determination, loyalty, and youthful conflict, with football serving as both the backdrop and the catalyst for personal growth.
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