Subject
Stepmothers -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Unknown
Cinderella : $b or, The little glass slipper
No description available.
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.
A. L. O. E.
Idols in the Heart: A Tale
"Idols in the Heart: A Tale" by A. L. O. E. is a fictional narrative written during the late 19th century. The novel revolves around Clemence Effingham, a young bride who navigates her new life as a stepmother in a cold and judgmental family dynamic. The story likely explores themes of societal expectations, identity, and the complexity of familial relationships, particularly as Clemence grapples with the challenges posed by her husband's children and their aunt, Lady Selina. At the start of the story, we are introduced to the emotional landscape surrounding the arrival of Clemence, the new bride, in her husband Vincent's home. The opening chapter reveals the apprehension and resentment felt by his children, particularly Arabella and Louisa, as well as the manipulative influence of Lady Selina, their aunt. As services and interactions unfold, we witness a mix of curiosity, disdain, and internal struggles experienced by Clemence as she strives to forge connections with her stepchildren and adapt to her new role. The dynamics are complicated by her lower social standing compared to her husband's family, setting the stage for a tense exploration of relationships and personal growth.
Horatio Alger
Making His Mark
"Making His Mark" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on Gerald Lane, a boy who grapples with the sudden changes in his life following the death of his father and the arrival of his stepbrother, Abel. The narrative explores themes of social class, resilience, and the quest for independence as Gerald navigates his new circumstances under the control of his stepmother. The opening of the book introduces Gerald Lane as he faces an unpleasant conversation with his stepmother, Mrs. Lane, regarding the inheritance left by his father. Feeling disinherited, Gerald learns of his stepmother's plans to withdraw him from his education and force him to work in a grocery store. The sudden revelation of Abel, Mrs. Lane's son from a previous marriage, complicates Gerald's situation further as he feels replaced and unvalued. The dynamic established between the characters sets the stage for Gerald's struggle as he seeks to find his own worth and define his path amidst familial challenges.
L. T. Meade
Dumps - A Plain Girl
"Dumps - A Plain Girl" by L.T. Meade is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on Rachel Grant, affectionately called "Dumps" by her family and peers, who believes that girls often learn to be patient and self-sacrificing while navigating the challenges of growing up. Set against the backdrop of a somewhat dysfunctional household in London, Rachel's life revolves around her father, Professor Grant, and her two brothers, Alex and Charley, as she grapples with feelings of inadequacy due to her looks and her social standing. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Rachel and her home life, which is marked by her father's severe headaches and her brothers' mischievousness. Rachel's struggle for recognition and self-worth becomes evident through her interactions with her friends, particularly her attempt to impress Rita and Agnes Swan during a tea party that goes awry when unexpected guests arrive. As she attempts to orchestrate a fun afternoon, the chaos escalates when her father abruptly returns home and demands quiet. Despite her worries and the challenges posed by her brothers and their friends, Rachel’s kindness and genuine nature shine through, particularly in her encounters with the charming Dutch boy, Von Marlo, who sees her beyond her self-imposed label of "Dumps." This initial chapter sets the tone for Rachel’s journey of self-discovery and the exploration of the complexities of friendship, family, and the quest for identity amidst societal expectations.
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.
Mary E. (Mary Emily) Ropes
What happened to Tad
"What Happened to Tad" by Mary E. Ropes is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story centers around a young boy named Tadpole (Teddie Poole) who, feeling abandoned and mistreated by his harsh stepmother, decides to take drastic measures to escape his troubled home life. As he plots to care for his younger siblings while planning revenge against his stepmother, he unwittingly gets entangled in a series of misadventures that lead him far from home. The opening of the narrative sets the stage for Tad's struggles at home, highlighting his deep sorrow and sense of injustice towards his stepmother's treatment of him and his siblings. After enduring yet another confrontation with his father over the matter, Tad resolves to leave home to escape his intolerable situation. He initially considers the possibility of revenge against his stepmother but instead takes the baby from her as a form of retaliation. However, this seemingly simple act spirals into a much larger predicament when the baby is lost, forcing Tad into a desperate escape from the harsh realities of his life. Filled with themes of childhood hardship and resilience, the beginning suggests a journey of self-discovery riddled with challenges and moral dilemmas that Tad must face.
Lucy Ellen Guernsey
Sophie Kennedy's experience : $b or, The stepmother
No description available.
Ellen Douglas Deland
Oakleigh
"Oakleigh" by Ellen Douglas Deland is a novel written in the late 19th century. Set in a Massachusetts household, it follows the Franklin children—earnest Edith, spirited Cynthia, enterprising Jack, and the younger Janet and Willy—as they cope with loss, responsibility, and the upheaval of their father’s remarriage to Hester Gordon. Domestic comedy, small-town social life, and youthful schemes (notably Jack’s poultry-incubator enterprise) shape a warm, gently humorous family story. The opening of Oakleigh introduces the Franklins’ home and rhythms: motherless Edith manages the house, while twins Jack and Cynthia debate Jack’s plan to raise prize chickens with an incubator. Aunt Betsey Trinkett breezes in, funds the scheme, and unwittingly inspires Cynthia’s prank—an impersonation that leads to a gossip-fueled revelation that Mr. Franklin is likely to remarry. A disastrous meddling by the little ones ruins the first hatch, and Mr. Franklin confirms his engagement to Hester Gordon. The marriage soon follows; Cynthia embraces the kind new stepmother while Edith resists, even as Hester brings practical help (a new horse and cart) and cheer. A village tennis tournament, the arrival of Hester’s outspoken brother Neal, and his partnership with Jack on the poultry venture set the stage for family adjustments and future complications.
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