Subject
Money -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Eleanora H. Stooke
The moat house : $b or "Sir Jasper's favourite niece."
"The Moat House, or 'Sir Jasper's Favourite Niece'" by Eleanora H. Stooke is a novel written in the early 20th century. It centers around the Wallis family, particularly Mrs. Wallis and her two daughters, Celia and Joy, who are invited to stay with Sir Jasper Amery, a wealthy but lonely relative. The story explores themes of social class, family dynamics, and the contrasts between wealth and happiness as the characters navigate their new life at the Moat House. The opening of the book introduces us to the Wallis family, who face financial struggles but maintain a close-knit bond. Joy, the more introspective daughter, is contrasted against her sister Celia, who is eager for the luxurious life the Moat House promises. The family's situation changes when they receive an invitation from Sir Jasper, who wishes to get to know his great-nieces after a long period apart. As they make preparations to leave their modest home for the comforts of the Moat House, they reflect on their current lives and the implications of accepting Sir Jasper's request. This section sets the stage for their new experiences while hinting at underlying tensions regarding wealth and personal values.
Jacob Abbott
Cousin Lucy at Study By the Author of the Rollo Books
"Cousin Lucy at Study" by Jacob Abbott is a children's book that follows a narrative structure written in the mid-19th century. This book is part of a series designed to engage young readers, particularly girls, and offers both entertainment and educational content, discussing themes of learning and childhood experiences. The main character is Lucy, a young girl navigating the challenges of learning, especially in arithmetic, with the help of her brother Royal and her kind, patient teacher, Miss Anne. The opening of "Cousin Lucy at Study" introduces us to Lucy, who is excited to receive a new slate from her mother but struggles to open the parcel containing it. As she attempts to tackle her first arithmetic lesson with her brother, Royal, the story sets a light-hearted tone while addressing the difficulties and misunderstandings that arise in the learning process. With her innocence and determination, Lucy's character embodies the challenges that young children face when learning new concepts. The interactions among Lucy, Royal, and the supportive Miss Anne establish the foundations of educational guidance and the importance of nurturing learning in a way that resonates with the young audience.
Oliver Optic
Living Too Fast; Or, The Confessions of a Bank Officer
"Living Too Fast; Or, The Confessions of a Bank Officer" by William T. Adams, also known as Oliver Optic, is a fictional narrative written in the late 19th century. The book explores the moral dilemmas and experiences of a bank officer who becomes entangled in a life of deceit, driven by ambition and the desire to uphold appearances. The protagonist, Paley Glasswood, grapples with competition, rivalry, and the consequences of his choices, painting a picture of the struggles young businessmen encountered during this period. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Paley Glasswood as he and his friend Tom Flynn vie for a coveted bank position. The competition heightens as Paley confronts his feelings of superiority, stemming from his belief in his own integrity compared to Tom’s dubious past. Through their interactions, it is clear that Paley’s ambitions are overshadowed by a nagging conscience when Tom is unfairly disqualified from the running due to past suspicions of theft, which Paley’s uncle manipulates for his advantage. As Paley begins his new position and becomes infatuated with the charming Miss Lilian Oliphant, his confidence begins to spiral into a web of deceitfulness regarding their increasing financial burdens and living arrangements, setting the stage for the moral decay that will ensue.
Grace Brooks Hill
The Corner House Girls' Odd Find Where they made it, and What the Strange Discovery led to
"The Corner House Girls' Odd Find" by Grace Brooks Hill is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the four Kenway sisters—Ruth, Agnes, Tess, and Dot—who share life in the old Corner House, where they encounter adventures and mysteries. The narrative suggests themes of family bonds, friendship, and the exploration of their home, particularly following a curious discovery that leads to various events surrounding Christmas. The opening of the story sets the scene just days before Christmas as the sisters prepare for the holiday by decorating their home. In a whimsical conversation about Santa Claus, the youngest sister, Dot, expresses her belief in Santa's adventurous spirit. The mood shifts when they find an old family album in the garret, which Agnes insists on taking with her. Amidst decorating and playful exchanges with Uncle Rufus, the children hear odd noises coming from the chimney, which heighten their excitement and suggest that their Christmas will be filled with surprises. This playful yet mysterious tone hints at further adventures involving their unexpected discoveries and the enchantment of the holiday season.
Oliver Optic
Now or Never; Or, The Adventures of Bobby Bright
"Now or Never; Or, The Adventures of Bobby Bright" by Oliver Optic is a novel for young readers written in the mid-19th century. The story centers around a clever and brave boy named Bobby Bright, who embodies a dedication to principle and personal integrity. As he faces the struggles of youth, including monetary troubles and moral dilemmas, Bobby's adventures highlight themes of personal responsibility, bravery, and the importance of family. At the start of the story, Bobby is introduced as a resourceful and spirited boy who saves a lady from a runaway horse, which earns him gratitude and a reward in the form of gold coins. This event sets the stage for Bobby's character as someone who acts selflessly and heroically. In the subsequent chapters, we learn about Bobby's humble background, his family struggles following the death of his father, and the plight of his mother with their creditor, Mr. Hardhand. Bobby's determination to improve his family's fortunes and stand up for his mother against Mr. Hardhand illustrates his growth and the values the novel seeks to impart to its young readers.
A. D. T. (Adeline Dutton Train) Whitney
Real Folks
"Real Folks" by A. D. T. Whitney is a novel that was written during the late 19th century. The book explores the lives and relationships of its characters, particularly focusing on the Shiere sisters, Frank and Laura, as they navigate through personal challenges, family dynamics, and societal expectations in their journeys from childhood to adulthood. At the start of the story, the reader is introduced to two little girls, Frank and Laura Shiere, who are reflecting on their lives while grappling with the illness of their father. They share imaginative thoughts and observations about the world around them, contemplating their mother’s absence and the grim prospects of potentially becoming orphans. As they play hidden away in their home, the children discuss their feelings about their situation and their longing for a mother. The narrative hints at the historical context and the societal norms of their time, establishing a poignant atmosphere that underscores the complexities of family, loss, and childhood innocence, setting the stage for their unfolding lives.
Talbot Baines Reed
Reginald Cruden A Tale of City Life
"Reginald Cruden" by Talbot Baines Reed is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book follows the life of Reginald, a young man navigating the challenges of finding work and belonging in a harsh urban environment following the sudden death of his father. It serves as a coming-of-age tale that reflects on social class, the nature of work, and the struggle of family ties. The opening of "Reginald Cruden" introduces us to a sweltering summer day at the Cruden estate, where the young protagonist, along with his brother Horace and friends, is lazily enjoying a tennis match. However, the tranquility is shattered when Horace rushes back with news of their father's grave illness, leading to a telegram that reveals a sudden turn of fate: their father has passed away. This tragic news sets the stage for the family’s subsequent descent into financial ruin, as Mr. Cruden’s once-thriving estate now rests on precarious investments. The Cruden brothers are forced to leave their comfortable life behind and begin anew in a dreary lodging, where they must confront the stark realities of their new, uncertain future.
Jacob Abbott
Excursion to the Orkney Islands
No description available.
Oliver Optic
Now or Never; Or, The Adventures of Bobby Bright: A Story for Young Folks
"Now or Never; Or, The Adventures of Bobby Bright: A Story for Young Folks" by Optic is a novel aimed at young readers, likely written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a clever and brave boy named Bobby Bright, who faces various challenges and moral dilemmas as he navigates his youth, emphasizing the importance of integrity and character over material success. At the start of the narrative, we meet Bobby fishing with his friend Tom Spicer when they encounter a runaway horse pulling a chaiss with a terrified lady. Bobby’s quick thinking leads him to risk his own safety to stop the horse, demonstrating his bravery and strong sense of duty. After saving the lady, Bobby receives a generous reward that could greatly impact his family, struggling under debt. This opening sets the stage for Bobby’s adventures as he grapples with issues of morality, responsibility, and selflessness, while also hinting at his aspirations to help his family financially. The tone is adventurous and uplifting, inviting readers to root for Bobby as he learns life lessons on his journey toward adulthood.
Agnes Giberne
Little Eyebright and her pund o' care
"Little Eyebright and her pund o'' care" by Agnes Giberne is a novel written in the late 19th century. It follows Euphrasia “Little Eyebright” Mackenzie as family worries, fragile finances, and a testing friendship push her to weigh anxious self-will against Christian trust, with guidance from the wise Mrs. Landor and strain from her fretful mother. The opening of Little Eyebright and her pund o'' care shows Mrs. Mackenzie fretting over health, servants, and money while Mrs. Landor urges her to seek Christ’s promised rest. Mr. Mackenzie, bank manager and ailing, returns home shaken and secretly confides to Euphrasia a looming calamity, perhaps financial, which she must not reveal. Though her conscience wavers, Euphrasia still visits her school friend Letitia in Clifton, where she is coolly received, then badly injures her knee in a fall and becomes an unwanted invalid in the Johnston household; only the doctor, Robert Wells, shows steady kindness. Isolated and letterless, she turns to a hymn on the wideness of God’s mercy and begins to rethink trust, while the scene shifts homeward to show that at least one family letter to her was never sent, explaining part of the silence.
Recently surfaced classics