Subject
Sweden -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Selma Lagerlöf
Wunderbare Reise des kleinen Nils Holgersson mit den Wildgänsen: Ein Kinderbuch
"Wunderbare Reise des kleinen Nils Holgersson mit den Wildgänsen: Ein Kinderbuch" by Selma Lagerlöf is a novel first published in 1906/1907. Fourteen-year-old Nils Holgersson, a cruel and lazy farm boy, is transformed into a tiny elf as punishment. He flies across Sweden on the back of a domestic goose traveling with wild geese, experiencing adventures while learning about his country's geography, history, and culture. Through his journey, Nils must prove himself morally and earn his way back to humanity.
Selma Lagerlöf
The Wonderful Adventures of Nils
"The Wonderful Adventures of Nils" by Selma Lagerlöf is a work of fiction published in 1906 and 1907. Originally commissioned as a geography reader for Swedish schools, the story follows Nils Holgersson, a mischievous boy who delights in tormenting animals. When he captures a tomte and refuses its bargain, he's transformed to miniature size. Clinging to his family's goose, Nils embarks on an extraordinary flight across Sweden's provinces, learning lessons that might earn him back his normal form.
Selma Lagerlöf
Le Merveilleux voyage de Nils Holgersson à travers la Suède
"Le Merveilleux voyage de Nils Holgersson à travers la Suède" by Selma Lagerlöf is a work of fiction originally published in 1906 and 1907. A mischievous boy who delights in tormenting animals captures a tomte and faces magical consequences—he's shrunk to tiny size. Clinging to the neck of his family's goose, Nils embarks on an extraordinary journey across Sweden's provinces with a flock of wild geese, encountering adventures that challenge him to prove his worth and transform his character.
Selma Lagerlöf
Peukaloisen retket villihanhien seurassa
"Peukaloisen retket villihanhien seurassa" by Selma Lagerlöf is a children's novel published in 1906-1907. When fourteen-year-old Nils Holgersson is mysteriously transformed, he embarks on an extraordinary journey across Sweden with a flock of wild geese. Originally commissioned as a geography textbook for Swedish schools, this tale blends adventure and education as young Nils discovers his country's landscapes, legends, and natural wonders from an entirely new perspective. The story has become a beloved classic of children's literature, translated into over forty languages.
Madeline Brandeis
Little Erik of Sweden
"Little Erik of Sweden" by Madeline Brandeis is a children's novel written in the late 1930s. The story follows a spirited young boy named Erik, who becomes embroiled in the complexities of love and social status as he tries to protect his beloved friend Greta from the advances of a wealthy baron. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Swedish landscapes and traditions, the tale delves into themes of bravery, friendship, and the importance of standing up for one's loved ones. The opening of the narrative introduces Erik as a joyful boy who delights in singing while skating on a frozen lake. We learn about his deep bond with Greta, the daughter of the estate owner, and his concerns when he hears that a baron from Stockholm intends to marry her. Erik's protective instincts lead him to conspire with his older brother, Nils, to thwart the marriage he deems unsuitable for Greta. As the plot unfolds, Erik dreams up playful yet bold plans to save his friend, setting the stage for a tale filled with adventure and heartfelt emotion. The groundwork for Erik's courageous journey is laid, as he moves from innocent playfulness to a more serious mission to ensure the happiness of those he cares about.
Selma Lagerlöf
Niels Holgersson's Wonderbare Reis
"Niels Holgersson's Wonderbare Reis" by Selma Lagerlöf and Margaretha Meijboom is a children's book written in 1906. Young Nils Holgersson delights in tormenting farm animals until an angry kabouter shrinks him to thumb-size. When wild geese fly overhead, Nils unexpectedly joins them on their journey north to Lapland. Traveling across Sweden on the back of a goose, the tiny boy faces danger, adventure, and life lessons that transform him in unexpected ways.
Laura Fitinghoff
Children of the moor
"Children of the Moor" by Laura Fitinghoff is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. Set during a famine in northern Sweden, the story follows seven orphaned siblings—led by the resolute Andy—and their milk-giving goat, Golden Horn, as they trek from settlement to settlement seeking food, shelter, and kindness. It’s a tale of endurance, faith, and the contrasts between generosity and hard-heartedness they meet along the way. The opening of the novel sketches the bleak famine in Norrland, the father’s death and the mother’s passing, and the children’s flight to avoid the poorhouse, with Andy pulling a sled that carries the youngest girls. On the road they stave off fear of wolves by singing, then find unexpected refuge with “the Spectacle Man,” a lame shoemaker (Ladd-Pelle) who feeds them; in return they clean his cottage, bake bread, and he crafts new shoes for their blistered feet. Pressing on, they are rebuffed at a prosperous farm, then overtaken by a storm on the frozen river; amid the whiteout the toddler Martha-Greta falls from the sled unnoticed, and Andy searches in vain. Meanwhile a forester discovers the child, carries her to his warm home, and his compassionate wife tends her—while the rest of the children struggle forward through the snow, now separated from their smallest sister.
Laura Fitinghoff
Hallatunturin lapset
"Hallatunturin lapset" by Laura Fitinghoff is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set during a harsh famine year in northern Sweden, focusing on seven orphaned children who leave their home in search of a better life. Led by their oldest brother, Antti, they navigate the challenges of hunger and survival in a cold and unforgiving landscape. At the start of the narrative, the author vividly describes the devastating impact of a famine year in Norrlann, illustrating the dire conditions faced by families and emphasizing the stark contrast between good and bad years. The opening introduces the seven orphans, who are prompted to leave their home after the death of their mother, driven by a fear of being separated and sent to a poorhouse. As they journey through the wilderness, their dire situation is tempered by their sibling bonds and dreams of finding nourishment and safety, underscoring themes of resilience, hope, and the struggle for survival amid adversity.
Sarah S. (Sarah Schoonmaker) Baker
Little Tora, The Swedish Schoolmistress and Other Stories
"Little Tora, The Swedish Schoolmistress and Other Stories" by Sarah S. Baker is a collection of fictional tales crafted in the late 19th century. The stories primarily revolve around the life and challenges faced by a young girl named Tora, who aspires to become a schoolmistress, as well as depicting the lives of those in her community. The narrative explores themes of determination, sacrifice, and personal growth through Tora’s encounters and experiences. The opening of the book introduces Tora as a spirited young girl, engaging with a doctor’s family during dinner. It quickly establishes her desire to earn new shoes by showcasing her singing talents, despite her awkward attempts at performance. This moment leads to her being encouraged to pursue her dream of becoming a schoolmistress, with support from the adults around her. Tora’s earnest ambition and the kind interactions with her community captured in this beginning set the tone for a story about resilience and the journey of a young girl striving for her place in the world.
Sarah S. (Sarah Schoonmaker) Baker
The Golden House
"The Golden House" by Mrs. Woods Baker is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a Swedish family, particularly focusing on the character of Nono, a little Italian boy found and adopted by a loving couple, Karin and Jan, who already have a large family of boys. The narrative captures themes of love, belonging, and the idea of family while portraying the contrasts between different cultures and societal backgrounds. The opening of the book introduces a dreary scene in which a group, consisting of two Italians and a bear, is traveling along a Swedish road, leading them to the "golden house." The warm and inviting cottage belongs to Karin and Jan, who are surprisingly hospitable, welcoming the strangers and their bear into their home. Here, Nono is introduced as a little brown baby who becomes a part of their family after Karin feels a strong connection to the child, desiring to fill the void left by her own losses. As the narrative progresses from this beginning, we witness the family's interactions, unveil their struggles, and embrace the dynamics of love and acceptance that define their lives.
Laura Fitinghoff
Barnen ifrån Frostmofjället
"Barnen ifrån Frostmofjället" by Laura Fitinghoff is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the struggles of seven orphaned children, led by a boy named Ante, as they navigate a harsh landscape during a time of famine in Northern Sweden. The narrative seeks to explore themes of resilience, family, and survival, depicting the children's journey against the backdrop of their challenges and hopes. The opening of the novel establishes the dire circumstances in which the children find themselves. Set during a harsh famine in the late 1860s, Ante, who is only thirteen, takes the lead as he and his six younger siblings leave their home in search of food and shelter to avoid being sent to a poorhouse. Their mother has recently died, and their father succumbed to alcoholism, leaving the children vulnerable. As they trek through the cold and desolate landscape, the children’s conversations reveal their deep bond, as well as the hunger and fear that accompany them. The narrative's tone oscillates between hopefulness and despair as they face the reality of their situation, encountering both the stark beauty of their natural surroundings and the potential dangers they must face. Their journey prompts reflections on community, family, and the strength found in unity amidst adversity.
Recently surfaced classics