Subject
Smugglers -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Herbert Strang
Jack Hardy: A Story of English Smugglers in the Days of Napoleon
"Jack Hardy: A Story of English Smugglers in the Days of Napoleon" by Herbert Strang is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the young midshipman Jack Hardy as he navigates his new life aboard H.M.S. "Fury" during a time rife with naval skirmishes against the French and smuggling activities along the English coast. The book paints a vivid picture of life in a coastal village, exploring themes of adventure, duty, and family ties. The opening of the story introduces Jack Hardy as he embarks on a journey to visit his cousin, Humfrey Bastable, before joining his new ship. Interacting with a variety of colorful characters, including a sailor named Joe Gumley and a farmer named Mr. Gudgeon, Jack learns about the local tensions surrounding smuggling while also helping Gudgeon after an unfortunate incident. As he arrives in the village of Luscombe, Jack's cheerful disposition contrasts with the underlying mystery of smuggling and a growing tension in the air. The foundation is set for an adventure that intertwines Jack's naval duty with local intrigues, hinting at the encounters yet to come.
Herbert Strang
The Adventures of Dick Trevanion: A Story of Eighteen Hundred and Four
"The Adventures of Dick Trevanion: A Story of Eighteen Hundred and Four" by Herbert Strang is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the titular character, Dick Trevanion, a young boy involved in everyday life and adventures in the quaint Cornish village of Polkerran. The book explores themes of familial struggle, local lore, and the challenges of youth intertwined with the anticipation of adventure. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to the coastal village of Polkerran, where Dick and his friend Sam Pollex are out fishing one evening. They are depicted as energetic youths targeting salmon bass, but their fishing endeavors prove unsuccessful. As night falls, they notice a mysterious three-masted vessel off the coast, stirring their curiosity and concern, especially given the local fear of a possible French invasion during the ongoing Napoleonic Wars. The introduction of John Trevanion, Dick's estranged cousin, adds tension to family dynamics and hints at deeper conflicts to unfold—laying the groundwork for an unfolding tale rich with adventure, intrigue, and the complexities of heritage.
Ralph Victor
Comrades on River and Lake
"Comrades on River and Lake" by Ralph Victor is a boys' adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of friends from Winton Hall as they embark on a summer canoe trip filled with adventures along rivers and lakes, showcasing themes of camaraderie, outdoor exploration, and youthful exuberance. The central characters include Fleet Kenby, Chot Duncan, Tom Pratt, and the recently welcomed Pod Meelick, as they navigate their journey and face various challenges together. The opening of the novel introduces the boys as they prepare for their summer expedition just after completing their studies at Winton Hall. The narrative kicks off with a playful exchange among friends as they excitedly discuss canoes and their plans for the trip, hinting at adventures to come. Additionally, the boys experience a turning point as Truem Wright, a former rival, seeks their friendship, showcasing themes of forgiveness and personal growth amid the camaraderie. The boys leave Winton, embarking on a journey filled with anticipation and the promise of thrilling experiences in the great outdoors.
John Henry Goldfrap
The Bungalow Boys in the Great Northwest
"The Bungalow Boys in the Great Northwest" by John Henry Goldfrap is a novel written in the early 20th century. This adventure follows the escapades of two brothers, Tom and Jack Dacre, as they embark on a journey from their serene life in Maine to the great, untamed wilderness of Washington State. The story is filled with excitement and danger as the boys encounter new challenges, including the notorious Bully Banjo and his illegal activities. At the start of the narrative, Mr. Chisholm Dacre, the boys' uncle, receives a letter proposing a visit to Washington to explore investment opportunities in timber and fruit country. As their uncle suggests an upcoming trip, Tom and Jack express their growing feelings of restlessness from their once-exciting home. The opening chapters introduce a vibrant cast of characters, including their humorous neighbor, Mrs. Bijur, and hint at upcoming adventures involving the professor's dangerous experiments. The boys' lives soon intertwine with the criminal elements in the region, leading them to confront exciting and perilous situations that lie ahead.
William Henry Giles Kingston
From Powder Monkey to Admiral: A Story of Naval Adventure
"From Powder Monkey to Admiral: A Story of Naval Adventure" by W.H.G. Kingston is a historical adventure novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows the journey of three boys, Jack, Tom, and Bill, who join the British Navy as powder monkeys at the lowest rating and aspire to rise through the ranks, with one of them set on becoming an admiral. Kingston illustrates themes of bravery, camaraderie, and the pursuit of honor amidst the backdrop of naval warfare. The opening of the narrative introduces Jack, Tom, and Bill as they board the frigate "Foxhound", setting the scene for their naval adventures. Each boy comes with a distinct background: Bill is a London orphan, Tom is a runaway from a solicitor's household, and Jack is the son of a fisherman. As they adjust to the chaotic life on the ship, they begin their training as powder monkeys, tasked with supporting the crew during naval exercises. The chapter paints a vivid picture of their initial experiences at sea, highlighting their fears and ambitions, as well as the various colorful characters they encounter among the crew and press-gang. The scene effectively establishes the boys' camaraderie and sets the stage for the challenges and battles they will face throughout their naval journey.
John Henry Goldfrap
The Motor Rangers' Wireless Station
"The Motor Rangers' Wireless Station" by Marvin West is an adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story features a group of young boys known as the Motor Rangers—Nat Trevor, Joe Hartley, and Ding-dong Bell—who embark on a thrilling quest involving wireless communication and rescue missions. The narrative encompasses themes of friendship, ingenuity, and adventure, positioning the boys in a scenario where they must respond to an urgent wireless distress signal. At the start of the book, the Motor Rangers are enjoying a seemingly peaceful vacation on Goat Island, where they have set up a wireless station for experimental purposes. Their tranquility is interrupted by an urgent message from the steamer Iroquois, which informs them of a critically injured passenger needing immediate assistance. The boys, spurred by their sense of duty, eagerly prepare to navigate their vessel, the Nomad, into the tumultuous sea to answer the call for help. However, they soon find themselves embroiled in a series of unexpected challenges, including navigating a storm and confronting sinister characters, revealing a deeper plot entwined with danger and intrigue.
E. J. (Edith Janice) Craine
The Air Mystery of Isle La Motte
"The Air Mystery of Isle La Motte" by E. J. Craine is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book follows the thrilling adventures of step-brothers Jim Austin and Bob Caldwell as they navigate a world of flying and intrigue aboard their plane, "Her Highness." Their journey takes them to Quebec and Isle La Motte, where they encounter the mysteries of smuggling and turkey theft, intertwining their experiences with local characters and law enforcement. At the start of the novel, the boys land in Quebec and meet a Canadian Mounted Policeman, Sergeant Bradshaw, who highlights concerns about illicit activities in the area. This encounter sets the tone for their summer adventure filled with secrets. As they explore their surroundings, they express curiosity about a mysterious boy working on the Fenton's turkey farm and decide to form a "detective bureau" to solve the three mysteries they have identified: the identity of the boy, the disappearance of turkeys, and the presence of suspicious characters linked to smuggling. The opening chapters establish an exciting blend of youth, adventure, and mystery, drawing readers into the step-brothers' world as they seek to unravel the enigmas surrounding them.
Jane Abbott
Laughing Last
"Laughing Last" by Jane Abbott is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Sidney Romley, a 15-year-old girl who feels alienated as the daughter of a renowned poet and longs for adventure and the freedoms that come with it. The narrative explores themes of rebellion against familial expectations, the struggle for identity, and the quest for belonging in a world that often feels constraining. The opening of the book introduces readers to Sidney's conflict with her family dynamics, particularly regarding her claim to what they call "the Egg," a financial allowance stemming from their father's royalties. This launch into rebellion hints at deeper layers of her dissatisfaction, where she dreams of leaving her small-town life behind for new experiences and adventures. As the chapters unfold, we follow her interactions with her sisters, who embody various attitudes toward their life as daughters of a poet, while Sidney yearns for a taste of life beyond the confines of her upbringing. This sets the stage for her eventual journey to discover her identity through her connections to long-lost relatives and to seize the adventure she has always craved.
Roy J. (Roy Judson) Snell
Witches Cove A Mystery Story for Girls
"Witches Cove" by Roy J. Snell is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around two adventurous girls, Ruth Bracket and Betty Bronson, who find themselves drawn into a series of mysterious events while spending summer on the coast of Maine. Their exploration leads them to encounter a beached schooner, seemingly linked to intriguing mysteries, including potential smuggling activities and a crew of pirates who turn out to be something quite different. The opening portion of the book introduces readers to the atmospheric setting of Casco Bay during a moonless night as Ruth and Betty row out in their dory, drawn by their love for mystery and adventure. They stumble upon a beached three-masted schooner, which ignites their curiosity when they see strange bolts of red cloth inside. Their night takes a thrilling turn when they encounter a mysterious dory crewed by men dressed like pirates. After a brief scare, they discover that the supposed pirates are hosting a celebratory gathering aboard the ancient vessel, joined by locals. As the chapter progresses, Ruth and Betty's adventures set the stage for a summer filled with excitement, budding friendships, and unresolved mysteries linked to smuggling and local folklore.
George Manville Fenn
Devon Boys: A Tale of the North Shore
"The Devon Boys: A Tale of the North Shore" by George Manville Fenn is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in 1752 and follows three mischievous teenage boys—Sep Duncan, Bob Chowne, and Bigley Uggleston—who are on their summer holiday from Barnstaple Grammar School. As they explore the cliffs of Devon and engage in daring escapades, they discover a vein of galena, which leads to the establishment of a mine that brings adventure and intrigue into their lives. At the start of the novel, the narrator, Sep Duncan, recounts his return home for summer holidays with his friends, Bob and Bigley. They immediately embark on a series of adventurous activities amidst the rugged landscape, including moving rocks and planning dangerous explorations at the cliffs. Their exploits soon escalate to thrilling heights when they decide to use gunpowder to bring down a massive boulder from the cliff top. As the boys engage in their playful mischief, the narrative hints at themes of friendship, adventure, and the potential consequences of their daring actions, setting a lively tone for their summer escapades.
William Henry Giles Kingston
Dick Cheveley: His Adventures and Misadventures
"Dick Cheveley: His Adventures and Misadventures" by W.H.G. Kingston is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story follows the young protagonist, Dick Cheveley, the son of a poor vicar in England, who dreams of a life at sea despite his family's disapproval. The narrative captures his struggles, including interactions with family members like the overbearing Aunt Deb, as well as his escapades that lead to perilous situations, reflecting the adventurous spirit of youth. At the start of the novel, Dick expresses a strong desire to join the navy, yearning for adventure despite opposition from his family, particularly Aunt Deb, who argues against the dangers of a sailor's life. After a series of events that involve fishing, an unexpected encounter with a swan, and the subsequent help from a boy named Mark Riddle, Dick’s adventures lead him to accidentally stowaway on a ship. As the story unfolds, readers see Dick face the harsh realities of life at sea and the importance of familial bonds and guidance, setting the stage for a cautionary tale about the perils of pursuing dreams without proper preparation and support.
Harriet Pyne Grove
The Secret of Steeple Rocks
"The Secret of Steeple Rocks" by Harriet Pyne Grove is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the Secrest siblings—Elizabeth, Dalton, and Leslie—as they embark on a summer adventure at their family's newly acquired seaside property in Maine. Here, they seek respite from their recent hardships and the weight of responsibilities, while also discovering beauty in their natural surroundings and navigating budding friendships. At the start of the narrative, the Secrest siblings arrive at Steeple Rocks, captivated by the stunning landscape and eager for a summer filled with exploration and relaxation. The opening chapters introduce Elizabeth, a tired yet aspiring artist; Dalton, a practical and industrious brother; and their adventurous younger sister Leslie, along with their friend Sarita. As they settle into their campsite, familial bonds and the excitement of a new frontier blend with underlying tensions hinted at by mysterious local characters, suggesting that adventure awaits beyond idyllic sketches and fishing trips. The foundation for conflict is established as Dalton encounters an unfriendly man who raises questions about land ownership, foreshadowing challenges ahead for the Secrest family.
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