Subject
Ranch life -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Carol Norton
The Phantom Town Mystery
"The Phantom Town Mystery" by Carol Norton is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a desert setting in Arizona and centers around four young characters: Mary Moore, Dora Bellman, Dick Farley, and the cowboy Jerry Newcomb. The narrative hints at a thrilling mystery involving an old hermit named Sven Pedersen, also known as "Lucky Loon," and his long-lost sister, Bodil. As the characters explore their surrounding ghost town and mountains, they become intrigued by the eerie tales and mysteries that the area has to offer, setting the stage for an adventurous plot. At the start of the book, the four friends enjoy a horseback excursion in the desert when they discover an ancient, mysterious rock house associated with Sven Pedersen. Their excitement builds as they hear tales of past tragedies and treasures linked to the hermit and his sister. The girls express interest in the legend of the "Evil Eye Turquoise," while the boys recount the history of the ghost town and the oddities surrounding it. Meanwhile, they also touch upon the fates of a poor family that has recently settled nearby. The blend of adventure and mystery in the opening chapters invites readers into a world filled with suspense and curiosity, as the characters prepare to delve deeper into the secrets of their surroundings.
James Carson
The Saddle Boys at Circle Ranch; Or, In at the Grand Round-Up
"The Saddle Boys at Circle Ranch; Or, In at the Grand Round-Up" by Captain James Carson is a juvenile adventure novel written in the early 20th century. This book is part of a series featuring two boys, Frank Haywood and Bob Archer, who are referred to as the "Saddle Boys." It explores themes of cowboys, cattle ranching, and the challenges posed by rustlers in the southwestern frontier. The opening portion introduces readers to Frank and Bob as they embark on another adventure at Circle Ranch. While bob (a Kentucky transplant) is on a quest to find his missing knife, the story quickly transitions to highlight their direct engagement with the ranch's everyday life—including old acquaintances like Old Baldy, a steer known for his cleverness. As the boys observe a mysterious steer behaving strangely, they soon discover a wolf in hiding. Their excitement escalates as they give chase, showcasing their horsemanship and camaraderie. This gripping start sets the stage for a tale rife with action, the boys’ resourcefulness, and the looming threat of rustlers like Pedro Mendoza, hinting at further adventures awaiting them in the wild west.
Lily Munsell Ritchie
Chicken Little Jane on the Big John
"Chicken Little Jane on the Big John" by Lily Munsell Ritchie is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a spirited young girl named Chicken Little, who navigates the joys and challenges of growing up on a ranch in Kansas. Through her adventures and interactions with her family and friends, the narrative captures the essence of rural life, childhood curiosity, and the transition from girlhood to adolescence. The opening of the novel introduces Chicken Little as she is called by her mother while cooking doughnuts in the hot kitchen. Mrs. Morton is concerned about her daughter’s free-spirited ways, preferring that Chicken Little engage in more traditional activities like music and sewing. However, as Chicken Little is found absorbed in a book rather than fulfilling her chores, it sets up the tension between her adventurous nature and her mother's expectations. The story unfolds with Chicken Little heading to the pasture with her younger sister, Jilly, where their escapade leads them into unexpected trouble with a herd of steers, showcasing both her bravery and the lively dynamics of their family life.
Izola L. (Izola Louise) Forrester
The Polly Page Ranch Club
"The Polly Page Ranch Club" by Izola L. Forrester is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a group of young girls at Calvert Hall, particularly focusing on Polly Page, as they embark on an exciting mission to earn funds for an adventurous summer trip to a ranch in Wyoming. The narrative explores themes of friendship, independence, and the spirited determination to create memorable experiences, while showcasing the characters’ charming personalities and vivid aspirations. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to Polly and her friends as they discuss an absent comrade, Crullers, who is likely facing trouble with a teacher. The girls—Sue, Ted, Ruth, and Isabel—share their thoughts regarding future preparations for their outdoor adventures. As they stroll through the blooming gardens, anticipation builds for the summer ahead, and Polly expresses ideas about planning activities to raise money for their trip. The scene sets a warm and playful tone, hinting at the dynamics of their friendship and the forthcoming adventures that await them in the novel. The relationships between the characters are established alongside various academy traditions, revealing the community context they exist in, which adds layers to Polly's determination to create a rewarding journey for her friends.
Margaret Vandercook
The Ranch Girls at Rainbow Lodge
"The Ranch Girls at Rainbow Lodge" by Margaret Vandercook is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work features the adventures of Jacqueline "Jack" Ralston and her sisters, Frieda and Jean, as they navigate life on their family ranch in Wyoming. The narrative focuses on themes of friendship, independence, and rivalry, particularly as they deal with their complex relationship with the Norton family who lives nearby. At the start of the story, we meet Jacqueline as she finds herself lost while out riding, leading to a confrontation with Dan Norton, a boy from the neighboring ranch who displays hostility towards her. Shortly afterward, she encounters Frank Kent, a newcomer who makes an impression on her. The plot quickly thickens when Jacqueline's sister Frieda spots an Indian girl being pursued by an angry old woman, leading to a tense rescue. The three ranch girls take the runaway, named Olilie, into their home, which sets off a series of events that explore their values, the tension with the Nortons, and the challenges they face managing the ranch while welcoming this new friend.
John Luther Langworthy
The Bird Boys' Aeroplane Wonder; Or, Young Aviators on a Cattle Ranch
"The Bird Boys' Aeroplane Wonder; Or, Young Aviators on a Cattle Ranch" by John Luther Langworthy is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around two young aviators, Frank and Andy Bird, whose passion for flying leads them to a thrilling adventure on a cattle ranch in Arizona where they intend to showcase their aeroplane. The story promises excitement, camaraderie, and the challenges of both aviation and ranch life. At the start of the book, the Bird boys learn that their school vacation has been unexpectedly extended due to construction delays, which sets the stage for new adventures. Eager to make the most of their time off, they plan to visit their uncle Jethro in Arizona, packing their aeroplane for the journey. The opening chapters introduce their friends Larry and Elephant, who share in their excitement about fishing and the impending trip, while hints of rivalry with a boy named Percy Carberry are established. As they prepare for their journey, the themes of youthful ambition, friendship, and the joy of exploration come to the forefront, making for an engaging setup for the adventures that lie ahead.
Clair Blank
The Adventure Girls at K Bar O
"The Adventure Girls at K Bar O" by Clair Blank is a novel published in 1936. Six high school friends travel to a sprawling Arizona ranch for a summer adventure, but their vacation takes a dangerous turn when they encounter cattle rustlers threatening their host's livelihood. The girls find themselves repeatedly kidnapped, shot at, and chased through desert landscapes as they help combat the criminal gang. Between narrow escapes and thrilling confrontations, they explore iconic Western landmarks in this action-packed tale of friendship and courage.
Albert Payson Terhune
Treve
"Treve" by Albert Payson Terhune is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young collie named Treve, who, despite the harsh treatment he receives from his owner, displays extraordinary courage and loyalty. As he faces various challenges, including a tumultuous journey and the kindness of a compassionate stranger, the narrative explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the bond between humans and dogs. The opening of "Treve" introduces us to a train journey across a desolate landscape, where the protagonist, Fraser Colt, displays a callous interest in a collie pup he owns, viewing the animal solely as a means to generate profit at an upcoming dog show. After a series of unfortunate events on the train, the puppy is brutally thrown off by Colt and is then saved by Lionel Arthur Montagu Brean, a fugitive and former surgeon, who names him Treve. The two quickly form a bond, setting the stage for Treve’s heroic journey and the adventures that await him as he navigates life with the kind-hearted Brean and an ultimately merciless world.
James Cody Ferris
The X Bar X boys in Thunder Canyon
"The X Bar X Boys in Thunder Canyon" by James Cody Ferris is a young adult adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story features brothers Teddy and Roy Manley, who are young ranchers navigating the challenges and excitement of life on the X Bar X Ranch. Their adventures lead them to encounters with nature's dangers, like landslides, and human threats, including escaped rustlers and a mysterious note warning of danger. At the start of the novel, the brothers are riding home from exploring potential grazing land for their family's ranch when a thunderous noise signals a landslide. In a rush to escape, Teddy rides down the mountain, while Roy goes missing amidst the chaos. Teddy manages to escape but becomes increasingly worried for his brother's safety as he searches for him. The opening sets up themes of bravery and brotherhood against a backdrop of the rugged Western landscape, while also hinting at larger conflicts that the boys must face as the narrative unfolds.
Caroline Emilia Jacobs
A Texas Blue Bonnet
"A Texas Blue Bonnet" by Caroline Emilia Jacobs is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a young girl named Blue Bonnet Ashe, who struggles with her identity and place in life as she transitions from her home in Texas to her grandmother’s house in Massachusetts. The narrative explores themes of belonging, self-discovery, and the contrast between rural and urban life as Blue Bonnet navigates her new surroundings and the expectations from her relatives. The opening of the book introduces Blue Bonnet as she expresses her discontent with life on the Blue Bonnet Ranch in Texas. Displeased with ranch life and yearning for the sophistication associated with the East, she confides in her Uncle Cliff about her fears and desires. Their subsequent conversation reveals her determination to leave for her grandmother's home. As preparations begin for her journey, Blue Bonnet grapples with mixed emotions, longing for change while simultaneously feeling a connection to her home and the life she is leaving behind. The initial chapters set the stage for her adventures in a new environment, where she must adjust to the expectations of her new family while discovering her own path.
L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
Aunt Jane's Nieces on the Ranch
"Aunt Jane's Nieces on the Ranch" by L. Frank Baum is a novel published in 1913. On a California ranch, progressive owners Arthur and Louise Weldon hire a Mexican governess named Inez to care for their baby daughter. When Louise's uncle disapproves and brings an American nurse instead, tensions rise. Inez grows possessive of the child as mysterious sounds echo through the old Spanish estate's secret passages. Some believe the house is haunted, but hidden connections may explain the strange occurrences.
James Cody Ferris
The X Bar X boys on Whirlpool River
"The X Bar X Boys on Whirlpool River" by James Cody Ferris is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around two brothers, Teddy and Roy Manley, who venture into the wilderness of the West, encountering various challenges during their adventures. Central themes include bravery, boyhood exploration, and the camaraderie of youth as they face nature's trials. At the start of the tale, the brothers discover bear tracks while hunting near their X Bar X Ranch, leading them into a thrilling encounter with a bear. The opening portion sets the stage for their adventurous spirit, showcasing their lighthearted banter and the mix of excitement and fear that comes with hunting in the wild. The narrative quickly escalates as they find themselves in a precarious situation with the bear, emphasizing their resourcefulness and determination to escape unscathed. Alongside this adventure, familial relationships and responsibilities on the ranch are introduced, hinting at future conflicts with their father’s cattle neighbor, Jake Trummer, and the trouble spurred by the character known as The Pup.
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