Subject
Letters -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Joanna H. (Joanna Hooe) Mathews
Bessie Bradford's Prize
"Bessie Bradford's Prize" by Joanna H. Mathews is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in a world where camaraderie among children is juxtaposed with the burdens they bear from their communities and families. Central to the narrative are young girls like Bessie Bradford and her companions, who navigate their relationships and personal challenges against a backdrop of social dynamics that reflect the values and pressures of their time. The opening of the book introduces various characters including Mrs. Fleming, Mrs. Granby, and the Richards family, setting a scene filled with familial interactions and community ties. A notable event discussed is the heroism of a girl named Lena, who has recently recovered from severe burns sustained while saving her siblings. Within this setting, tensions arise as personal grievances and expectations thread through the children's lives, particularly regarding Gracie Howard and her complicated relationship with Lena. As the narrative progresses, the dilemmas of friendship, jealousy, and personal growth emerge, hinting at deeper themes to be explored throughout the book.
Ruth Ogden
A Loyal Little Red-Coat: A Story of Child-life in New York a Hundred Years Ago
"A Loyal Little Red-Coat: A Story of Child-life in New York a Hundred Years Ago" by Ruth Ogden is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in the backdrop of the American Revolutionary War, focusing on the experiences of a young girl named Hazel Boniface, a Loyalist growing up in New York City during this tumultuous time. The narrative explores her interactions with various characters, including her friendship with Job Ainsworth, a Whig, highlighting the conflicts and camaraderie between those on opposing sides of the political spectrum. The opening of the book introduces Hazel Boniface, born into a Loyalist family, and illustrates her young life against the backdrop of a shifting political landscape in 1783 New York. Hazel is depicted watching boys skating and playing during a winter outing with her father, and soon her thoughts turn to her friend Job, with whom she has a burgeoning friendship despite their differing loyalties. The chapter establishes her deep concern for her friends' rights, particularly her worries about the treatment of a family displaced by British soldiers, and sets the stage for Hazel’s determination to advocate for justice while navigating the complexities of childhood friendships amidst the Revolutionary War's end.
Mrs. Molesworth
Great Uncle Hoot-Toot
"Great Uncle Hoot-Toot" by Mrs. Molesworth is a children's novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around the Tudor family, particularly the elder siblings Elsa and Frances, as they navigate family dynamics involving their younger brother, Geoffrey, amidst their mother's worries about financial troubles. The whimsical yet authoritative figure of Great-Uncle Hoot-Toot looms in the background, indicating that he will play a crucial role in their lives. At the start of the narrative, the family is in a state of turmoil as they face the potential loss of their financial stability. The opening chapter introduces Geoffrey as a boy plagued by selfishness and moodiness, causing strain in familial relationships. His sisters take on the responsibilities of managing the household and their mother’s emotions. The tension escalates with Geoffrey's perceived neglect and their mother's preoccupation with letters and unwelcome news. As tensions rise, the stage is set for the arrival of Great-Uncle Hoot-Toot, whose wisdom and unusual ways promise to shake things up in the Tudor household and potentially help guide Geoffrey towards better behavior.
Recently surfaced classics