Subject
North Carolina -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Elia Wilkinson Peattie
Azalea: The Story of a Little Girl in the Blue Ridge Mountains
"Azalea: The Story of a Little Girl in the Blue Ridge Mountains" by Elia W. Peattie is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a young girl named Azalea, who, after experiencing a series of heart-wrenching events—including the death of her mother—finds herself taken in by the loving McBirney family. This poignant tale explores themes of family, love, and the transition from hardship to finding a place to call home. The opening of the book introduces the McBirney family and their simple mountain life through the eyes of Jim, their son. As the family goes about their daily routines, they encounter a traveling circus troupe whose circumstances lead to an unexpected tragedy. When Azalea, a girl from the troupe, is left orphaned, Mary McBirney takes her in with a motherly instinct to protect and nurture her. Their deepening connection and the challenges they face set the stage for Azalea to find belonging and love in her new home, contrasting her previous life of uncertainty on the road.
Edward G. (Edward Gheen) Cheyney
Scott Burton in the Blue Ridge
"Scott Burton in the Blue Ridge" by Edward G. Cheyney is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Scott Burton, a forester, as he embarks on a new assignment in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Faced with a complex local feud between the Morgans and the Waits, Scott navigates his responsibilities while attempting to remain neutral in a bitter conflict that influences the community's dynamics. At the start of the novel, Scott Burton grapples with mixed feelings about his transfer to North Carolina for a timber sales job, which he fears might involve detective work related to a contentious logging contract. Upon arriving in the small town of Caspar, he quickly notices the pervasive tension stemming from the longstanding feud between two families and receives warnings about how his decisions could exacerbate the situation. Scott's arrival leads him to encounter various local characters, including an old man named Sanders who provides insight into the feud, and Vic Morgan, a feisty young girl who seeks independence amidst the turmoil. As Scott becomes embroiled in the conflict, he is determined to find a way to bridge the divisions while carrying out his professional duties.
Elia Wilkinson Peattie
Azalea at Sunset Gap
"Azalea at Sunset Gap" by Elia Wilkinson Peattie is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around three young girls—Azalea McBirney, Carin Carson, and Annie Laurie Pace—as they plan a summer adventure to teach school in the mountains, specifically at Sunset Gap. As they navigate their friendships and the challenges of rural life, the novel explores themes of friendship, duty, and personal growth. The opening of the novel introduces the main characters during a leisurely ride, setting a vibrant and picturesque scene characterized by blossoming dogwoods and effervescent spring air. Conversations between the girls reveal their ambitions and friendships, alongside Azalea’s background as a foster child taken in by a loving mountain family. As they discuss their plan to return to Sunset Gap to teach, the narrative moves into the adults’ perspectives regarding their safety and preparation, ultimately setting up the backdrop for their summer adventure. The opening lays the groundwork for the girls' journey not only into the mountains but into the deeper realms of their own identities and aspirations.
Elia Wilkinson Peattie
Annie Laurie and Azalea
"Annie Laurie and Azalea" by Elia Wilkinson Peattie is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story focuses on the lives of two young girls, Azalea and Annie Laurie, who come from contrasting backgrounds and must navigate the complexities of friendship and identity in a small community. The narrative explores themes of belonging, family—and the challenges posed by new relationships. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Azalea McBirney, a girl raised by the McBirney family in the mountains, and her affectionate bond with her foster brother Jim. As they prepare for school, a sense of urgency fills the atmosphere. The story shifts to Annie Laurie Pace, who is getting ready for church and reveals that she feels out of place as she transitions to a new school with prestigious classmates. Her arrival at the school is marked by uncertainty as she grapples with the cold reception from her peers, Azalea and Carin. The opening chapters set the stage for the emotional developments and conflicts that will arise as both girls confront their pasts and forge a new friendship amidst the challenges they face together.
Elia Wilkinson Peattie
Azalea's Silver Web
"Azalea's Silver Web" by Elia Wilkinson Peattie is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Azalea McBirney, a young woman with aspirations of independence and creativity. As she navigates the complexities of her life on Tennyson Mountain, including the challenges faced by her adoptive family and the secrets of her own heritage, Azalea's journey unfolds against the backdrop of personal growth and familial connections. The opening portion of the novel introduces Azalea as she writes a heartfelt letter to her friend Carin, reflecting on the changes in her life and the struggles she faces at home. Her foster family, the McBirneys, is experiencing hardship due to the deteriorating health of Father McBirney, which places additional burdens on her as the family looks to her for support. With youthful energy and determination, Azalea expresses her desire to improve their situation, engaging in various crafts while contemplating her future and her identity. In this setting, themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the pursuit of one's dreams begin to emerge as Azalea embarks on her quest to weave a metaphorical silver web of her own making.
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