Subject

Holidays -- Juvenile fiction Books

Best books

Alice Dale Hardy

The Riddle Club through the holidays : $b The club and its doings, how the riddles were solved and what the snowman revealed

"The Riddle Club Through the Holidays" by Alice Dale Hardy is a children’s novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a group of six young friends who form the Riddle Club, exploring their adventures and plans as they transition from summer activities to winter festivities, specifically focusing on their upcoming Hallowe'en party. The narrative captures their interactions, antics, and teamwork, offering a mix of humor and camaraderie, making it appealing to young readers interested in friendship and mystery. At the start of the book, the members of the Riddle Club — Polly, Fred, Jess, Ward, Artie, and Margy — engage in lighthearted discussions about club dues and their upcoming plans. The setting is established in the chilly loft of Larue’s barn, where the kids brainstorm ideas for a Hallowe'en party while contemplating the challenges of meeting in the cold winter months ahead. The dialogue showcases their personalities and relationships, reflecting the playful and competitive spirit typical of childhood groups, while foreshadowing upcoming adventures and decisions they will face as the season changes.

Mabel C. Hawley

Four little Blossoms through the holidays

"Four Little Blossoms Through the Holidays" by Mabel C. Hawley is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows four siblings—Meg, Bobby, Dot, and Twaddles—as they prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday and navigate a series of amusing and heartfelt adventures centered around their charitable efforts and holiday festivities. The opening of the book introduces the Blossoms in their lively household as they excitedly prepare Thanksgiving donations for those in need. Meg is tasked with gathering supplies, while Bobby helps sort the fruits, and Dot and Twaddles are eager to contribute as well, despite their young age. Their efforts lead to charming interactions with family and friends, including humorous misunderstandings and warm-hearted moments, setting a lighthearted tone that foreshadows the delightful holiday experiences awaiting them throughout the narrative.

Unknown

Holiday Stories for Young People

"Holiday Stories for Young People" by Margaret Elizabeth Munson Sangster is a collection of short stories targeting a younger audience, written in the late 19th century. This anthology includes charming tales featuring children and emphasizes themes of friendship, adventure, and moral lessons suitable for young readers. The stories are designed to entertain while imparting values, making it an excellent read for both children and those interested in children’s literature. The opening of the book introduces various characters and sets a lighthearted tone. The main story begins with Milly Van Doren, an only child excited yet apprehensive about being entrusted with her home and grandmother while her parents travel. Full of enthusiasm, Milly organizes a gathering for her friends from the Clover Leaf Club, demonstrating her eagerness to prove herself as a capable housekeeper despite the humorous challenges she faces, such as dealing with the temperamental Aunt Hetty and the overall quirks of managing the household. This sets the stage for a series of engaging adventures that explore themes of responsibility and growth in a delightful way.

Cleo F. Garis

The Mystery of Jockey Hollow Arden Blake Mystery Series #2

"The Mystery of Jockey Hollow" by Cleo F. Garis is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows three college friends, Arden Blake, Terry Landry, and Sim Westover, as they embark on a thrilling adventure centered around the haunted and mysterious Sycamore Hall. As they explore the area, which has ties to the Revolutionary War, the girls encounter supernatural elements and uncover a deeper mystery involving ghostly inhabitants and the fate of the historic mansion. At the start of the narrative, the three friends are excitedly preparing to ride out to Jockey Hollow. They are intrigued by tales of the historic Sycamore Hall, rumored to be haunted. During their initial ride, they experience a fright when workmen, seemingly scared by ghostly occurrences, run out of the mansion, suggesting that something strange is indeed afoot. The girls decide to investigate further, their curiosity piqued by stories of a wounded soldier and the courageous woman who had hidden him during the war. Their curiosity unfolds into an intricate mystery involving the ghost stories of the area, lost deeds, and the fate of Granny Howe, the keeper of its history.

Lucy Ellen Guernsey

Percy's holidays : $b or, borrowing trouble.

"Percy's Holidays: or, Borrowing Trouble" by Lucy Ellen Guernsey is a children's novel written in the early 1870s, during the late 19th century. The narrative centers around a young girl named Percy who grapples with her fears and anxieties as she transitions from home life to boarding school. The story explores themes of perseverance, self-discovery, and the importance of not succumbing to self-imposed worries, encapsulated in the concept of "borrowing trouble." The tale begins with Percy, an orphaned girl living with her Aunt Zoe, who is sent to a boarding school. Initially apprehensive about the new environment and her interactions with other girls, Percy gradually learns to navigate her fears, especially her tendency to "borrow trouble" by worrying about future problems. Throughout her journey, she encounters various challenges and characters, including her cousin Margaret and Aunt Ackerman, who help her recognize the need to focus on the present and trust in the goodness of life. By the end of her holidays, Percy emerges more self-assured and grateful, shedding much of her earlier anxiety as she embraces the joy of her experiences.

Anonymous

The Story of the White-Rock Cove

"The Story of the White-Rock Cove" by Anonymous is a children's novel written in the late 19th century. The story focuses on young Willie, who lives with his mother and father at Braycombe, and the arrival of his cousin, Aleck. Together, they engage in various adventures, exploring the beautiful coastal landscape, sailing, and navigating the challenges of friendship. At the start of the narrative, Willie is introduced as an eager, imaginative boy who loves to play and learn under his mother's guidance. He excitedly anticipates the arrival of his cousin Aleck, who will join him at Braycombe for the summer. As Willie prepares for Aleck's visit, he reflects on their budding friendship and the adventures they will share, from exploring caves to sailing boats. The opening chapters set the stage for a story centered on childhood joys and the dynamics of friendship, as Willie navigates his feelings and expectations with the arrival of his cousin.

Mabell S. C. (Mabell Shippie Clarke) Smith

Ethel Morton's Holidays

"Ethel Morton's Holidays" by Mabell S. C. Smith is a juvenile fiction work likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a group of children, including Roger Morton and his sisters, as they prepare for a festive Halloween party while also engaging in community service through their service club. The narrative captures their adventures, friendships, and preparations filled with youthful enthusiasm. The opening portion of the book introduces us to Roger Morton, who is excitedly preparing for a Halloween party with his siblings and cousins. As he interacts with his grandfather, he shares details about the party planning and the various roles assigned to his friends and family. The children decide to organize fun yet kind-hearted activities, aiming to create a joyful celebration without inflicting discomfort on others, showcasing their growth and maturity. The scene depicts a lively, warm family atmosphere, setting the stage for the unfolding celebrations and adventures that follow.

Lily Munsell Ritchie

Chicken Little Jane

"Chicken Little Jane" by Lily Munsell Ritchie is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the adventures of its young protagonist, Chicken Little Jane, and her friends as they navigate childhood experiences, friendships, and family dynamics. The book captures the essence of childhood innocence and the imaginative play that defines young lives. The opening portion introduces Chicken Little Jane and her close-knit circle of friends. Jane is depicted as an active and lively girl, often at odds with societal expectations for little girls at the time. As the children engage in various activities—from playing outside to dealing with family matters—they discuss a new girl named Alice who claims to have lived in Jane's house. This conversation sparks curiosity and sets the stage for Jane's developing friendships and personal growth. Throughout the beginning, Jane grapples with her identity, desires for adventure, and the challenges of fitting into the roles expected of her, offering a relatable glimpse into the trials of childhood.

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