Subject
Italy -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Edmondo De Amicis
Cuore (Heart): An Italian Schoolboy's Journal
"Cuore (Heart): An Italian Schoolboy's Journal" by Edmondo De Amicis is a children's novel published in 1886. Written as a diary, it follows eleven-year-old Enrico Bottini through his third-grade year in Turin, where he navigates friendships with classmates from diverse backgrounds. Through daily entries and monthly moral tales, the novel explores themes of compassion, family devotion, and Italian patriotism during the unification era. Each story presents different ethical lessons, from helping the poor to honoring one's country, creating a portrait of childhood shaped by social awareness and national identity.
Angela Brazil
The Jolliest School of All
"The Jolliest School of All" by Angela Brazil is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Irene Beverley, a spirited girl of fourteen, who embarks on an exciting adventure as her family relocates from London to Naples, Italy. As she begins her new life at the Villa Camellia, a boarding school for English-speaking girls, readers can expect themes of friendship, school life, and the challenges of adapting to a new environment. At the start of the novel, Irene is introduced as a lively character who is dreading her return to school after the holidays, only to discover that her family is moving to Italy. Her initial angst about going back to St. Osmund's College quickly transforms into excitement upon learning that she will be attending a different school in Naples. The opening of the book details her chaotic preparations for the move, interactions with her brother Vincent, and the heartfelt emotions of her mother. As they journey through various cities, including Paris, the story captures Irene's sense of adventure and anticipation as she prepares to navigate her new life filled with unfamiliar experiences and opportunities at the Villa Camellia.
Edmondo De Amicis
Corazón : $b (diario de un niño)
"Corazón: (diario de un niño)" by Edmondo De Amicis is a children's novel published in 1886. Written as a diary by eleven-year-old Enrico Bottini, the story follows a school year in Turin during Italy's unification period. Through Enrico's eyes, readers encounter classmates from diverse backgrounds and monthly tales highlighting moral values like compassion, family devotion, and patriotism. The novel explores social issues including poverty while celebrating Italian nationalism, making it influential across surprisingly different political movements throughout the twentieth century.
Johanna Spyri
Rico and Wiseli
"Rico and Wiseli" by Johanna Spyri is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in the Swiss Alps and revolves around the lives of two young children, Rico and Wiseli, as they navigate the challenges of growing up in a rural mountain community. Their adventures encompass themes of childhood innocence, friendship, and the quest for belonging, providing a poignant glimpse into life in the highlands. The opening of the novel introduces Rico, a boy of almost nine, who lives with his father, an Italian laborer, and a cousin who takes care of their home. Rico is portrayed as a quiet, contemplative child with a passion for music, especially after receiving a violin from his father. He shares a special bond with his friend Stineli, who is spirited and hardworking, and the two often go to school together. Their friendship blossoms as they dream of beautiful lakes and summer outings. However, the narrative takes a poignant turn when tragic events unfold, shaping Rico's journey and hinting at the challenges he will face in finding his place in the world.
Margaret Vandercook
The Ranch Girls in Europe
"The Ranch Girls in Europe" by Margaret Vandercook is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of four young women, known as the Ranch girls, as they embark on an exciting journey to Europe, filled with adventure and mystery. The narrative begins with the girls facing an alarming situation when one of their companions, Frieda Ralston, goes missing shortly after they depart on their ocean voyage. At the start of the book, the Ranch girls are aboard the ocean liner Martha Washington, experiencing the thrill of their upcoming travel. However, the mood quickly shifts to concern when they realize that Frieda is nowhere to be found on the ship. Amid their growing panic and the support of a mysterious and elegant fellow passenger, Princess Beatrice Colonna, the girls search desperately for their lost friend. The opening sets the stage for the girls' character dynamics and introduces themes of friendship, adventure, and the trials of travel as they navigate both the excitement and anxieties of their European escapade.
Madeline Brandeis
Little Tony of Italy
"Little Tony of Italy" by Madeline Brandeis is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on a young boy named Tony living in Naples, Italy, and revolves around his adventures with a dog named Tina. The book explores themes of friendship, honesty, and the challenges faced by a poor orphan in a vibrant yet often harsh environment. The narrative follows Tony as he initially finds Tina, a stray dog, and decides to keep her despite the objections of his guardian, Guido, the Marionette Man. Throughout their journey, Tony grapples with his mischievous nature, which often leads him into trouble as he tells lies and feigns poverty to gain sympathy. His relationship with Tina becomes central to his character development, as he learns about love, sacrifice, and ultimately the importance of truth through a series of adventures, including a feverish dream where he witnesses the destruction of Pompeii. The story culminates in Tony's realization that he must return Tina to her rightful owner, Anna, embracing honesty and the prospect of a better life filled with friendship and belonging.
L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad
"Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad" by L. Frank Baum is a young adult novel written in 1907. Eccentric millionaire John Merrick takes his three nieces on a grand European tour, where adventure and danger await. In Sicily, they encounter the mysterious Victor Valdi, who leads a double life as a brigand kidnapping tourists for ransom. When Uncle John is captured, his courageous nieces must mount a daring rescue, while romantic intrigue unfolds and trust proves dangerously misplaced in this tale of Americans abroad.
Eulalie Osgood Grover
The Sunbonnet Babies in Italy
"The Sunbonnet Babies in Italy" by Eulalie Osgood Grover is a children's adventure story written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows the charming characters Molly and May, who are affectionately known as the Sunbonnet Babies, as they embark on a delightful journey through Italy. Filled with vivid descriptions of their experiences and encounters, the tale is aimed at enchanting young readers with its whimsical portrayal of Italian culture and landscapes. At the start of the story, the Sunbonnet Babies are aboard a ship sailing towards Italy, excitedly anticipating their first view of the famous Mount Vesuvius and the bustling city of Naples. Upon arrival, they are immersed in the vibrant atmosphere filled with colorful sights and sounds, meeting locals and observing various intriguing customs. The opening chapters detail their awe at the volcano, their fascination with the city, and their interactions with friendly Italians, setting the stage for a series of fun adventures that will allow them to explore and experience the richness of Italian life. As they navigate through the unfamiliar environment, their innocence and curiosity lead to delightful discoveries that will surely engage young readers.
Katherine Wallace Davis
Pappina, the Little Wanderer: A Story of Southern Italy
"Pappina, the Little Wanderer: A Story of Southern Italy" by Katherine Wallace Davis is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a spirited seven-year-old girl named Pappina Pierno, who lives in the impoverished San Lucia district of Naples. The narrative explores her adventures and dreams of beauty and freedom as she navigates a world filled with poverty, family responsibilities, and the magnetic allure of the unknown. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Pappina, who stands out among the other children in her neighborhood with her love for cleanliness and beauty. Despite her family's struggles, she finds joy in singing and dancing, captivating the attention of those around her. When her brothers depart on their daily adventures, Pappina resolves to explore the world for herself, embarking on a journey that ultimately leads her to encounter Guiseppe, a puppeteer who wishes to use her talent for his gain. The opening portion establishes Pappina's innocence and ambitions while foreshadowing the trials she will face as she seeks both adventure and security in an uncertain environment.
Janie Prichard Duggan
The little acrobat: a story of Italy
"The Little Acrobat: A Story of Italy" by Janie Prichard Duggan is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a young Italian boy named Natale, who is part of a traveling circus family, as he grapples with the challenges of circus life while dreaming of becoming a great performer like the talented acrobat Antonio Bisbini. Natale's journey reflects themes of family, belonging, and the pursuit of dreams amid the backdrop of Italy's picturesque landscapes. The opening of the story introduces Natale and his traveling family as they make their way along a dusty road to the town of Cutigliano. Natale, a small and scrappy boy, walks beside a caravan pulled by an unconventional team of horses and dogs while coping with his sickly sibling, Pietro. The reader observes Natale's environment, his affection for his circus family, and his aspirations to excel in acrobatics despite his perceived awkwardness. As the circus prepares for its arrival in the town, we see Natale's innocence and the close-knit relationships within his unconventional but loving family, setting the stage for the adventures and challenges he will face throughout the narrative.
Lucy Fitch Perkins
The Italian Twins
"The Italian Twins" by Lucy Fitch Perkins is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around twelve-year-old twins Beppo and Beppina, who are of aristocratic lineage yet face a dramatic adventure after getting lost in Florence. Their seemingly innocent outing to explore the city's Easter festivities quickly turns into a perilous abduction by a woman with a performing bear and monkey, leading them on a journey marked by mischief, challenges, and a desperate quest for freedom and home. The opening of the book introduces readers to the twins in the charming setting of Florence, where they wake early on Easter Saturday, eager with youthful energy. Initially excited to explore, their adventure soon turns dark when they lose their nurse and unwittingly hop onto a van, mistaking their captor for a helpful stranger. As the narrative unfolds, the twins become performers, struggling to escape the clutches of their capturers while longing for their family and home. The beginning vividly captures the twins' personalities and the contrasting innocence of childhood with the stark reality of their harrowing situation, setting the stage for a tale of resilience and adventure.
A. L. O. E.
The robbers' cave : $b A tale of Italy
"The Robbers' Cave: A Tale of Italy" by A. L. O. E. is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. Set against the backdrop of Calabria, Italy, it explores the story of Horace Cleveland and his mother, who find themselves embroiled in a perilous adventure as they travel through this wild region. The narrative hints at themes of class disparity, personal growth, and the dangers posed by banditti, centered around the clashes between Horace’s youthful arrogance and the serious threats from those around him. At the start of the tale, we are introduced to Horace and his mother, who are on a journey to Calabria largely driven by Horace's desire for adventure despite his mother's ill health and complaints about their surroundings. The interactions between them set a tone of tension, particularly highlighting Horace's haughty demeanor and his mother's protective instincts. As they stop at a shabby inn, they encounter local characters, including a mysterious singer named Raphael and hints of the bandit Matteo. The opening establishes a sense of foreboding as Horace’s prideful actions lead them into danger, ultimately paving the way for a story filled with suspense, moral dilemmas, and the struggle for survival amid lawlessness.
Recently surfaced classics