Subject
Humanitarianism -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Rena I. Halsey
Blue Robin, the Girl Pioneer
"Blue Robin, the Girl Pioneer" by Rena I. Halsey is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a young girl named Nathalie Page, who is adjusting to life after the loss of her father and the subsequent upheaval of moving to a new home. In her new neighborhood, she learns about the Girl Pioneers, a society dedicated to encouraging girls to embrace the pioneering spirit through outdoor activities, community service, and personal development. At the start of the story, Nathalie's excitement is contagious as she discovers a nest of bluebirds in her backyard, serving as both a symbol of new life and her own youthful exuberance. The opening chapters introduce us to her immediate family, highlighting their struggle with grief and adapting to their new circumstances. The dynamics of Nathalie's relationships are further explored as she encounters other girls in her neighborhood, including members of the Girl Pioneers, who exemplify the values of courage, resourcefulness, and kindness. These themes set the stage for Nathalie's upcoming adventures as she considers joining the organization, promising to shape her journey toward self-discovery and belonging.
Grace Brooks Hill
The Corner House Girls Under Canvas How they reached Pleasant Cove and what happened afterward
"The Corner House Girls Under Canvas" by Grace Brooks Hill is a fictional work written in the early 20th century. This charming story follows the adventures of the four Kenway sisters—Ruth, Agnes, Tess, and Dot—as they embark on a summer trip to Pleasant Cove. The narrative weaves themes of friendship, loyalty, and the joys of youth against the backdrop of their lively family home, known as the Corner House. The opening of the book introduces the Kenway sisters on a rainy day, where Dot finds a dripping wet dog outside, prompting them to care for him and ultimately decide to adopt him, naming him Tom Jonah. The girls' adventures quickly escalate with Tom Jonah's unexpected role as a protector when he catches a Gypsy attempting to steal from their henhouse, showcasing the blend of domestic life and the thrill of excitement. As they look forward to their summer plans, the relationship dynamics among the sisters are established, alongside their interactions with neighbors and friends, setting the stage for the adventures that await them in Pleasant Cove.
Janet D. Wheeler
Billie Bradley and Her Classmates; Or, The Secret of the Locked Tower
"Billie Bradley and Her Classmates; Or, The Secret of the Locked Tower" by Janet D. Wheeler is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Billie Bradley and her friends as they navigate their lives at Three Towers Hall, a boarding school, embarking on various adventures that mix fun with a sense of mystery and danger. At the start of the story, Billie, along with her classmates Violet and Laura, is excitedly skating on a lake that has frozen unusually early in the season. Their joy is abruptly interrupted when they hear cries for help and rush to the scene, discovering three small children stuck in icy water. The girls spring into action, displaying their bravery and resourcefulness as they rescue the frightened children. The opening sets a lively tone while introducing key characters and laying the groundwork for themes of friendship, adventure, and the challenges that lie ahead.
L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
Mary Louise Adopts a Soldier
"Mary Louise Adopts a Soldier" by Edith Van Dyne is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Mary Louise, a spirited young girl, and her grandfather, Colonel Hathaway, as they navigate life after the Great War and welcome returning soldiers to their small town of Dorfield. Central to the plot is their interaction with Danny Dexter, a soldier who becomes a point of interest for Mary Louise, leading to themes of friendship, duty, and the complexities of human nature. The opening of the book introduces readers to Mary Louise and her grandfather as they discuss the return of the Dorfield Regiment. Mary Louise expresses her desire to welcome the soldiers and possibly help those who have no homes to return to. Their conversation reveals her warmth and patriotism, which set the tone for the story. As they prepare to greet the soldiers, a deeper narrative unfolds surrounding the enigmatic figure of Danny Dexter, whose motivations seem more complicated than initially apparent. The reader is drawn into a mix of community spirit and suspense as Mary Louise's interactions hint at a budding mystery involving Danny and the soldiers returning from war.
Gabrielle E. (Gabrielle Emilie) Jackson
Three Little Women's Success: A Story for Girls
"Three Little Women's Success: A Story for Girls" by Gabrielle E. Jackson is a fictional work written in the early 20th century. This book features the Carruth sisters—Jean, Constance, and Eleanor—as they navigate the challenges of growing up and finding their paths to success in a charming small town. The story explores their personal ambitions and growing independence, providing a nuanced portrayal of sisterhood and personal development. At the start of the book, we are reintroduced to the characters three years after their previous adventures, depicting the onset of autumn in the picturesque town of Riveredge. Jean, now nearly fourteen, is as spirited as ever, while her older sisters are establishing their own identities: Eleanor is in college, and Constance is successfully running a candy business with a partner, Mary Willing. The opening chapters highlight their familial bonds, individual aspirations, and a supportive community, setting the stage for the growth and intersecting journeys of these young women as they strive for independence and fulfillment.
Kay Lyttleton
Jean Craig, Graduate Nurse
"Jean Craig, Graduate Nurse" by Kay Lyttleton is a novel written in the mid-20th century. This heartwarming story revolves around Jean Craig, a dedicated nursing student who has just completed her training. The narrative captures the intertwined lives of Jean and her family as they navigate personal challenges and romances against the backdrop of a small village’s healthcare setting. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Jean Craig as she prepares for graduation amid various family illnesses and community epidemics. The atmosphere is lively as the nurses organize a wedding shower for a fellow nurse, Ethel, while Jean experiences her own romantic challenges with Ralph, her absentee fiancé overseas. The story begins to reveal the close-knit relationships between the Craigs and their friends, along with budding romances, as Jean emotionally grapples with her professional aspirations and personal connections.
Edith A. (Edith Augusta) Sawyer
The Christmas Makers' Club
"The Christmas Makers' Club" by Edith A. Sawyer is a children’s novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around three girls—Elsa, Betty, and Alice—who decide to form a club dedicated to creating Christmas gifts, including toys for children at a nearby convalescent home. The book explores themes of friendship, creativity, and compassion as the young girls navigate their different family backgrounds and challenges. At the start of the narrative, the girls express their desire for a new activity to break the monotony of school. Their conversation leads to the idea of starting a Christmas club, where they can work together on crafts and share fellowship. As they convene at Betty's home, their dynamics unfold—each girl bringing her own personality and challenges to the group. The introduction of Miss Ruth, a caring adult figure, adds a nurturing element, as she supports their project and becomes involved in their creative endeavors. The opening sets a warm, whimsical tone that suggests a heartfelt journey of friendship and creativity ahead.
Laura Lee Hope
The Outdoor Girls Around the Campfire; or, The Old Maid of the Mountains
"The Outdoor Girls Around the Campfire; or, The Old Maid of the Mountains" by Laura Lee Hope is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story focuses on a quartet of adventurous young girls—Betty, Grace, Mollie, and Amy—who are eager to embrace the joys of a summer camping trip by a lake. Their youthful enthusiasm for exploration, outdoor sports, and a hint of mystery sets the tone for their upcoming adventures as they navigate the challenges and excitement of summertime escapades. At the start of the story, the girls embark in their motorboat, the "Gem", down the Argono River, gleefully planning their summer's camping at a cabin near Rainbow Lake. Soon, Amy reveals her brother's recent acquisition of a shack that provides a perfect setting for their adventure. However, the opening chapters also introduce tension when they experience close calls on the water, including a near-collision with a steamboat. Their excitement is soon met with unexpected danger when they encounter two tramps aboard their boat at a secluded island. With Betty's quick thinking and the use of a toy pistol, they successfully drive the intruders away, showcasing the girls' resourcefulness and courage as they head towards their anticipated camping experience.
Carroll Watson Rankin
The Adopting of Rosa Marie (A Sequel to Dandelion Cottage)
"The Adopting of Rosa Marie" by Carroll Watson Rankin is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. This charming sequel to "Dandelion Cottage" features four young girls—Jean Mapes, Marjory Vale, Mabel Bennett, and little Bettie Tucker—who establish a close friendship while playing in their beloved cottage. Their summer adventures take an exciting turn when they decide to care for a little Indian girl named Rosa Marie, navigating the trials of childhood imagination, responsibility, and unexpected challenges. The opening of the story introduces the four friends as they relish their carefree days at Dandelion Cottage, where they play games like "Mother" and deal with the humorous trials of borrowing babies from their neighbors. Mabel's initiative to bring home Rosa Marie, a foundling girl, sets the stage for a series of heartfelt adventures filled with laughter, mischief, and the occasional chaos typical of childhood. However, Mabel soon realizes the challenge of keeping Rosa Marie's presence a secret from the adults, leading to dilemmas that explore themes of belonging, friendship, and the innocence of youth.
Edith Lavell
The Girl Scouts' Vacation Adventures
"The Girl Scouts' Vacation Adventures" by Edith Lavell is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Daisy Gravers and her friends from Miss Allen's school, who are members of the Girl Scouts, as they embark on various adventures during their spring vacation. The plot centers on their interactions, including a charitable act that leads to the unexpected responsibility of caring for a baby, presenting themes of friendship, altruism, and personal growth. At the start of the narrative, we meet Daisy as she eagerly anticipates her spring break, which unexpectedly transforms into a series of escapades thanks to an invitation from her friend Florence. Their plans shift dramatically when they become involved in a charitable mission that leads them to a sick woman's home where they promise to take care of her baby. This act of compassion sets the stage for their summer's overarching mission—to provide for the baby in need while devising a plan to raise funds through a tea-room venture. As the girls navigate their vacation, they encounter both joy and challenges that test their resolve and friendship.
Harriet Pyne Grove
Betty Lee, Junior
"Betty Lee, Junior" by Harriet Pyne Grove is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Betty Lee, a bright and lively junior girl navigating high school life, friendships, and her growing independence amid various school activities and social dynamics. Themes of youth, responsibility, and the importance of community involvement emerge as Betty takes on leadership roles and grapples with her aspirations and relationships. At the start of the book, Betty is tasked by her principal to deliver a message to the band leader during a lively pep assembly at Lyon High. This sets the stage for her to blend into the chaotic and spirited atmosphere filled with familiar classmates and friends, including her close friends Carolyn and Kathryn. As the assembly unfolds, we get a glimpse of Betty's personality: she is enthusiastic, well-regarded among her peers, and eager to engage in school activities, further highlighted by her involvement in discussions about school events, her recent election as president of the "Lyon Y" organization, and the arrival of an intriguing letter from a former friend. This opening portion effectively captures the vibrancy of high school life and Betty's determination to make a positive impact while managing the typical challenges of teenage years.
Edith Lavell
The Girl Scouts' Good Turn
"The Girl Scouts' Good Turn" by Edith Lavell is a novel for younger readers written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Marjorie Wilkinson, a lively sophomore at Miss Allen's Boarding School, as she leads her classmates in social activities while nurturing a budding sense of leadership and responsibility, particularly toward the incoming freshmen and a troubled newcomer named Frieda. At the start of the book, the excitement is palpable as Marjorie and her classmates prepare for a reception to welcome the freshmen. The opening chapters vividly describe the charming details of the event, showcasing Marjorie's role as the enthusiastic organizer. Throughout these early pages, her interactions with friends and potential rivals hint at the underlying challenges she faces in both friendship and leadership. We also meet Alice Endicott, a shy freshman who struggles with feelings of loneliness and homesickness, as well as Frieda, a newcomer whose past misdeeds cast a shadow over her acceptance among the other girls. Marjorie's intentions to foster a supportive environment for these girls set the stage for themes of friendship, empathy, and the complexities of adolescent social life within the Girl Scouts framework.
Recently surfaced classics