Subject
Prospecting -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Sidford F. (Sidford Frederick) Hamp
The treasure of Mushroom Rock : $b A story of prospecting in the Rocky Mountains
"The Treasure of Mushroom Rock: A Story of Prospecting in the Rocky Mountains" by Sidford F. Hamp is a novel written in the late 19th century. This adventurous tale seems to revolve around the escapades of two boys, Tom Swayne and Percy Goodall, who embark on a daring journey full of mischief, exploration, and the quest for treasure in the Rocky Mountains. The story unfolds through their daring escapes and misadventures as they attempt to navigate their way through challenges that test their friendship and resolve. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Tom and Percy at Moseley’s school where they devise a plan to escape after some mischievous activities. Their escape leads them to uncover a hidden passage in a castle, and eventually, the consequences of their actions unfold as they deal with the repercussions of poaching and their subsequent decision to run away. The opening chapters set a thrilling tone for the story, showcasing a blend of youthful adventure and the consequences that follow, hinting at the exploration of both the Rocky Mountains and their personal growth throughout their journey.
James Otis
Ralph Gurney's Oil Speculation
"Ralph Gurney's Oil Speculation" by James Otis is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book follows Ralph Gurney, a college student, as he spends his vacation in the oil-rich region of Pennsylvania and becomes embroiled in the exciting and dangerous world of oil speculators and moonlighters. Through Ralph's eyes, readers are introduced to the thrilling backdrop of oil drilling, illegal practices, and the camaraderie of young men adventuring in a landscape filled with both opportunity and peril. The opening of the novel introduces Ralph Gurney as he reunites with his college friend George Harnett in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Their conversation reveals George's occupation as a civil engineer engaged in the booming oil industry, and he excitedly shares details about the area's activities, including the more dubious practices of moonlighters—those who work outside the legal boundaries of the oil business. As they embark on a journey, they encounter Bob Hubbard, a young man known for his reckless shooting, who proves to have connections with the moonlighters. Tension builds when Ralph learns about the risks associated with this underground world, setting the stage for an adventure fraught with excitement, danger, and moral dilemmas, as Ralph grapples with his newfound role in this unconventional venture.
Ross Kay
The Go Ahead Boys and Simon's Mine
"The Go Ahead Boys and Simon's Mine" by Ross Kay is an adventure novel written during the early 20th century. The book follows a group of four boys known as the Go Ahead Boys—Fred Button, John Clemens, Grant, and George Washington Sanders—as they embark on an expedition to find a lost mine reportedly discovered by an old prospector named Simon Moultrie. Their journey takes them into the rugged and dangerous landscape of the American West, where they encounter both natural challenges and human adversaries. The opening of the story introduces the boys as they stumble upon a ghastly discovery in the desert: the skeleton of a man, presumably Simon Moultrie, along with some of his belongings, including a diary and prospecting tools. As they grapple with the grim scene, their curiosity and thrill for adventure are sparked. The boys decide to investigate further, setting them on a path filled with mystery as they decipher clues from Simon's diary, which hint at the location of his claimed mine. This beginning sets the stage for a narrative filled with exploration, camaraderie, and the pursuit of treasure, all while confronting the dangers of the wild.
Francis Lynde
The golden spider
"The Golden Spider" by Francis Lynde is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around three college friends—Dick Maxwell, Larry Donovan, and Charles Purdick—who embark on a summer prospecting trip with the hopes of discovering rare metals in the Hophra Mountains. As they prepare for their adventure, they learn about the legend of a lost gold mine called "The Golden Spider," adding an intriguing element of mystery to their expedition. At the start of the tale, the three friends anxiously wait in a bank office for Dick's uncle, who is going to send them on their prospecting journey. They discuss their plans and the excitement of being in the great outdoors, fully aware that time is against them as they wait. Once they finally set off, the boys quickly face unexpected challenges, including brushes with thieves interested in the legendary mine, awkward encounters with strangers, and the harsh realities of wilderness survival. As they venture further into the mountains, they must learn to navigate danger, both from the elements and from others who might hinder their quest for gold. The opening sets the stage for an adventure filled with suspense, camaraderie, and a search for fortune.
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