Subject

Recreation -- Juvenile fiction Books

Best books

Alice Dale Hardy

The Riddle Club through the holidays : $b The club and its doings, how the riddles were solved and what the snowman revealed

"The Riddle Club Through the Holidays" by Alice Dale Hardy is a children’s novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a group of six young friends who form the Riddle Club, exploring their adventures and plans as they transition from summer activities to winter festivities, specifically focusing on their upcoming Hallowe'en party. The narrative captures their interactions, antics, and teamwork, offering a mix of humor and camaraderie, making it appealing to young readers interested in friendship and mystery. At the start of the book, the members of the Riddle Club — Polly, Fred, Jess, Ward, Artie, and Margy — engage in lighthearted discussions about club dues and their upcoming plans. The setting is established in the chilly loft of Larue’s barn, where the kids brainstorm ideas for a Hallowe'en party while contemplating the challenges of meeting in the cold winter months ahead. The dialogue showcases their personalities and relationships, reflecting the playful and competitive spirit typical of childhood groups, while foreshadowing upcoming adventures and decisions they will face as the season changes.

Mabell S. C. (Mabell Shippie Clarke) Smith

Ethel Morton at Chautauqua

"Ethel Morton at Chautauqua" by Mabell S. C. Smith is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a family, particularly the character Ethel Morton, as they embark on a summer journey to Chautauqua, a popular American cultural and educational retreat. Throughout their journey, the family engages with history, learns to appreciate the local landscape, and navigates personal relationships, hinting at an exploration of communal experiences and self-discovery within a vibrant social setting. At the start of the novel, the Morton family arrives in Westfield, New York, preparing for their summer stay at Chautauqua. The narrative introduces key family members, including Ethel, her siblings, and their grandparents, as they joyfully navigate the intricacies of travel and family dynamics. The characters engage in conversations that reveal their backgrounds and interests, particularly about local history and geography, setting the tone for the connections they will form throughout the summer. The opening also hints at the engaging activities and community life awaiting them at Chautauqua, creating a sense of anticipation for the adventures to come.

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