Subject
Self-reliance -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Horatio Alger
The Errand Boy; Or, How Phil Brent Won Success
"The Errand Boy; Or, How Phil Brent Won Success" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Phil Brent, a young boy who faces challenges and adversities after discovering that his stepmother doesn’t consider him her son, which shakes the foundation of his identity and home life. The narrative unfolds as Phil resolves to leave his unhappy home and seek his fortune in New York City, revealing themes of resilience, ambition, and personal growth. At the start of the tale, Phil endures a painful scuffle with his stepbrother Jonas, followed by a confrontation with his stepmother, Mrs. Brent, where he learns that she does not view him as a true member of the family. This revelation prompts Phil to consider a future for himself outside of the oppressive environment he’s lived in. He decides to leave home, sells some of his possessions to save money, and embarks on a journey to New York, where he hopes to find work and establish his independence. Along the way, he encounters various characters, such as Mr. Lionel Lake and Mr. Oliver Carter, who play crucial roles in shaping his fortunes and experiences in the big city. The opening chapters set up Phil's character as determined and resourceful, as well as foreshadowing the trials and opportunities he will face in his quest for a better life.
Horatio Alger
Walter Sherwood's Probation
"Walter Sherwood's Probation" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written during the late 19th century that follows the life and challenges faced by a young man named Walter Sherwood. Walter, a college student, finds himself in a precarious situation when he discovers that he is spending money extravagantly despite losing most of his fortune. With the guidance of his guardian, Doctor Ezekiel Mack, he is forced to leave college to seek employment and reassess his priorities. The opening portion of the book introduces us to the characters and sets the stage for Walter's impending journey of self-discovery. The narrative begins with a letter from Walter to Doctor Mack, revealing his financial struggles as he navigates the expectations of college life. Doctor Mack, concerned about Walter’s spending habits and well-being, decides to visit him secretly at college. Through their interactions and the subsequent observations of college life, we see the burgeoning conflict within Walter as he balances the allure of social activities with the need for responsibility. This tension is further compounded by the revelation of his impending financial crisis when Walter learns from Doctor Mack that he will need to leave college to pursue a more stable path. Overall, the beginning of this novel encapsulates key themes of growth, responsibility, and the transition from youth to adulthood.
Roger William Conant
Hiking Westward Being the Story of Two Boys Whose Ambition Led Them to Face Privations and Hardships in Their Quest of a Home in the Great West
"Hiking Westward" by Roger William Conant is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. This story chronicles the experiences of two boys, Phil and Ted Porter, who embark on a journey to the American West in search of a homestead to provide for their family, particularly to support their ailing mother. The narrative captures their brave confrontations with the challenges of frontier life, emphasizing themes of responsibility and perseverance. The opening portion of the book establishes a family dynamic where the Porter children discuss how they could support their mother, leading to Phil and Ted's ambitious plan to settle in the West. Shocked by the severity of their mother's health and the family's financial situation, they quickly dismiss their playful dreams of baseball and aviation and resolve to take up a homestead. Engaging in light-hearted banter with their sisters, they outline their intentions to their mother, displaying both determination and naivety regarding the realities of frontier living. Their transition from frivolous youth to responsible caretakers forms a central pillar of the story, setting the stage for the challenges they will encounter while pursuing their goal.
Eglanton Thorne
Her own way
"Her Own Way" by Eglanton Thorne is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Juliet Tracy, a headstrong and defiant young woman from a modest background who struggles to find her place in a world governed by societal expectations. As her older sisters, Hannah and Salome, seek to instill in her a sense of duty and propriety, Juliet's impulsive nature and desire for independence lead her towards a potentially troublesome friendship with the unconventional Flossie Chalcombe. The opening of the book introduces the Tracy family dynamic, highlighting the tensions between Juliet and her sisters, who are more responsible and conservative in their views. Mrs. Tracy appears caught between her affection for her daughter's free-spirited nature and the societal pressures that dictate how a young woman should behave. As Juliet arrives home late after spending time with Flossie, the narrative showcases her charm and recklessness, leading to conflicts within the household. The reader is set up to witness Juliet's journey, her defiance against her sisters' expectations, and the ensuing consequences of her actions, particularly as she faces the prospect of becoming a governess against her will.
Elijah Kellogg
Lion Ben of Elm Island
"Lion Ben of Elm Island" by Elijah Kellogg is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the character Ben Rhines, who is portrayed as a strong and noble individual facing the challenges of life on a remote island. The novel explores themes such as hard work, love, and the quintessential American spirit of perseverance and community. The opening of the book introduces readers to the beauty and ruggedness of Elm Island, where Captain Ben Rhines lives. It details the island's natural features, emphasizing its lush landscapes and the various wildlife inhabiting it. The narrative shifts to focus on the Rhines family, specifically on Ben as he prepares to take on responsibilities both at sea and at home. We learn of his love for Sally Hadlock and his desire to create a life for them together, leading him to consider purchasing Elm Island to build a home despite the challenges that come with it. The opening sets the stage for a rich tale of adventure, community, and the formation of a family amid the trials of frontier life.
W. H. (William Henry) Hudson
A Little Boy Lost
"A Little Boy Lost" by W. H. Hudson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young boy named Martin, who initially lives contentedly with his family in a remote, idyllic location. However, as he grows older, his curiosity and adventurous spirit lead him to explore beyond his familiar surroundings, placing him in a series of extraordinary and sometimes perilous encounters. The opening portion of the book introduces Martin as a joyfully curious child, fascinated by the natural world around him. He is depicted in a loving home where his father, a carpenter, finds happiness in his craft, and his mother worries about Martin's adventurous nature. The narrative unfolds Martin's adventures, including his love for play and his tendency to attract trouble, such as the incident with a snake that leads to a chase. As he grows older, his explorations take him into the wilderness, where strange phenomena like the mirage entice him and lead him further from home, ultimately setting the stage for his evolution into a wanderer who confronts both the beauty and danger of the natural world.
Horatio Alger
Out for Business; or, Robert Frost's Strange Career
"Out for Business, or Robert Frost's Strange Career" by Horatio Alger Jr. is a work of juvenile fiction written in the late 19th century. The narrative follows a young boy named Robert Frost, who must navigate a series of challenges after his mother remarries a man he finds objectionable. The story details Robert's journey of self-discovery and ambition as he sets out into the world to find his place and seek success against the odds. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Robert Frost, a sixteen-year-old boy who is grappling with the recent loss of his father and the emotional turmoil of his mother's sudden marriage to James Talbot, a man whom Robert immediately disdains. The opening scenes present Robert's conflicted feelings as well as his initial interactions with his new step-father, which are tense and filled with resentment. After a particularly heated exchange, Robert decides to leave home in search of a better life, setting off on a journey that promises growth, hardship, and experiences that will shape his character. This initial chapter establishes not only the family conflict but also the themes of perseverance and moral integrity that are central to Alger's storytelling.
Elijah Kellogg
Charlie Bell, The Waif of Elm Island
"Charlie Bell, The Waif of Elm Island" by Elijah Kellogg is a novel written in the late 19th century. This work follows the journey of Charlie Bell, an English orphan with a troubled past, who finds himself taken in by a couple, Ben and Sally Rhines, on a remote island after escaping from a gang of pirates disguised as fishermen. The story explores themes of resilience, community, and personal growth as Charlie navigates his new life and seeks to contribute to his adoptive family. The opening of the novel establishes a backdrop of hardship during the Revolutionary War era, painting a vivid picture of life on Elm Island. It introduces Charlie as a mistreated boy who is saved from a dangerous situation by Ben's fierce protection of his family. After Charlie is taken in, he quickly finds a sense of purpose and belonging while assisting Ben and Sally with chores around their homestead. The bits of dialogue exchanged between the characters reveal their personalities and relationships, setting the stage for Charlie’s transformation from a frightened waif to a productive and cherished member of the household. The beginning captivates the reader by promising adventure and character development as Charlie integrates into his new life.
Elijah Kellogg
Arthur Brown, The Young Captain
"The Young Captain" by Rev. Elijah Kellogg is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. This story follows Arthur Brown, the son of a shipmaster who perished at sea, as he navigates the challenges of life after being rescued from a shipwreck. The novel explores themes of gratitude, adventure, and the bonds formed through shared experiences, particularly as the characters confront the tumultuous backdrop of early American maritime history during a period filled with conflict and opportunity. The opening of the book introduces us to the context of Arthur Brown's story, highlighting the kindness of Captain Rhines, who saves Arthur from a precarious situation on a raft. It sets the tone for the narrative, emphasizing the concepts of gratitude and paying back debts of kindness, as Captain Rhines recognizes Arthur as the son of his benefactor, who had taken him in as a young boy. The beginnings of the plot establish intriguing elements that suggest a rich exploration of character development, as Arthur and the other young men gradually work towards their ambitions amid the historical context of maritime exploits and the relationships formed in their tight-knit community.
Horatio Alger
Frank and Fearless; or, The Fortunes of Jasper Kent
"Frank and Fearless; or, The Fortunes of Jasper Kent" by Horatio Alger Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around the young protagonist, Jasper Kent, who defies a school bully named Nicholas Thorne, thereby establishing himself as a brave and principled character. The book explores themes of justice, the trials of youth, and the struggle against adversity in a boarding school setting. The opening of the novel describes a tense scene at Dr. Benton’s boarding school, where Jasper finds himself confronting Thorne, the school bully who is mercilessly bullying a younger boy named Cameron. Jasper bravely intervenes, standing up to Thorne and defending Cameron, which leads to an unexpected physical confrontation. With a combination of courage and skill, Jasper manages to defeat the bully, thus earning the admiration of his peers, particularly the younger Cameron. The chapter sets the tone for the narrative, introducing the conflict between Jasper and Thorne that will develop as the story progresses, alongside the social dynamics and character relationships within the school environment.
W. H. (William Henry) Hudson
A Little Boy Lost
"A Little Boy Lost" by W. H. Hudson is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story follows a young boy named Martin who, after a series of whimsical adventures, becomes separated from his home on the great plain and embarks on a journey through various landscapes, encountering strange creatures and learning about the world around him. The opening of the book introduces Martin's idyllic early life with his family, particularly focusing on his father, a carpenter, and the unique environment of their home in a remote area. Martin is depicted as a curious and adventurous child, often playing among the sunflowers and befriending the creatures of the land. However, a misadventure involving a snake leads to a mix of parental worry and concern. As Martin grows, he begins to explore further, becoming fascinated with the natural world and the strange mirages on the horizon. This opening ultimately sets the stage for his forthcoming adventures and hints at themes of innocence, exploration, and the contrast between childhood wonder and the complexities of the adult world.
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