Subject
Submarines (Ships) -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
James R. Driscoll
The Brighton Boys in the Submarine Treasure Ship
"The Brighton Boys in the Submarine Treasure Ship" by James R. Driscoll is a novel written in the early 20th century. This adventurous tale revolves around two young U.S. Navy ensigns, Jay Thacker and Dick Monaghan, who have recently returned home from serving in the Great War. The book follows their exuberant spirits as they embark on a treasure-hunting mission involving sunken ships and the potential for uncovering lost wealth after they enlist in a salvage operation. At the start of the book, we find the main characters on the deck of the "Leviathan", a transport ship, spotting a derelict vessel in the water. This discovery sparks a discussion about the lost treasures of sunken ships, leading to their desire for summer employment in salvage operations. After returning to their hometown, they run into an old friend and learn about the existence of treasure from sunken cargo ships. Soon, they are offered a chance to join a salvage expedition aboard the submarine "Nemo", creating an exciting setup for their forthcoming underwater adventures. The opening chapters set a thrilling tone filled with camaraderie, excitement, and the promise of danger as they prepare to dive into the unknown depths of the sea.
Victor Appleton
Tom Swift and His Submarine Boat; Or, Under the Ocean for Sunken Treasure
"Tom Swift and His Submarine Boat; Or, Under the Ocean for Sunken Treasure" by Victor Appleton is a novel published by Grosset & Dunlap. When Tom learns of a sunken ship carrying $300,000 in gold bullion off Uruguay's coast, he convinces his father to pursue the treasure instead of competing for a government prize. But a rival submarine follows close behind, determined to steal the fortune. Tom must navigate treacherous waters, escape foreign captivity, and dive to extreme depths to claim the sunken treasure first.
Percy F. (Percy Francis) Westerman
The Rival Submarines
"The Rival Submarines" by Percy F. Westerman is a naval adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds during a period of military mobilization where the British fleet is a target for a mysterious foreign submarine commanded by the enigmatic Captain Restronguet. The narrative centers around Sub-Lieutenant Arnold Hythe, who is tasked with investigating the submarine's activities and faces thrilling encounters throughout his mission. The opening portion of the tale introduces an atmosphere of urgency as the British naval forces prepare for practice maneuvers at Portsmouth. Shortly before the exercises commence, a strange message is found attached to the battleships’ anchors, signaling an unknown threat and prompting an immediate investigation led by Hythe. As he descends into the depths to uncover the mystery, he encounters a foreign submarine that ignites his determination to protect his fleet. Throughout this adventure, readers are introduced to the tension between the British authorities and the disruptive activities of the elusive Captain Restronguet, setting the stage for a gripping narrative filled with naval strategy, technology, and exploration.
Percy F. (Percy Francis) Westerman
The Pirate Submarine
"The Pirate Submarine" by Percy F. Westerman is a fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around two main characters, Tom Trevorrick and Paul Pengelly, who are partners in a struggling shipbreaking business. As they face financial ruin, they contemplate turning to piracy as a means of escape, ultimately deciding to commandeer a submarine and use it for their illicit activities. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to the dire situation faced by Trevorrick and Pengelly, who are concerned about the falling prices of scrap metal and the potential collapse of their business. Trevorrick, a former naval officer, suggests an audacious plan to escape their troubles by disguising a submarine as a merchant vessel and engaging in piracy. They quickly begin preparations, recruiting a crew and securing the necessary materials for their scheme. The opening sets the stage for an adventurous tale filled with intrigue, deception, and the thrill of the high seas.
Stanley R. Matthews
Motor Matt's Quest; or Three Chums in Strange Waters
"Motor Matt's Quest; or Three Chums in Strange Waters" by Stanley R. Matthews is a thrilling adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Motor Matt, a remarkably skilled young motorist known as "Mile-a-minute Matt," who possesses exceptional nerve and expertise in operating various vehicles, including submarines. The narrative unfolds as Matt and his companions become embroiled in a daring mission to rescue a fellow American who is being held captive by Central American revolutionists. The opening portion introduces us to a dire situation aboard the submarine "Grampus", where Motor Matt is tasked with executing a challenging dive under the watchful gaze of Captain Nemo Jr. As tensions rise, the crew finds themselves stuck in the remnants of an ancient shipwreck, heightening the stakes of their mission. Amidst the high-pressure and thrilling environment, readers are introduced to a colorful cast of characters, including the brave Dick Ferral and the jovial Carl Pretzel, who add depth and camaraderie to the unfolding adventure. The initial chapters skillfully blend action with elements of suspense, setting the stage for the penetrating dangers and cunning maneuvering that await within strange waters.
Clarence Young
The Motor Boys Under the Sea; or, From Airship to Submarine
"The Motor Boys Under the Sea; or, From Airship to Submarine" by Clarence Young is a juvenile adventure novel written in the early 20th century. It follows a group of adventurous boys, known as the "Motor Boys," particularly Jerry Hopkins, Ned Slade, and Bob Baker, as they embark on an exciting journey that spans both air and water. These characters are equipped with a motorship named the "Comet" and set out to investigate a mysterious creature in the water, plunging them into a series of thrilling and perilous situations. The opening of the story finds the boys piloting their airship over Massachusetts Bay when they spot a strange creature that initially appears to be a whale but is later revealed to be a submarine. As they attempt to investigate this intriguing sight, their motorship encounters a malfunction that sends them spiraling toward the sea. Meanwhile, the narrative introduces the boys' backgrounds and highlights their previous adventures, setting the stage for their current quest. As they navigate the challenges of both their craft and the mystery unfolding beneath them, the boys are drawn into an adventure involving a sunken ship, suspense, and the thrill of the unknown, showcasing the excitement of discovery and camaraderie.
Stanley R. Matthews
Motor Matt's Submarine; or, The Strange Cruise of the Grampus
"Motor Matt's Submarine; or, The Strange Cruise of the Grampus" by the author Matthews is a thrilling adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the protagonist, Motor Matt, a skilled young motor enthusiast known for his daring exploits with various vehicles, including submarines. Joined by his friends, Matt finds himself embroiled in a dangerous adventure on the submarine Grampus as they pursue a mysterious antagonist named Captain Sixty, who seems to have ulterior motives connected to their mission. At the start of the tale, we meet Motor Matt and his companions as they await word from their friend Captain Nemo, Jr., who is recovering from illness. The plot soon kicks into gear when a sudden turn of events leads Matt to receive a telegram meant for Captain Sixty, which thrusts the boys into a tangled web of intrigue and danger. As the narrative unfolds, Matt and his friends are lured onto a voyage aboard the Santa Maria, where sinister actions by Captain Sixty put them in jeopardy. In a shocking twist, Matt is thrown overboard by Sixty, only to be rescued by the Grampus, which raises the stakes further as they seek to uncover the truth behind the treacherous plot that envelops their adventure.
G. Harvey (George Harvey) Ralphson
Boy Scouts in a Submarine; Or, Searching an Ocean Floor
"Boy Scouts in a Submarine; Or, Searching an Ocean Floor" by G. Harvey Ralphson is an adventurous novel written during the early 20th century. The story centers around a group of imaginative and resourceful Boy Scouts who set out on an exciting underwater mission aboard a submarine. Their goal is to recover gold from a sunken mail ship, which ties into a larger narrative involving potential international intrigue and espionage. The opening of the novel introduces the Black Bear Patrol, a lively group of Boy Scouts in New York City, as they gather to prepare for their next adventure, which involves an upcoming mission related to the Gulf of Tong King. The atmosphere is filled with youthful banter and excitement, particularly concerning the arrival of Captain Moore from the Secret Service who will provide the Scouts with instructions for their underwater expedition. As the chapter unfolds, the boys display their camaraderie and initial apprehensions about being under the command of an older officer. Tensions arise when Captain Moore arrives, challenging their independence and approach. This sets the stage for a gripping tale of adventure as they embark on their quest beneath the ocean's surface.
Donald Grayson
Bob Steele in Strange Waters; or, Aboard a Strange Craft
"Bob Steele in Strange Waters; or, Aboard a Strange Craft" by Donald Grayson is a fictional adventure novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the main character, Bob Steele, who is a skilled navigator and mechanic aboard the submarine "Grampus". The narrative introduces readers to a world of perilous underwater exploration, where Steele and his crew face challenges while on a secret mission to rescue an American consul from revolutionaries. The opening of the story finds Bob Steele gearing up for a deep dive in the "Grampus", under the command of Captain Nemo, junior. As they prepare to embark on this critical maneuver, tension builds when the submarine unexpectedly collides with an ancient shipwreck, trapping them at the ocean's depths. The captain's health deteriorates, prompting Bob to take charge as they navigate this crisis and receive sealed orders for a mission involving the rescue of the consul from Central American revolutionists. Amidst the treachery and uncertainties of their expedition, Bob Steele emerges as a capable leader, trusted with the safety of his crew and the success of their mission.
Percy F. (Percy Francis) Westerman
The Submarine Hunters: A Story of the Naval Patrol Work in the Great War
"The Submarine Hunters: A Story of Naval Patrol Work in the Great War" by Percy F. Westerman is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around two young friends, Ross Trefusis and Vernon Haye, who become embroiled in naval patrol work during World War I. Set against the backdrop of the war, the story engages the readers with themes of adventure, espionage, and the challenges faced by the protagonists as they uncover a plot involving German spies and submarines. At the start of the novel, we meet the two boys who have mistakenly grounded their sailing boat on St. Mena's Island. While exploring the island, they become suspicious of a stranger who appears to be having a secret meeting in the ruins of an old chapel. As the boys attempt to eavesdrop, they overhear a conversation in German that suggests espionage activities and a plot related to submarine operations. Their investigation leads to their capture by a pair of German spies, setting the stage for a thrilling adventure on the high seas as they are taken aboard a German submarine. The opening portion combines elements of friendship, intrigue, and impending danger, immersing the reader in an engaging tale of bravery amidst the perils of war.
John Henry Goldfrap
The Dreadnought Boys on a Submarine
"The Dreadnought Boys on a Submarine" by John Henry Goldfrap is an adventure novel written in the early 20th century. This book follows the young inventor Channing Lockyer, who is set to launch his revolutionary submarine while facing opposition from individuals who seek to sabotage his efforts. Lockyer is joined by the daring "Dreadnought Boys," specifically Ned Strong and Herc Taylor, as they navigate the treacherous waters of invention, deceit, and espionage. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Channing Lockyer as he firmly rejects an offer from Jasper Ferriss to sell his submarine design to a foreign power, emphasizing his loyalty to his country. As the tension builds surrounding the imminent government tests on the submarine, the narrative shifts to the arrival of the young naval recruits, Ned and Herc, who are excited about their new assignment to test Lockyer’s creation. However, lurking dangers manifest as the disgruntled ex-foreman, Anderson, and a conspirator named Gradbarr plot to undermine Lockyer’s efforts by sabotaging the submarine. Their plot unravels amidst the mounting excitement leading up to the submarine's launch, setting the stage for thrilling escapades and unexpected twists.
Roy J. (Roy Judson) Snell
Sign of the Green Arrow A Mystery Story
"Sign of the Green Arrow" by Roy J. Snell is a mystery novel written in the late 1930s. The story centers around a young man named Johnny Thompson, who embarks on an adventurous and potentially dangerous journey while working on a scientific expedition aboard the ship "Sea Nymph". As he navigates through mysterious surroundings, he encounters a peculiar green light signaling from a nearby island, intriguing characters including a blonde girl named Doris and her grandfather Professor Casper, and hints of espionage that elevate the tension within the narrative. The opening of the story establishes the atmosphere of suspense and adventure, beginning with Johnny's solitary shift on the deck of the ship in the tropical night. He soon spots a mysterious green arrow signal and meets Doris, who shares his curiosity about the light. Their conversation reveals hints of danger in the region involving native unrest and possible spies. As Johnny reflects on his life and the unexplained occurrences surrounding him, a sense of excitement builds around their planned explorations and the hidden secrets of the sea. The chapters that follow promise thrilling underwater discoveries, unearthing the potential threats posed by spies, all while developing Johnny's relationship with Doris and the quest for answers.
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