Subject
People with disabilities -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Secret Garden
"The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a children's novel first published in 1911. When orphaned Mary Lennox arrives at her uncle's gloomy Yorkshire manor, she discovers a locked garden that has been abandoned for ten years. As Mary uncovers the garden's secrets, she befriends a nature-loving boy and finds her bedridden cousin Colin hidden away in the house. Together, the children work to restore the forgotten garden, and in doing so, begin transforming themselves and those around them.
Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Secret Garden
"The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a children's novel first published in 1911. When orphaned Mary Lennox arrives at her uncle's gloomy Yorkshire manor, she discovers a locked garden that has been abandoned for ten years. As Mary explores this hidden world, she uncovers family secrets and finds an unexpected companion—her bedridden cousin Colin. Together with a nature-loving boy named Dickon, the children nurture the forgotten garden back to life, transforming themselves in the process.
Susan Coolidge
What Katy Did
"What Katy Did" by Susan Coolidge is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story revolves around the spirited and imaginative Katy Carr, the eldest daughter in the Carr family, who is tasked with caring for her younger siblings while navigating the challenges of childhood, responsibility, and growing up without their mother. The novel explores themes of familial love, personal growth, and the importance of resilience. At the start of the story, Katy Carr is introduced in her idyllic childhood home with her five siblings and their kind father, Dr. Carr. Katy is portrayed as an adventurous girl with grand dreams, often getting into mischief while trying to balance her playful nature and the expectations placed upon her by Aunt Izzie, who helps raise the children. The opening highlights Katy's interactions with her siblings and sets the stage for her character development as she learns to embrace both the joys and trials of family life while embarking on a journey of self-discovery and responsibility. This exploration of childhood, along with vivid descriptions of their playful escapades and the bond among siblings, draws readers into a charming and relatable world.
Dinah Maria Mulock Craik
The Little Lame Prince
"The Little Lame Prince" by Dinah Maria Mulock Craik is a children's story published in 1875. Prince Dolor, paralyzed from a childhood accident, is secretly exiled to an isolated tower in a desolate wasteland. As he grows, a fairy godmother gives him a magical traveling cloak that allows him to see the world beyond his prison—though never to touch it. Through his adventures, the prince develops wisdom and empathy that will shape his destiny and his kingdom's future.
Margaret Waters
The Little Lame Prince Rewritten for Young Readers by Margaret Waters
"The Little Lame Prince" by Margaret Waters and Dinah Maria Mulock Craik is a children's story first published in 1875. Prince Dolor, paralyzed from a childhood accident, is exiled to a desolate tower where he lives isolated from the world. A fairy godmother gifts him a magical traveling cloak that allows him to soar beyond his prison and witness life from above. Through his aerial adventures, the prince develops wisdom and empathy that will shape his future as a ruler.
Ruth Brown MacArthur
The Lilac Lady
"The Lilac Lady" by Ruth Alberta Brown is a fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around six orphaned sisters known as the Greenfields, who transition from their familiar home in Parker to a new life in Martindale, guided by their new guardians, the Campbell family. The narrative hints at themes of family, belonging, and the joy of discovery as the sisters navigate their new surroundings and forge new relationships. At the start of the story, the Greenfield sisters are joyously leaving behind their old home for a new life with the Campbells. Despite the bittersweet nature of their departure, the sisters radiate excitement for their new adventure. Each character showcases their unique personality, particularly Peace, who is lively and mischievous, as she communicates her thoughts openly. The scene is filled with warmth, companionship, and a sense of childlike wonder as the sisters explore their new house, interact with their newfound guardians, and begin to envision the possibilities that lie ahead. This opening sets the stage for a delightful tale about growth, adaptation, and the bonds of sisterhood.
Sara Ware Bassett
Ted and the Telephone
"Ted and the Telephone" by Sara Ware Bassett is a fictional work written in the early 20th century, specifically in the 1920s. The story centers around a young boy named Ted Turner, who lives in the mill town of Freeman's Falls, New Hampshire. The narrative unfolds around Ted's journey as he navigates childhood, family dynamics, and his deep desire for a more vibrant life beyond the confines of the cotton mills, ultimately exploring themes of friendship and innovation. The opening of the book introduces Ted Turner's struggles with his new life after moving from a rural Vermont farm to a factory town. Despite his family's circumstances that led them to Freeman's Falls, Ted yearns for the vast beauty of nature he experienced before and expresses a strong interest in science, particularly in electricity and telecommunications. As Ted begins working at the Fernald estate, he finds himself gradually becoming involved in the operations while also harboring dreams of building his own inventions. The narrative sets the stage for the relationships he will forge, particularly with the Fernald family, and hints at the humorous and heartfelt moments that will come with both his scientific pursuits and his budding friendship with Mr. Laurie Fernald, who struggles with his own challenges.
Susan Coolidge
Mitä Katy teki: Kertomus
"Mitä Katy teki: Kertomus" by Susan Coolidge is a novel written in the late 19th century. It centers around the spirited character Katy Carr, who navigates childhood adventures and the challenges of family life in a growing town. The narrative seems to explore themes of growth, responsibility, and the innocence of youth through Katy and her siblings' escapades. At the start of the story, we are introduced to the Carr family, particularly Katy and her five siblings. Katy, the oldest, grapples with the challenges of life without their mother, and we see glimpses of their everyday activities and interactions, highlighting their playful nature and sometimes mischievous behavior. The opening sets the stage for Katy’s aspirations to achieve greatness and her humorous yet chaotic family dynamics, including her relationship with her well-meaning but stern Aunt Izzie. The children’s adventures are depicted with warmth and whimsy, promising a delightful exploration of their lives as they grow and learn from their experiences.
James Otis
Aunt Hannah and Seth
"Aunt Hannah and Seth" by James Otis is a children's novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around a young boy named Seth Barrows, also known as "Limpy Seth," who, despite his lameness, possesses a strong bond with his small white dog named Snip. As the novel begins, Seth finds himself in a precarious situation after an advertisement in a newspaper reveals that he is being sought after, which leads him to flee the city and embark on a journey filled with uncertainty and the search for safety and belonging. The opening portion of the story introduces Seth as he navigates the bustling streets of New York City, contemplating selling his beloved dog Snip to fend for himself. In the midst of this inner turmoil, his friends draw attention to a disturbing advertisement that suggests he is in trouble. Filled with panic and confusion, Seth is eventually encouraged by his friends to escape to the country. He takes the advice and embarks on an adventure that leads him to a farmhouse owned by Aunt Hannah, who, upon discovering Seth sleeping in her barn, offers him compassion and a chance for a new life. The narrative sets the stage for themes of friendship, loyalty, and the importance of community in a young boy's quest for a place to call home.
Frances Hodgson Burnett
Salainen puutarha
"Salainen puutarha" by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a children's novel first published in 1911. When orphaned Mary Lennox arrives at her uncle's gloomy Yorkshire manor, she discovers a locked garden that has been abandoned for ten years. As Mary explores this forbidden place, she befriends a local boy and uncovers her sickly cousin Colin, hidden away in the vast house. Together, the children tend the secret garden, and its transformation begins to heal more than just the neglected plants within its walls.
Sophie Ségur
François le Bossu
"François le Bossu" by comtesse de Sophie Ségur is a novel published as a serial beginning in 1864. It tells the story of François de Nancé, a ten-year-old boy who becomes hunchbacked after a fall, and his friendship with six-year-old Christine des Ormes, a neglected girl mistreated by her governess. When Christine's parents leave for Paris, she finds refuge with François's loving father. The novel explores themes of education, resilience, and the idea that true worth lies beyond physical appearance.
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