Subject
Participation -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Annie F. (Annie Fellows) Johnston
Georgina's Service Stars
"Georgina's Service Stars" by Annie Fellows Johnston is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Georgina Huntingdon, a 16-year-old girl who begins to document her life while navigating the challenges of adolescence and the impact of World War I on her community. The narrative captures her aspirations for a career in writing or journalism, her relationships with family and friends, and her awakening to the realities of war and sacrifice. The opening of the book introduces Georgina as she contemplates starting her memoirs from a garret window, drawing inspiration from the bustling life around her and her family's history. She reflects on her upbringing in a picturesque Cape Cod town, her close relationship with her mother Barby, and her cousin Richard, who is eager to enlist in the war effort. As she begins to write, Georgina expresses her dreams of becoming a famous author and grapples with her desire for independence against the expectations of those around her. She sets the stage for a coming-of-age journey intertwined with the themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the hopes and disappointments of youth amidst a backdrop of global conflict.
Carolyn Wells
Patty—Bride
"Patty—Bride" by Carolyn Wells is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story focuses on the life of Patricia "Patty" Fairfield and her romantic entanglements, primarily involving her engagement to Bill Farnsworth and the persistent affections of Philip Van Reypen. As Patty navigates her relationships against the backdrop of societal expectations and personal desires, her character's journey unfolds with a blend of humor and drama. The opening of the novel introduces Patty and Philip in a tense conversation, where Philip expresses his unwillingness to give up on his feelings for Patty, despite her engagement to another man, Bill. As they argue over Patrick's commitment and Philip's hope to win her affection, the reader gets a glimpse into Patty's character—strong-willed yet compassionate, struggling with the dynamics of loyalty and love. The dialogue sets the tone for the ensuing narrative, suggesting the complexities of relationships during a time when traditional roles and duties were merging into more modern interpretations. This chapter establishes the conflict and character dynamics that will likely drive the story forward.
Alice Turner Curtis
A Yankee Girl at Shiloh
"A Yankee Girl at Shiloh" by Alice Turner Curtis is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set during the American Civil War, it follows the adventures of Berenice "Berry" Arnold, a young girl from Vermont who, alongside her family, moves to Tennessee for her father's health. The narrative paints a vivid picture of Berry's life in a wooden cabin as she faces the challenges of war, friendship, and bravery in a time of conflict. At the start of this story, we meet Berry, who is full of energy and excitement as she experiences her first significant snowfall in Tennessee. The opening chapters introduce us to her life and her relationship with her parents while hinting at the dangers that encroach due to the looming Civil War. As Berry embarks on daily adventures, she encounters a young runaway slave named Lily and makes a crucial decision to help her, showcasing her spirited nature and compassion. The early interactions set up themes of friendship, courage, and the impact of war on the lives of ordinary people, inviting readers to engage with Berry's journey as she grows and navigates the complexities of her world.
Margaret Vandercook
The Red Cross Girls in the British Trenches
"The Red Cross Girls in the British Trenches" by Margaret Vandercook is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The book focuses on the lives of four young women who volunteer as nurses during World War I, exploring themes of courage, sacrifice, and social roles amid the backdrop of war. The main character, Mildred Thornton, grapples with her own feelings of inadequacy and the desire to contribute meaningfully in a world overshadowed by the conflict. At the start of the narrative, Mildred Thornton experiences deep disappointment following a social event where she feels like a failure. Despite her family's wealth and social standing, her attempts to engage with her peers at a dance fall flat. She discovers solace in her father’s generous donation to the Red Cross, igniting her yearning to help those affected by the war. Her subsequent decision to join her father in assisting the Red Cross serves as a catalyst for her character development, as she meets other determined young women like Barbara Meade, who also long for purpose beyond societal expectations. The opening sets the tone for their forthcoming adventures as they prepare to make a significant impact on the war front.
Margaret Vandercook
The Red Cross Girls on the French Firing Line
"The Red Cross Girls on the French Firing Line" by Margaret Vandercook is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows four American girls—Eugenia, Mildred, Barbara, and Nona—who journey to France to support the Red Cross nursing efforts during World War I. Their diverse backgrounds and personalities shape their experiences as they care for wounded soldiers while navigating the challenges of war and the complexities of friendship. At the start of the novel, the four girls, already familiar with the harsh realities of wartime nursing at a hospital in northern France, face a new challenge as their hospital must relocate due to imminent danger from the German forces. They escape to a quieter town, where they continue their dedicated service with the Red Cross. The opening chapters set the stage for their adventures in Paris, highlighting the girls' different roles and personalities as they celebrate a recent victory of the French army, encounter unexpected dangers, and engage with the vibrant yet perilous world around them. The narrative captures their emotional growth and the camaraderie that develops amidst the backdrop of war.
Margaret Vandercook
The Red Cross girls with the Stars and Stripes
"The Red Cross Girls with the Stars and Stripes" by Margaret Vandercook is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century, around the time of World War I. The story revolves around Barbara Thornton and her experiences as a Red Cross nurse alongside her friends Nona, Eugenia, and others, who are all dedicated to aiding soldiers in the war effort in France. The narrative explores themes of patriotism, friendship, and the personal struggles of women during wartime. The opening of the novel introduces Barbara Thornton, who is preparing for visitors in her New York City drawing-room yet is unexpectedly filled with melancholy. As her guests arrive, the mood reveals the undercurrents of their past adventures as Red Cross nurses in Europe and the emotional toll of the war on their lives. The characters discuss their intentions to return to France, underscoring a sense of duty as well as the complexities of their relationships, particularly between Barbara and her husband, Richard Thornton, who is also grappling with his feelings about the war. Overall, this initial chapter sets the stage for the unfolding stories of courage, sacrifice, and the impact of war on personal lives and connections.
Margaret Vandercook
The Red Cross Girls in Belgium
"The Red Cross Girls in Belgium" by Margaret Vandercook is a historical fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story features a group of four American Red Cross nurses—Eugenia, Barbara, Mildred, and Nona—who are engaged in humanitarian efforts during World War I. The narrative explores their courageous experiences as they navigate the complexities of war-torn Belgium, focusing on their individual stories, challenges, and relationships while they try to provide care for vulnerable civilians and soldiers. At the start of the book, the four girls have already spent months working in British trenches and southern France before arriving in Belgium. Their initial experiences are described in vibrant detail, including their interactions with a local countess, their differing personalities, and the development of friendships and tensions among them. As they confront the harsh realities of war—such as witnessing the plight of innocent Belgian people—each character struggles with personal dilemmas, such as Eugenia’s mysterious past, Barbara's loyalty to her friends, and Nona's quest to uncover her mother's history. The opening sets the stage for a profound exploration of sacrifice, friendship, and the human spirit in the face of adversity amid the backdrop of war.
Recently surfaced classics