Subject
Inventors -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Herbert Strang
Bright Ideas: A Record of Invention and Misinvention
"Bright Ideas: A Record of Invention and Misinvention" by Herbert Strang is a comedic novel written in the early 20th century. It follows the adventures of two young inventors, Bob Templeton and Tom Eves, as they attempt to create various inventions during a summer spent at a Dorset farm. The story revolves around their humorous escapades while navigating challenges related to their inventions and interactions with the villagers. The opening of the book introduces Templeton and Eves as they discuss their financial woes and ambitious ideas, including a smoke machine intended to aid in wartime shipping. They reflect on past failures and the struggles of being inventors with limited funds. Their conversation is humorous and filled with banter, setting a lighthearted tone. As the narrative progresses, they receive a sum of money from Templeton’s aunt, which sparks enthusiasm for their inventions. Their discussion leads to plans for an elaborate smoke machine, foreshadowing the comedic mishaps that arise as they embark on their inventive pursuits in the countryside.
Edward Stratemeyer
A Young Inventor's Pluck; or, The Mystery of the Willington Legacy
"A Young Inventor’s Pluck; or, The Mystery of the Willington Legacy" by Arthur M. Winfield is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Jack Willington, a young and resourceful machinist who faces numerous misfortunes when he is suddenly thrust into a position of responsibility as the sole guardian of his sister, Deb. The narrative explores themes of perseverance, ambition, and the challenges of proving one's innocence against adverse circumstances. The opening of the novel introduces Jack and Deb Willington, orphans struggling to make ends meet in the factory town of Corney. Their troubles begin when Jack learns of the factory's closure, leading to their financial instability as their savings in the bank become inaccessible. In the midst of their woes, Jack is wrongfully accused of setting fire to Mr. Gray's mansion, an event that further complicates their situation. Jack's unwavering spirit and inventive nature drive him to seek a resolution in order to secure their futures amidst the unfolding challenges. As Jack navigates these obstacles, he must also solve the mystery behind the accusations and support his sister while grappling with the pressure that comes with being the head of their small household.
Richard Bonner
The Boy Inventors' Flying Ship
"The Boy Inventors' Flying Ship" by Richard Bonner is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows two young inventors, Jack Chadwick and Tom Jesson, who embark on a thrilling test flight in their newly transformed craft, the "Wondership". Their excitement quickly turns to action as they respond to a distress signal from a nearby yacht, leading them into a world of mutiny and dangerous encounters. The opening of the book sets the stage for an adventurous test of the "Wondership", which has been meticulously designed by the two boys to navigate air, land, and water. As they prepare for their test flight, they are drawn into a dramatic situation when they spot a yacht in distress, revealing a violent struggle onboard. The boys, spurred by a sense of duty, gear up to help despite ominous weather conditions. However, their goodwill leads them into peril as they encounter mutinous sailors aboard the yacht, and the fate of both the boys and their craft hangs in the balance as the adventure unfolds. This captivating beginning lays the groundwork for a fast-paced narrative filled with excitement, invention, and the courage of youth.
Sinclair Lewis
Hike and the aeroplane
"Hike and the Aeroplane" by Tom Graham is a young adult adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story features two boys, Hike Griffin and his friend Poodle Darby, who embark on exhilarating escapades involving horseback riding and a mysterious aeroplane. The narrative hints at themes of bravery, friendship, and the spirit of exploration against the backdrop of early aviation. The opening of the book introduces Hike and Poodle as they navigate a rugged canyon trail in California. During their exploration, Hike courageously saves Poodle from a near-fatal accident with a skittish horse, showcasing his adventurous spirit and resourcefulness. The boys subsequently discover a mysterious aerodrome where an eccentric aviator, Martin Priest, is building an innovative tetrahedral aeroplane. As they bond with Priest over their shared interest in aviation, they realize that their adventures are only beginning, setting the stage for thrilling experiences that will test their courage and creativity.
Richard Bonner
The Boy Inventors' Electric Hydroaeroplane
"The Boy Inventors' Electric Hydroaeroplane" by Richard Bonner is a fictional adventure novel written in the early 20th century. This narrative follows the exploits of Ned Nevins, a young boy determined to pursue his late uncle's dream of creating a revolutionary electric hydroaeroplane, a craft meant to traverse both air and water. As Ned navigates challenges and encounters along the way, he seeks to connect with the renowned Boy Inventors, Jack Chadwick and Tom Jesson, who are integral to bringing his uncle's invention to fruition. At the start of the book, Ned arrives at the workshop of the Boy Inventors, seeking their help to validate and possibly manufacture his uncle's plans for the electric hydroaeroplane. However, he faces hostility from a bully named Sam Hinkley, who initially belittles Ned's intentions. Despite this, Ned manages to impress Jack Chadwick and Tom Jesson with his tenacity and the promise of his uncle's design, eventually gaining their support to embark on building the hydroaeroplane. The opening sets the stage for adventure, innovation, and the thrill of young inventors coming together, promising an engaging read for those who enjoy stories of invention and ingenuity.
Richard Bonner
The Boy Inventors' Diving Torpedo Boat
"The Boy Inventors' Diving Torpedo Boat" by Richard Bonner is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows two teenage cousins, Jack Chadwick and Tom Jesson, who find themselves embroiled in thrilling escapades involving invention and ingenuity. As they assist an inventor named Daniel Dancer, they encounter a runaway trolley, a diving torpedo boat, and face unexpected dangers, promising a blend of excitement and creativity. At the start of the novel, the boys embark on a trip to visit Professor Chadwick but encounter a runaway trolley car, leading to a daring leap to escape disaster. When they regain consciousness, they discover they are in the workshop of Daniel Dancer, who is building a remarkable submarine called the "White Shark.” As they learn about the sub's advanced mechanisms and Dancer’s troubles with its diving capabilities, they quickly express their desire to help him solve the engineering problems. The opening sets the stage for both their camaraderie and the inventive challenges that lie ahead, merging their youthful spirit with the thrilling world of invention.
L. P. (Levi Parker) Wyman
The Golden Boys and Their New Electric Cell
"The Golden Boys and Their New Electric Cell" by L. P. Wyman is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The book follows the Golden brothers, Jack and Bob, as they engage in inventive pursuits with hopes of winning a local motorboat race, while also facing challenges from rival boys. The main theme revolves around youthful ingenuity, the thrill of competition, and a sense of adventure, as the brothers work on their innovative electric cell designed to power their boat. The opening of the story introduces Jack and Bob Golden in their workshop in Skowhegan, Maine, as they prepare to test their newly invented electric cell. After successful trials and excitement about the upcoming boat race, the brothers are also shown to be wary of two rival boys, Fred and Will Jenkins, who have been snooping around their inventions. Tension quickly builds when the Jenkins boys disrupt the Golden brothers' activities and later intensify with a plot twist involving a kidnapping, setting up an action-packed narrative filled with danger and ingenuity as the brothers navigate challenges to protect their secret invention.
Sara Ware Bassett
Ted and the Telephone
"Ted and the Telephone" by Sara Ware Bassett is a fictional work written in the early 20th century, specifically in the 1920s. The story centers around a young boy named Ted Turner, who lives in the mill town of Freeman's Falls, New Hampshire. The narrative unfolds around Ted's journey as he navigates childhood, family dynamics, and his deep desire for a more vibrant life beyond the confines of the cotton mills, ultimately exploring themes of friendship and innovation. The opening of the book introduces Ted Turner's struggles with his new life after moving from a rural Vermont farm to a factory town. Despite his family's circumstances that led them to Freeman's Falls, Ted yearns for the vast beauty of nature he experienced before and expresses a strong interest in science, particularly in electricity and telecommunications. As Ted begins working at the Fernald estate, he finds himself gradually becoming involved in the operations while also harboring dreams of building his own inventions. The narrative sets the stage for the relationships he will forge, particularly with the Fernald family, and hints at the humorous and heartfelt moments that will come with both his scientific pursuits and his budding friendship with Mr. Laurie Fernald, who struggles with his own challenges.
Stanley R. Matthews
Motor Matt; or, The King of the Wheel Motor Stories Thrilling Adventure Motor Fiction No 1.
"Motor Matt; or, The King of the Wheel" by Stanley R. Matthews is a thrilling adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Matt King, a talented athlete with a mysterious past, who faces challenges both on the track and off as he deals with rivals, friendships, and unexpected tensions. The narrative unfolds in the backdrop of a bicycle racing competition, blending elements of youth sports, competition, and camaraderie. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Matt and his friends, including Susie McReady and Chub, as they navigate the trials of adolescence in Phoenix. The opening chapter depicts a tense encounter between Matt and Dace Perry, an antagonist with a spiteful streak. After intervening in a confrontation involving Susie and Perry, Matt begins to realize that his athletic abilities and status are under threat, not only from Perry but also from a vengeful fellow student named Clipperton. As tensions rise, Matt prepares for a crucial bicycle try-out amid growing conflicts, setting the stage for a fierce competition and the pursuit of victory in the upcoming races.
Richard Bonner
The Boy Inventors and the Vanishing Gun
"The Boy Inventors and the Vanishing Gun" by Richard Bonner is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows two inventive teenage cousins, Jack Chadwick and Tom Jesson, who are engaged in the exciting world of invention and adventure. The boys live in Nestorville, near their father's estate, where they create various machines, including a unique vehicle called the Flying Road Racer, and encounter eccentric inventors while grappling with rival forces that seek to undermine their efforts. At the start of the novel, the boys are busy repairing their Flying Road Racer when they receive a telegram from renowned inventor Pythias Peregrine, signaling that he will visit them. As they prepare to meet him, they witness an aëroplane approaching, which they suspect belongs to Mr. Peregrine. Soon after he arrives, Peregrine reveals he requires their help developing a revolutionary invention—a "vanishing gun" designed for military use—while also introducing conflicts with rival inventors and unexpected adventures, setting the stage for the challenges to come. The opening effectively establishes the protagonist's dynamics, their inventive spirit, and a hint of the urgency brought by mysterious foes.
Richard Bonner
The Boy Inventor's Wireless Triumph
"The Boy Inventor’s Wireless Triumph" by Richard Bonner is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around two young inventors, Jack Chadwick and his cousin Tom Jesson, as they embark on a thrilling journey fueled by their shared love for science and exploration. Set against the backdrop of wireless technology and adventure in the Gulf of Mexico, the boys are drawn into a mysterious incident involving their father's yacht and a series of perilous challenges. The opening of the book establishes a vibrant setting on Lone Island, where Jack and Tom are experimenting with their wireless station when they receive a cryptic urgent message indicating that someone is in danger. With a sense of excitement and urgency, the boys quickly prepare to set sail on their motor cruiser, the Vagrant, to respond to the call for help. As they rush into action, the narrative hints at their past collaborative experiences in inventing and their strong familial ties, setting the stage for their impending adventure. Jack’s ingenuity and Tom’s engineering skills promise an engaging journey filled with scientific intrigue, danger, and the quest for rescue.
Richard Bonner
The Boy Inventors' Radio Telephone
"The Boy Inventors' Radio Telephone" by Richard Bonner is a children's adventure novel written during the early 20th century. The story follows the dynamic exploits of young inventors Jack Chadwick and his cousin Tom Jesson, who are on a quest to create a revolutionary electric automobile and articulate communication over distances using a wireless telephone. The opening of the book introduces readers to the inventive trio of Jack, Tom, and their friend Dick Donovan as they test out their latest creation: an electric car named the Electric Monarch. As they experience the vehicle’s thrilling performance, they encounter a quirky and oblivious professor named Jerushah Jenks, leading to a series of humorous and chaotic events, including a near-miss with a bull and the professor's antics with his geological specimens. The first chapter sets the tone for the adventurous and often whimsical nature of the story, showcasing the boys' ingenuity and the exciting scenarios they navigate in their relentless pursuit of invention.
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