Subject
Stepfathers -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Horatio Alger
Ben Bruce: Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy
"Ben Bruce: Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a coming-of-age novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Ben Bruce, a determined young boy who grapples with the harsh realities of life as he confronts his cruel stepfather and his yearning for a better future in the bustling city of New York. Throughout his journey, Ben's bravery and resilience shine through as he faces various challenges and seeks independence. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to Ben and his tumultuous relationship with his stepfather, Jacob Winter, who scolds him for giving food to two tramps. Tensions rise as Jacob insists Ben abandon his dreams of furthering his education, which leads Ben to contemplate leaving home to seek his fortune in New York. After a mix of adventures, including thwarting a robber and earning praise for his bravery, the narrative sets up Ben's arrival in Boston, marking the beginning of his journey towards self-discovery and hope for a brighter future amidst adversity.
Horatio Alger
Frank Hunter's Peril
"Frank Hunter's Peril" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Frank Hunter, a young boy grappling with insecurity about his mother's intentions to marry Mr. Craven, a man he does not trust. As tension builds surrounding the perceived threat from Craven, Frank's loyalty and love for his mother are tested, leading to a conflict where he must navigate the complexities of family, trust, and emerging adulthood. The opening portion of the book introduces Frank Hunter, who is initially enjoying a carefree moment on the lawn when his friend Ben Cameron brings up the subject of his mother’s growing relationship with Mr. Craven. Frank's palpable discomfort with the idea of Craven becoming his stepfather surfaces as he expresses concern over Craven’s frequent visits. A scene between Frank's mother and Mr. Craven reveals Craven’s intentions to propose marriage, leading to a troubling acceptance on her part despite her lack of affection for him. Through Frank's lens, we see the dynamics of this impending family change, laying the groundwork for future tensions and foreshadowing the peril that awaits Frank and his dog, Pompey, at the hands of the predatory Mr. Craven.
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.
Oliver Optic
A millionaire at sixteen : $b or, The cruise of the Guardian-Mother
“A millionaire at sixteen : or, The cruise of the Guardian-Mother” by Oliver Optic is a juvenile adventure novel written in the late 19th century. It follows Louis Belgrave, a level‑headed sixteen-year-old who has unexpectedly become a millionaire, as he embarks on sea-going adventures shaped by duty to his mother, guidance from a prudent trustee, and the lure of world travel. Expect nautical action, moral tests, and a globe‑trotting premise centered on yachting, with figures like the genial Uncle Moses, the seasoned Captain Ringgold, and a menacing former stepfather complicating the voyage. The opening of the story sets up Louis’s fortune, character, and intentions: after good‑natured sparring with his trustee about wealth and prudence, he plans to buy a modest schooner for quiet cruising with his mother. A suave stranger, “Mr. Frinks Fobbington,” offers a too‑good‑to‑be‑true yacht inspection at Southfield; Louis goes with his mother, Captain Ringgold, and his friend Felix. Once aboard, the schooner unexpectedly gets under way, and Louis discovers it is actually the Maud, commanded by his mother’s disreputable former husband, with “Fobbington” revealed as the mate. As a blow rises and the crew traps Ringgold and Felix below, Louis tends to his seasick mother, steels her resolve against the villain, then slips through a pantry passage, pries open the lower hatch, and frees his companions. The section closes with the group regrouping in the second cabin amid worsening weather, learning they are bound for England, and preparing to resist.
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