Subject
Northwest, Old -- History -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Florance Walton Taylor
Jim Long-Knife
"Jim Long-Knife" by Florance Walton Taylor is a historical novel written in the mid-20th century. The story is set during the American Revolutionary War and focuses on the life of thirteen-year-old Jim Hudson as he navigates the challenges of frontier life in 1777 Kentucky. It explores themes of survival, cultural interactions, and the struggles faced by settlers against Native American tribes, as seen through Jim's experiences and his family's challenges. At the start of the narrative, we meet Jim Hudson and his parents, who are settlers working hard to cultivate their land while being on high alert for potential threats from Native Americans. One day, they discover a young Indian boy named Wahbunou in need of help, leading to a mixture of kindness and tension between the Hudsons and the local tribes. As Jim's family grapples with the realities of frontier life, including the dangers posed by hostile tribes and their own dreams of land ownership, readers are introduced to Jim's determination and bravery in the face of adversity. The opening sets the stage for the unfolding story of conflict, friendship, and the quest for identity amid the backdrop of the turbulent American frontier.
James A. (James Andrew) Braden
Connecticut Boys in the Western Reserve: A Tale of the Moravian Massacre
"Connecticut Boys in the Western Reserve: A Tale of the Moravian Massacre" by James A. Braden is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows two young friends, Return Kingdom and John Jerome, as they journey westward into the wilderness around the Ohio River, reflecting on their dangerous past encounters with outlaws and Native Americans. The novel delves into themes of friendship, survival, and the perils faced by settlers during a tumultuous period in American history. At the start of the narrative, Kingdom and Jerome find themselves in a stormy evening at the now-closed Eagle tavern, where they encounter a gruff landlord and two suspicious men, Samuel Duff and Lon Dexter. The boys are reminded of previous dangers they faced, including the recent death of an outlaw, Ichabod Nesbit, at the hands of an Indian named Black Eagle. As they continue their journey, they uncover sinister intentions surrounding their fellow travelers and encounter further threats as they seek to establish their cabin in the wilderness. The opening chapters set the stage for an adventurous journey filled with tension, character development, and historical context, engaging readers in the recounting of a formative period in American expansion.
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