Subject
Reformatories -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Walter Aimwell
Clinton : $b or, boy-life in the country
"Clinton: or, Boy-life in the Country" by Walter Aimwell is a fictional work written in the mid-19th century. This novel follows the life of a boy named Clinton Davenport, who lives in the picturesque village of Brookdale, as he navigates the complexities of growing up amidst the temptations and challenges of youth. The story promises to explore moral lessons surrounding the virtues of industry, obedience, and the importance of making sound decisions in the face of peer pressure. The opening of the story introduces us to Clinton's idyllic home life, highlighting his ingenuity and dedication to various projects, such as raising poultry and crafting items in his father's workshop. As the narrative unfolds, we see Clinton's interactions with friends, particularly two boys, Jerry and Oscar, who begin to influence him in potentially negative ways. Through these early chapters, themes of temptation, moral conflict, and the challenges of staying true to one's values are set up as Clinton grapples with the choices he faces and the consequences of his actions.
L. T. Meade
Scamp and I: A Story of City By-Ways
"Scamp and I: A Story of City By-Ways" by L. T. Meade is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around two impoverished children, Dick and Flo, who navigate through the bustling streets of London, yearning for a glimpse of the lavish world they see from afar. The narrative illustrates their adventures and dreams, contrasting their harsh reality with the allure of wealth and the life of the social elite. The opening of the novel introduces the children amidst the lively backdrop of the London season, emphasizing the stark divide between their ragged existence and the opulence surrounding them. Dick, a ten-year-old boy, boldly explores the affluent areas, and later, he urges his younger sister Flo to join him in a fictional play where they pretend to be members of the upper class. Their journey takes them through the gritty streets and culminates in a significant encounter with the Queen, showcasing their innocence and longing. The beginning sets a poignant tone, as it captures both the children's aspirations and the moral dilemmas they face in a society riddled with inequality.
William O. Stoddard
Walled In: A True Story of Randall's Island
"Walled In: A True Story of Randall's Island" by William O. Stoddard is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The narrative focuses on the experiences of boys inside a reform school, particularly a boy named Jim, who feels unjustly confined and yearns for freedom. The book explores themes of hope, innocence, and the struggles of youth against the confines of a seemingly oppressive environment. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to Randall’s Island and its House of Refuge, where boys, including Jim, live under strict discipline but receive education and vocational training. Jim, while participating in drills with the other boys, actively despises the stone walls that confine him and dreams of escape. His bitterness stems from what he perceives as an injustice—having been sent there for a crime he didn't commit. As he plots his escape, he contemplates the challenges he faces, not only from the physical barriers but also from his fellow residents and the officers who oversee them. This sets the stage for Jim's journey to freedom, filled with camaraderie, determination, and resilience.
Recently surfaced classics