Subject
Motorboats -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Harry Gordon
The River Motor Boat Boys on the Yukon: The Lost Mine of Rainbow Bend
"The River Motor Boat Boys on the Yukon: The Lost Mine of Rainbow Bend" by Harry Gordon is an adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of enterprising boys, namely Clayton Emmet, Cornelius Witters, and Alexander Smithwick, as they embark on an exciting expedition to the Yukon in search of gold and furs. Along with their motor boat, the Rambler, they navigate various challenges and mysteries that arise during their journey. The opening portion of the book introduces the boys as they prepare for their journey, highlighting their camaraderie and playful banter. After much discussion, they decide to take a trip up the Yukon, motivated not just by the prospect of adventure, but also by the chance to make money trading with locals. Their preparations are interrupted by mysterious events, including sudden visitors and ominous warnings about their quest. As they gather supplies and plan their route, they express excitement and anxiety about the trip. The introduction sets the stage for a tale of friendship, exploration, and the lure of adventure in the pursuit of fortune.
Laura Lee Hope
The Outdoor Girls at Rainbow Lake; Or, The Stirring Cruise of the Motor Boat Gem
"The Outdoor Girls at Rainbow Lake; Or, The Stirring Cruise of the Motor Boat Gem" by Laura Lee Hope is a novel written in the early 20th century. It follows the adventures of a group of young girls who are excited about a surprise visit from Betty's Uncle Amos, a former sea captain, who promises an amazing experience. The story sets the stage for their summer cruise, filled with camaraderie, potential danger, and the thrill of exploring nature. The opening of the novel introduces Betty Nelson and her friends, who eagerly await the surprise Betty has in store for them. As they chat under a hammock on a warm July day, their playful banter hints at their unique personalities. Betty reveals that her uncle will be visiting, stirring curiosity and excitement among the group. Additionally, as Grace must go fetch important papers for her brother while on horseback, a sense of adventure begins to unfold. The stage is set for the girls' upcoming adventures on the motorboat Gem, as they prepare for their journey to Rainbow Lake and deal with unexpected twists, including the intriguing hint of ghosts at Elm Island.
Clarence Young
The Motor Boys on the Pacific; Or, the Young Derelict Hunters
"The Motor Boys on the Pacific; Or, the Young Derelict Hunters" by Clarence Young is a children’s adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows three young boys—Jerry, Ned, and Bob—as they embark on a thrilling journey across the continent to the Pacific coast, where they will search for a mysterious derelict after the tragic loss of their beloved motor boat, the "Dartaway". At the start of the book, the boys are devastated to learn via telegram that their motor boat has been wrecked during shipping. This news prompts them to seek damages from the freight company, but they remain hopeful for new adventures. After receiving letters from their friend Nellie Seabury, who invites them to visit her family in California, they decide to make the journey out west. Along the way, unexpected events unfold, including a dangerous race against their rival, Noddy Nixon, and encounters with mysterious characters that hint at further adventures yet to come. The opening chapters set in motion a tale filled with friendship, excitement, and the promise of exploration, making the book an exciting read for young adventurers.
Harry Gordon
The River Motor Boat Boys on the Rio Grande: In Defense of the Rambler
"The River Motor Boat Boys on the Rio Grande: In Defense of the Rambler" by Harry Gordon is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of spirited boys who embark on an exciting journey along the Rio Grande aboard their motor boat, the Rambler. As they navigate the river, they find themselves defending their beloved boat against pirates while engaging in various thrilling escapades that test their bravery and camaraderie. The opening portion of the book introduces the boys as they hear a cry for help while on the river. A large bulldog named Captain Joe leaps into action, prompting the boys to search for a drowning lad, whom they ultimately rescue from the current. As they assess the injured boy, they learn about the dangerous gang of robbers that control the area, setting the stage for the adventures to come. The boys’ quick-thinking and teamwork showcase their youthful spirit as they confront challenges, including the unexpected appearance of wild animals. This playful yet tense beginning hooks the reader into a world of adventure filled with humor, friendship, and the quest for justice on the river.
Herbert Strang
No Man's Island
"No Man's Island" by Herbert Strang is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows three school friends—Phil Warrender, Jack Armstrong, and Percy Pratt—who venture out for an adventure camping trip in Southern Wessex. As they explore the river and attempt to set up camp on a mysterious island, they quickly become entangled in a series of peculiar and potentially sinister events surrounding the island and its unseen inhabitants. The opening of the book introduces the main characters as they navigate a winding river, excitedly searching for a camping spot and reminiscing about their childhood. They eventually attempt to camp on a secluded island but are confronted by a hostile landowner who forces them to leave. After settling nearby, they begin to notice strange occurrences, like the absence of other visitors and the peculiar actions of a poacher named Rush. As they explore the island further, they discover signs of habitation, including a ruined cottage and traces of another presence on the island, intensifying the mystery of their adventure. The stage is set for an intriguing tale of camaraderie, suspense, and unfolding mystery as the boys face challenges and unexpected encounters.
H. Irving (Harrie Irving) Hancock
The Motor Boat Club at Nantucket; or, The Mystery of the Dunstan Heir
"The Motor Boat Club at Nantucket; or, The Mystery of the Dunstan Heir" by H. Irving Hancock is a novel written in the early 20th century. This adventure story follows two teenage boys, Tom Halstead and Joe Dawson, who are members of the Motor Boat Club as they embark on a trip to Nantucket. What starts as a routine journey soon turns into a thrilling mystery involving a yacht, a potential heir, and shady characters that threaten their safety and adventure. The opening of the novel introduces Tom and Joe traveling on a train to Nantucket to take charge of a motorboat named the "Meteor." Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they overhear suspicious conversations between two men on the train, hinting at possible foul play regarding the yacht. Upon arrival, they meet Mr. Horace Dunstan, the yacht's owner, who expresses concern about the boat's performance. Tom and Joe’s expertise in motorboats is put to the test as they uncover more about the mystery surrounding the Dunstan heir and the intrigue involving individuals linked to the owner's brother, who may have sinister motives. The narrative sets the stage for an exciting adventure filled with danger and discovery, capturing the imagination of readers who enjoy maritime escapades and youthful camaraderie.
Clarence Young
The Motor Boys on Road and River; Or, Racing To Save a Life
"The Motor Boys on Road and River; Or, Racing To Save a Life" by Clarence Young is a work of juvenile fiction written in the early 20th century. This adventure novel centers around a trio of boys—Jerry Hopkins, Ned Slade, and Bob Baker—who often embark on thrilling escapades involving motor vehicles and intrigue. In this particular story, they are embroiled in a mystery regarding the value of land owned by Jerry’s mother and an urgent mission that unfolds as they contend with urgency to save a life. The opening of the book introduces Jerry and his friends reflecting on a local baseball game, hinting at Jerry's absent-mindedness which has recently troubled him. As the boys decide to take a spin in their car, Jerry's erratic driving reveals that something preoccupies his mind. It is soon disclosed that Jerry is concerned over an intriguing offer for a swamp land owned by his mother from the Universal Plaster Company, which he suspects carries hidden motives. The boys plan to investigate the land themselves and uncover a potential mystery involving clay diggers, adding suspense and adventure to their summer escapades. The stage is set for an exhilarating journey as they determine to uncover the truth behind the land's value and the company's intentions.
Louis Arundel
Motor Boat Boys Down the Danube; or, Four Chums Abroad
"Motor Boat Boys Down the Danube; or, Four Chums Abroad" by Louis Arundel is a fictional adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows four boys—Jack Stormways, Buster, George Rollins, and Josh—who embark on a daring journey down the Danube River. Their expedition quickly becomes more perilous than anticipated when they find themselves in the midst of escalating tensions and the looming threat of war in Europe. At the start of the narrative, the boys arrive in Budapest, discussing the city’s beauty while anxiously awaiting news from home. As they plan their next steps, they are caught off guard when they learn that war has been declared, and tensions mount. The opening chapters introduce the boys’ personalities, their banter, and collective ambitions for adventure, while foreshadowing the dramatic events that may arise due to the unfolding geopolitical situation. As they cruise down the river, they encounter various challenges, highlighting their camaraderie and resilience in uncertain times.
Clarence Young
The Motor Boys on the Border; Or, Sixty Nuggets of Gold
"The Motor Boys on the Border; Or, Sixty Nuggets of Gold" by Clarence Young is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. This adventure story follows a group of youthful protagonists—Jerry, Ned, and Bob—as they embark on quests filled with excitement, including a search for elusive gold nuggets and encounters with Blackfeet Indians. The tale combines themes of friendship, adventure, and the thrill of discovery, making it appealing to readers who enjoy action-packed narratives. At the start of the book, the three friends are involved in a humorous mishap with their automobile, which sets the tone for their camaraderie. Their adventure begins in earnest when they encounter Jim Nestor, a foreman from their gold mine in Arizona, who has traveled east with a companion to seek help in recovering sixty nuggets of gold hidden in a remote valley. As the boys quickly become embroiled in a town-wide commotion sparked by rumors of gold, they must navigate various challenges, including dealing with rival characters like Noddy Nixon, who adds a layer of tension to their quest for treasure. With their sights set on the exciting possibilities ahead, the boys are eager to embark on another escapade.
Margaret Penrose
The Motor Girls on Cedar Lake; Or, the Hermit of Fern Island
"The Motor Girls on Cedar Lake; Or, the Hermit of Fern Island" by Margaret Penrose is a fictional novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story follows the adventures of Cora Kimball and her friends, the Robinson twins, Bess and Belle, as they navigate life and challenges while enjoying a summer vacation at Cedar Lake, where they engage in boating and explore mysterious islands. At the start of the story, Cora is excited about her newly arrived motorboat and decides to take her friends for an initial spin on Cedar Lake. However, their first outing quickly escalates into a tense situation when they narrowly avoid a collision with a steamboat, sending them into a flurry of excitement and silence as they attempt to navigate the water. The opening sets the stage for a series of escapades as the girls engage with both their surroundings and the characters they encounter, including boys from their hometown and the enigmatic Jim Peters, hinting at deeper mysteries related to the islands around them.
Margaret Penrose
The Motor Girls on Waters Blue; Or, the Strange Cruise of the Tartar
"The Motor Girls on Waters Blue; Or, the Strange Cruise of the Tartar" by Margaret Penrose is a fictional novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Cora Kimball and her friends, the Robinson twins, as they navigate both adventures and challenges in their lives, which include personal news, friendships, and the overarching theme of a journey to the West Indies that is intertwined with a mysterious political subtext introduced through a character named Inez, who is seeking to help her imprisoned father. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Cora, who has just returned from a thrilling automobile ride and is eager to share her experience with her friend Bess. Their lighthearted banter quickly shifts to concerns when Cora receives troubling news about her brother Jack's health. As the narrative unfolds, readers witness the dynamics of friendship, adventure, and emerging mysteries, such as Inez's urgent wish to rescue her father from political imprisonment. This sets the stage for a blend of camaraderie and intrigue as the group prepares for their trip, holding the promise of significant personal transformation and unforeseen adventures on the horizon.
John Henry Goldfrap
The Border Boys Along the St. Lawrence
"The Border Boys Along the St. Lawrence" by Fremont B. Deering is an adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of boys known as the Border Boys, led by Ralph Stetson, as they embark on an exciting journey along the St. Lawrence River. Their adventure is filled with moments of suspense and danger, particularly as they navigate treacherous rapids and encounter mysterious occurrences, including a ghostly craft on the river. The opening of the book introduces Ralph and his companions as they skillfully handle the motor boat, the "River Swallow", while approaching the wild waters known as the Gallops. Amidst the excitement of navigating the rapids, Ralph's unease about one of the boat's crew members, Malvin, begins to surface, hinting at future conflicts. Just as the boys feel confident steering through the challenging waters, an alarming moment occurs when Ralph's urge to evade a dangerous rock turns into a thrilling challenge. The tension escalates with the sudden appearance of the mysterious ghost craft, which raises questions about the intentions of its crew, setting the stage for a series of puzzling events and adventures to come.
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