Subject
Robbers and outlaws -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Franklin W. Dixon
The great airport mystery
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Horatio Alger
Struggling Upward, or Luke Larkin's Luck
"Struggling Upward, or Luke Larkin's Luck" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book follows Luke Larkin, a determined and resourceful young boy who struggles against adversity and societal class differences in his small town of Groveton. As he navigates challenges, including a competitive skating contest against the privileged Randolph Duncan, Luke's character and integrity are put to the test, highlighting themes of perseverance, morality, and the socioeconomic divide. The opening of the book introduces a lively scene with boys gathered at a pond for a skating contest. Luke Larkin, a hardworking boy from a less affluent background, is up against Randolph Duncan, the wealthy son of the town's bank president. Tension arises as the stakes for the contest are high—a Waterbury watch is offered as a prize. As the race unfolds, an incident occurs that seemingly foils Luke's chances. The narrative sets the stage for the ensuing drama of class rivalry, friendship, and Luke's quest for self-improvement, laying the groundwork for his journey through both triumph and heartache.
Franklin W. Dixon
Hunting for hidden gold
"Hunting for Hidden Gold" by Franklin W. Dixon is a mystery novel written in 1928. When detective Fenton Hardy is injured while investigating stolen gold from a Montana mining camp, his sons Frank and Joe join the case. The brothers must navigate kidnapping attempts, outlaw gangs, and dangerous encounters with wolves as they search for missing gold connected to a mysterious miner's tale. Their investigation leads them through treacherous mine shafts and confrontations with criminals, testing their detective skills in the rugged Western frontier.
Paul Hutchens
Watermelon Mystery at Sugar Creek
"Watermelon Mystery at Sugar Creek" by Paul Hutchens is a children's novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around a young boy named Bill Collins, who is excited about the prize watermelon he has grown and is distraught when it is stolen from his family's truck patch. The plot promises adventure and mystery as Bill and his friends, including Poetry and Dragonfly, navigate the challenges presented by this theft. At the start of the book, Bill recounts his fondness for his watermelon, named Ida, and his concerns about it being taken. He experiences a mix of pride and frustration as he works hard to nurture Ida, only to have her stolen, triggering a series of escapades with his friends. As the stolen watermelon incident unfolds, intriguing elements are introduced, including a gang of girls, a mysterious thief, and a potential connection to a recent supermarket burglary. These elements set up a whimsical yet thrilling adventure as the characters confront both the mystery of the theft and the complexities of their youthful world.
Thornton W. (Thornton Waldo) Burgess
Billy Mink
"Billy Mink" by Thornton W. Burgess is a children's fiction book written in the early 20th century. This engaging story focuses on Billy Mink, a keen-eyed and clever character who navigates the challenges of life in the Green Forest and along the Laughing Brook. The narrative follows Billy's adventures as he discovers traps set by humans, encounters various animal friends, and ultimately finds himself confronting the threat posed by a gang of rats that have invaded a farmer's barn. The beginning of the book introduces Billy Mink as an inquisitive and spirited creature who is always on the lookout for potential danger. After noticing a suspicious stranger and discovering a trap set for him, Billy grows wary and begins to track the man’s movements. He quickly uncovers multiple traps meant to ensnare small animals like himself and his friends. Determined to protect them, he recounts his findings to Bobby Coon, and together they devise a plan to warn others in the Green Forest about the hidden dangers. This opening portion sets the stage for themes of curiosity, vigilance, and friendship, making it an appealing tale for young readers who appreciate adventures involving clever animal characters.
Frances Hodgson Burnett
Editha's Burglar: A Story for Children
"Editha's Burglar: A Story for Children" by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a children's story written in the late 19th century. The book tells the charming tale of a young girl named Editha who encounters a burglar in her home. The story navigates themes of kindness, bravery, and misunderstanding, showcasing the perspective of a child who thinks compassionately about others, even those deemed as villains. In this narrative, Editha is a peculiar and thoughtful seven-year-old girl who, while grappling with the concept of burglars, finds herself face-to-face with one in her own home. Instead of panicking, she approaches the burglar with curiosity and concern for her mother, who is asleep. Editha’s polite and rational demeanor surprises the burglar, leading to humorous exchanges as she offers to help him select items to steal while protecting her family's valuables. Throughout their encounter, Editha realizes the burglar may not be as 'bad' as society depicts him, showcasing her innocence and capacity for compassion. Ultimately, the tale concludes with surprising outcomes, including the eventual return of her cherished belongings, reinforcing the power of empathy and understanding across social divides.
Horatio Alger
Joe's Luck; Or, Always Wide Awake
"Joe's Luck; Or, Always Wide Awake" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the early 20th century that embodies the themes of perseverance and moral integrity. The story centers around Joe Mason, a fifteen-year-old boy who faces significant challenges after becoming an orphan and is taken in by a stingy employer, Major Norton. Joe's independent spirit leads him to seek a better life beyond his current circumstances, and he embarks on a journey in pursuit of prosperity. At the start of the book, we meet Joe Mason as he navigates the dynamics of living as a hired boy under Major Norton, dealing with the disdain of Oscar Norton, the employer's son. Joe exhibits a firm sense of self-worth despite his shabby attire and the unfair treatment he receives. After an encounter that highlights his resilience, Joe learns about an unexpected inheritance from an aunt, which propels him to make a life-altering decision to leave for California in search of fortune. The opening chapters depict Joe's determination and the adversities he overcomes, ultimately setting the stage for his adventures as he seeks a brighter future.
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