Subject
Kidnapping -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Edward Stratemeyer
Lost in the land of ice : $b or, Daring adventures around the South Pole
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G. A. (George Alfred) Henty
When London Burned : a Story of Restoration Times and the Great Fire
"When London Burned: a Story of Restoration Times and the Great Fire" by G. A. Henty is a historical novel written during the late 19th century. The narrative is set in 17th century England, a period marked by the turmoil of the Restoration after the English Civil War and encompasses the tragedy of the Great Fire of London. The story follows the young protagonist, Cyril Shenstone, the son of a disillusioned Cavalier, as he navigates the challenges of life after his father's death, seeking to forge his own path in a world rife with adventure and adversity. The opening of the book introduces Cyril at a poignant moment in his life as he mourns the loss of his father, Sir Aubrey Shenstone, who is characterized as a brave yet reckless figure lacking the virtues necessary for responsible fatherhood. Living under the care of Lady Parton and her family, Cyril is portrayed as a reflective and resilient youth, aspiring to become a soldier despite the struggles of his family’s fallen nobility. As Cyril embarks on a journey of self-discovery and grapples with his ambitions amidst the backdrop of political upheaval, readers are drawn into the intricacies of Restoration England, foreshadowing the challenges he will face as the Great Fire looms ahead.
Horatio Alger
Helping Himself; Or, Grant Thornton's Ambition
"Helping Himself; Or, Grant Thornton's Ambition" by Horatio Alger Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century, known for its themes of self-reliance and perseverance. The story focuses on Grant Thornton, a 15-year-old boy from a struggling minister's family. When faced with financial hardships, Grant decides to take charge of his family's welfare by seeking work, demonstrating his ambition to uplift their circumstances while aspiring for a brighter future. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Grant and his mother discussing their precarious financial situation, highlighted by an overdue bill from the local storekeeper, Mr. Tudor. Despite his father's modest status as a minister, Grant shows maturity and determination by proposing to find solutions to their financial woes. He is depicted as a responsible and caring son, willing to sacrifice his education for the sake of helping his family. As he embarks on this new journey, Grant's character is set against a backdrop of social challenges and the unwavering hope for better opportunities, laying the foundation for his quest toward achieving his ambitions.
George W. (George Wilbur) Peck
Peck's Bad Boy with the Cowboys
"Peck's Bad Boy with the Cowboys" by George W. Peck is a humorous novel written during the early 20th century. The book recounts the adventurous and comical escapades of a spirited boy named Hennery and his bumbling father, known as Pa, as they navigate the Wild West. Filled with amusing incidents, encounters with cowboys and Indians, and Pa's misguided attempts at heroism, the narrative offers a lighthearted take on frontier life and the challenges faced by these characters. The opening of the book sets the stage for Pa's enthusiasm over an opportunity to engage in wild west showmanship following a commission from circus managers. As they embark on their journey westward, their misadventures begin when they hire a colorful cast of characters, including a native Indian interpreter and a reformed cowboy, to guide them. Pa's aspirations of becoming as famous as Buffalo Bill lead to a series of humorous missteps, including an encounter with a grizzly bear and a humorous misunderstanding involving a salt pickup with buffalo calves. These comedic situations hint at a larger theme of the clumsy realities of trying to play hero in an environment meant for the ruggedly skilled.
Lester Chadwick
Baseball Joe in the World Series; or, Pitching for the Championship
"Baseball Joe in the World Series; or, Pitching for the Championship" by Lester Chadwick is a sports novel likely written in the early 20th century. This tale continues the adventures of Joe Matson, a talented young pitcher for the New York Giants, who is now facing the pressure and excitement of the World Series against the Boston Red Sox. The storyline revolves around his journey, challenges, and personal relationships as he aims to lead his team to championship glory. The opening of the novel introduces Joe Matson immediately after his victorious game that secures the National League pennant for the Giants. Excitement and joy surround his achievement, highlighted by the enthusiastic reactions of fans and teammates. As he makes his way through the celebrations, Joe’s thoughts drift towards Mabel Varley, a girl he harbors feelings for, and the rivalry from a former acquaintance, Beckworth Fleming, arises. This portion sets the stage for Joe's emotional stakes in both his baseball career and personal life, intertwining themes of ambition, friendship, and his battle against external adversities as he prepares for the upcoming World Series.
Horatio Alger
Dan, the Newsboy
"Dan, the Newsboy" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a young newsboy named Dan Mordaunt, who faces the challenges of poverty after his father's death forced him and his mother into a life of hardship. The narrative explores themes of resilience, social justice, and the contrasting lives of the wealthy and the poor. At the start of the book, we meet Dan as he sells newspapers and navigates the difficulties of supporting his sick mother while dealing with the harsh realities of urban life. Dan’s character is portrayed as hardworking and caring, showing an admirable devotion to his mother. The opening chapters introduce the struggle against an unkind employer, Mr. Gripp, who withholds payment for Dan's mother's work, and highlight Dan's interactions with various characters, demonstrating his resourcefulness and determination to improve their situation. As the narrative develops, Dan encounters both kindness and cruelty, which set the stage for his personal growth and adventures ahead.
Lester Chadwick
Baseball Joe Saving the League; or, Breaking Up a Great Conspiracy
"Baseball Joe Saving the League; or, Breaking Up a Great Conspiracy" by Lester Chadwick is a novel written likely in the early 20th century. The story follows the main character, Joe Matson, famously known as "Baseball Joe," who is a talented pitcher for the New York Giants. In this installment, Joe finds himself embroiled in a possibly lethal conspiracy involving his teammates, leading to a tense investigation and revelations about loyalty and integrity in the world of baseball. The opening of the narrative introduces Joe and his friend Jim Barclay as they discuss the previous game and express their concerns about certain teammates, Hupft and McCarney, whose performances seem suspiciously poor when Joe pitches. Their dialogue hints at Joe's increasing unease about a potential plot against him, as strange accidents and deliberate misplays occur. The tension escalates when Joe narrowly avoids a serious injury caused by falling lumber, suspiciously pushed from a nearby building, and Jim's pursuit of a suspect suggests something nefarious may be afoot. This beginning sets the stage for a thrilling tale of mystery and sport, drawing readers into the intrigue surrounding baseball and the personal stakes for its beloved players.
Gordon Stables
In Far Bolivia: A Story of a Strange Wild Land
"In Far Bolivia: A Story of a Strange Wild Land" by Dr. Gordon Stables is a fictional adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the remote wilds of Bolivia, featuring characters like young Roland and Peggy, who embark on daring escapades filled with danger and discovery. Set against a richly depicted backdrop of the Amazon jungle, the narrative explores themes of bravery, the beauty of nature, and the clash between civilization and the unknown." "At the start of this tale, readers are introduced to the vibrant setting of the Amazon River and its surrounding forests. We meet the cheerful, hardworking duo of Jake Solomons and Burly Bill at a sawmill, who are soon joined by young Roland and Peggy. Their lively breakfast gathering is interrupted by echoes of the wild, setting the stage for their ensuing adventures. As they embark on expeditions through the lush, beautiful, yet perilous landscapes, the characters encounter feisty wildlife, experience the camaraderie of friendship, and find themselves facing unexpected challenges, such as getting lost and the lurking dangers of predatory animals. This opening portion establishes an enticing premise for an action-packed story about adventure and exploration in the heart of a 'strange wild land.'"
Frank V. Webster
The Boys of the Wireless; Or, A Stirring Rescue from the Deep
"The Boys of the Wireless; Or, A Stirring Rescue from the Deep" by Frank V. Webster is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Tom Barnes, a young inventor who is passionate about wireless communication and has set up a makeshift wireless station in his small community. The narrative explores themes of adventure and friendship as Tom navigates challenges, including rivalries and mysterious occurrences, while aspiring to contribute to the world of wireless technology. The opening of the book introduces Tom and his friend Ben Dixon as they discuss Tom's wireless project, showcasing Tom's ingenuity and determination. As they work on building and improving the wireless station, they encounter playful banter and the support of their peers. The chapter establishes a sense of camaraderie among the boys, while hinting at conflicts to come, such as the threat posed by a boastful rival and the mysterious "spooks" connected to wireless messages. This dynamic sets the stage for a series of exciting adventures as the characters delve deeper into the world of wireless communication.
Edward Stratemeyer
The Rover Boys on the Ocean; Or, A chase for a fortune
"The Rover Boys on the Ocean; Or, A Chase for a Fortune" by Edward Stratemeyer is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story centers around the adventures of three brothers—Dick, Tom, and Sam Rover—as they embark on a sailing trip along the Hudson River, which leads to unexpected encounters and challenges. The narrative promises a blend of excitement and youthful camaraderie as the boys confront both friends and foes from their past. At the start of the story, the Rover brothers are enjoying their sailing excursion on the yacht "Spray", discussing their previous military school experiences and the friends and enemies they had made, particularly mentioning a former antagonist named Dan Baxter. The opening sets the stage for the brothers' adventures, introducing conflict when another yacht, the "Falcon", suddenly collides with them, leading to damage that threatens their outing. Shortly after, they discover that one of their old foes, Mumps, who was aboard the "Falcon", may be trailing them with ulterior motives. As the brothers navigate this unexpected challenge, the reader is drawn into a world of youthful adventure and the trials of growing up, promising a narrative filled with tension and intrigue.
Howard Roger Garis
Dick Hamilton's Steam Yacht; Or, A Young Millionaire and the Kidnappers
"Dick Hamilton's Steam Yacht; Or, A Young Millionaire and the Kidnappers" by Howard R. Garis is a fiction work written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Dick Hamilton, a young millionaire who embarks on a grand adventure as he acquires a steam yacht and sets out on a cruise with his friends, facing the threat of kidnappers and other dangers along the way. The opening of the novel introduces Dick Hamilton at a military academy where he has just led his company to victory in a parade inspection, a moment that showcases his leadership and camaraderie among his peers. Following the ceremony, Dick receives a letter from his father that hints at an upcoming mysterious quest. Subsequently, he meets with his uncle, who disapproves of Dick's wealth and his father's plans for him. As Dick prepares for a summer filled with yachting adventure, he is unaware of the dark forces at play that are watching him, setting the stage for conflicts that will unfold as he sets out to enjoy his newfound luxury.
Roy J. (Roy Judson) Snell
The Galloping Ghost A Mystery Story for Boys
"The Galloping Ghost" by Roy J. Snell is a mystery story for boys written in the early 20th century. The book follows the protagonist, Red Rodgers, a college football star known as the "Red Rover," who has been kidnapped and taken to a mysterious island. As he navigates his unexpected captivity, he encounters comradery in another captive, Berley Todd, who becomes an ally in their quest for escape. The beginning of the story establishes the premise of Red's kidnapping, detailing his bewilderment as he wakes in an unfamiliar place after being abducted from a train. He recalls his life as a football player and his aspirations intertwining with the urgency of escaping his captors. As he contemplates the situation, he also overhears a tense conversation involving another captive, a girl named Berley, who refuses to comply with her captors’ demands. Their shared predicament leads to the formation of a bond as they strategize an escape from the island, setting the stage for a thrilling adventure filled with danger and growing camaraderie.
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