Subject
Southwest, New -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Jim Kjelgaard
Hi Jolly!
"Hi Jolly!" by Jim Kjelgaard is a novel written in the late 20th century. The story revolves around a young camel driver named Ali as he embarks on a pilgrimage to Mecca, facing various challenges in a harsh desert world. With the backdrop of historical facts, Ali's journey is marked by both his deep connection with camels and the trials posed by bandits and harsh conditions. At the start of the narrative, Ali awakens in the Syrian desert, acutely aware of the dangers surrounding him. He prepares for his journey towards Mecca, reflecting on his past experiences with camels and his aspirations to earn respect through the pilgrimage. As Ali plans to join the larger caravan known as the Hadj, his situation rapidly deteriorates when he witnesses the massacre of a local caravan by raiders. Resolute, he still decides to pursue the Hadj, driven by his passion for camels and a fortuitous encounter that leads him to discover a captured riding camel, which he names Ben Akbar. This encounter sets in motion a series of events that intertwine Ali's fate with that of the magnificent camel and introduces themes of bravery, loyalty, and survival.
Josephine Chase
Grace Harlowe's Overland Riders on the Great American Desert
"Grace Harlowe's Overland Riders on the Great American Desert" by Josephine Chase is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of adventurous young women, the Overland Riders, led by Grace Harlowe as they embark on an exciting trip across the Great American Desert. The narrative presents themes of bravery, camaraderie, and the thrills of frontier life as the girls tackle various challenges, including encounters with cowboys and wild ponies. The opening of the book sets the stage for the journey by introducing Grace Harlowe and her companions as they prepare for their desert adventure. There’s an immediate sense of excitement as they meet their guide, Hi Lang, and start selecting their spirited ponies. Grace’s bold personality shines through as she confidently chooses a challenging "outlaw" pony, a decision that foreshadows the physical trials ahead. The lively dialogue among the characters reveals their camaraderie and determination, signalling that they are ready to face the hardships of the desert together. As narrative tension builds, readers are drawn into a world of excitement and peril, hinting at the thrilling escapades that await the Overland Riders.
Lillian Elizabeth Roy
Polly in the Southwest
"Polly in the Southwest" by Lillian Elizabeth Roy is a children’s adventure novel written in the early 20th century. This light-hearted fiction follows Polly Brewster and her friends as they navigate the challenges and excitement of life after returning from a long cruise. The group embarks on a new journey towards the southwestern United States, marking yet another chapter in their adventurous lives filled with friendship, intrigue, and the pursuit of treasure along with personal growth. The opening of the story sets the stage for Polly and her friends who have just returned to New York after a cruise filled with unexpected events. They are initially overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of city life compared to their tranquil experiences at sea. As Mr. Dalken shares a letter about mining interests in Arizona, the friends demonstrate a keen interest in accompanying him on his journey westward, sparking discussions about their future adventures. This opening reveals not only their close friendships but also hints at romantic tensions, particularly between Polly and Tom Latimer, making the story rich with emotional dynamics alongside the promise of adventure and exploration in the Southwest.
John Henry Goldfrap
The Border Boys on the Trail
"The Border Boys on the Trail" by Fremont B. Deering is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows two boys, Ralph Stetson and Jack Merrill, who venture to the New Mexico border region, where they get caught up in a series of dangerous adventures involving cattle rustlers. As they navigate the unfamiliar landscape and its challenges, they rely on their wits and friendship. The opening of the novel introduces Ralph and Jack as they arrive in the scanty frontier town of Maguez, New Mexico. They are accompanied by their professor, Wintergreen, who is eager to study the local history and culture. The narrative quickly shifts from a mundane arrival to a more thrilling atmosphere as the boys witness a chaotic scene involving a Chinese cook and a threatening Mexican man, Black Ramon De Barrios. In a series of incidents, Ralph's luck and bravery are put to the test, particularly when he finds himself amidst a runaway pony incident, leading to a life-threatening situation with the current of a rushing canal. The stage is set for the boys’ adventures, fraught with excitement and danger while hinting at the presence of more treachery ahead.
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