Subject
Teachers -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
L. M. (Lucy Maud) Montgomery
Kilmeny of the Orchard
"Kilmeny of the Orchard" by L. M. Montgomery is a novel about a young teacher who arrives on Prince Edward Island and discovers a beautiful mute girl playing violin in an abandoned orchard. As Eric Marshall falls deeply in love with Kilmeny, she refuses his marriage proposal, convinced her disability would burden his future. Their romance faces an impossible obstacle until an unexpected visitor offers hope for a miraculous cure through extraordinary circumstances.
Carroll Watson Rankin
Girls of Highland Hall: Further Adventures of the Dandelion Cottagers
"Girls of Highland Hall: Further Adventures of the Dandelion Cottagers" by Carroll Watson Rankin is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story follows a group of young girls from Lakeville, Michigan, as they embark on a new adventure at Highland Hall, a boarding school. Key characters include Bettie, Jean, Mabel, Henrietta, and Marjory, who navigate their new school environment, face challenges, and form friendships amidst the trials of adolescence. The beginning of the novel sets the stage for the girls' journey to Highland Hall. An introductory scene in Chicago introduces the characters as they walk together, showcasing their excitement and curiosity. We learn how various circumstances, such as parental decisions regarding education and the loss of children's lives at home, lead them to boarding school. The narrative hints at their adjustment to school life and the mysteries and adventures they will face, which include encounters with new teachers, unexpected friendships, and the looming presence of a possible burglar. The story invites readers into a world rich with youthful imagination and the complexities of growing up.
Horatio Alger
Strive and Succeed; or, The Progress of Walter Conrad
"Strive and Succeed; or, The Progress of Walter Conrad" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. This work follows the journey of the main character, Walter Conrad, a young boy faced with numerous adversities, as he strives for success and self-improvement in life. The story emphasizes themes of hard work, perseverance, and the moral responsibilities of youth, making it a likely inspirational tale for young readers. The opening of the story introduces Walter Conrad as he travels by train through Wisconsin with a carpetbag, reflecting on his recent past filled with challenges including the loss of his father and financial distress. He has come to Portville under an assumed name, "Gilbert Howard," to investigate the integrity of a businessman believed to have wronged his father. Along the way, we meet various characters, including General Wall, a wealthy man with connections to Walter's father's investment, and his arrogant son, John Wall. Walter's determination to uncover the truth about his father's lost fortune sets the stage for the personal growth and moral lessons that will develop throughout the narrative.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
A Young Hero; Or, Fighting to Win
"A Young Hero; Or, Fighting to Win" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is a children's novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a young boy named Fred Sheldon, who displays courage and a sense of justice as he navigates childhood conflicts and a larger adventure involving theft. The opening chapters introduce us to Fred's character as a peacemaker among his peers and as someone who values friendship and fairness. At the start of the novel, excitement builds around a schoolyard fight between two boys, Sammy McClay and Joe Hunt, which is interrupted by Fred, who steps in as a peacemaker. After this skirmish, the narrative shifts to highlight the upcoming circus, which captures the attention of the children. Later, Fred overhears a suspicious conversation with a mysterious stranger who asks about the old Misses Perkinpine's home. Concerned for their safety, Fred decides to spend the night at the Misses Perkinpine's house, eventually thwarting a robbery during which he takes on the role of protector. The opening establishes Fred as a courageous and resourceful hero, as he prepares to defend the elderly sisters and their valuables against potential threats.
L. T. Meade
A World of Girls: The Story of a School
"A World of Girls: The Story of a School" by L.T. Meade is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a young girl, Hester Thornton, as she faces the challenges of leaving her home and entering a new school environment after the death of her mother. Themes of friendship, personal growth, and the difficulties of adapting to change are likely explored through the interactions between Hester and her fellow students. The opening of the narrative introduces Hester as she prepares to leave her beloved home and younger sister, Nan, for the uncertainty of school life. The initial chapters highlight Hester's emotional turmoil, her attachment to her family, particularly to her baby sister, and her apprehension about the school, which she perceives as a prison. As she travels to Lavender House, the school, Hester encounters a mix of kindness and indifference from new acquaintances, setting the stage for her internal struggles and external relationships. This establishes a poignant exploration of her character and the challenges she must navigate in this new world.
Francis J. (Francis James) Finn
Percy Wynn : $b oder ein seltsames Kind der Neuen Welt.
"Percy Wynn: oder ein seltsames Kind der Neuen Welt" by Francis J. Finn is a novel written in the late 19th century. This coming-of-age story revolves around the unique experiences of the main character, Percy Wynn, who navigates the challenges of fitting into a boys' boarding school environment, having come from a sheltered background with six sisters and a nurturing mother. The narrative likely explores themes of friendship, identity, and the importance of personal development amidst adversity. The opening of the novel introduces us to Percy Wynn, a timid and delicate boy who feels out of place at the American boarding school Maurach. We witness Percy's initial encounter with the other boys, where his gentle demeanor makes him a target for teasing from a group of older students. However, he is soon befriended by Tom Playfair, who defends him against bullies and helps him acclimate to the new environment. Percy's naivety and charm shine through as he candidly discusses his upbringing with Tom, highlighting the contrast between his previous life and the school culture. This initial chapter sets the stage for Percy's ongoing journey of self-discovery, rapport-building, and the intricacies of growing up in a male-dominant sphere.
Josephine Franklin
Nelly's First Schooldays
"Nelly's First Schooldays" by Josephine Franklin is a children's novel written in the mid-19th century. The story revolves around Nelly, a young girl who is excited to begin her school days alongside her peers, including her new teacher Miss Harrow and classmates like Melinda. The narrative explores themes of friendship, kindness, resilience, and the challenges faced by those living in poverty, particularly through the experiences of Nelly's friends, the Harrow family. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the Harrow family, highlighting the struggles they face as they deal with poverty and illness. Elinor Harrow, the eldest daughter, suffers from a debilitating condition brought on by the arduous work she undertook as a domestic servant. Despite the chaos and difficulty surrounding them, Nelly, who has just been adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Brooks, is eager to attend school and form friendships. As she navigates her school experience, she encounters challenges with a classmate named Melinda, which leads to lessons in forgiveness and understanding. The beginning of the story effectively sets up the overall tone of hope and the importance of community in overcoming hardship.
Kay Lyttleton
Jean Craig in New York
"Jean Craig in New York" by Kay Lyttleton is a fictional work likely written in the mid-20th century. It centers around the character of Jean Craig, a young artist who leaves her rural life in Connecticut to pursue her dreams of studying art in New York City. The narrative explores her adventures in the bustling city, friendships, and the challenges she faces, especially as she reconnects with her artistic aspirations and discovers new relationships, including a budding connection with a mysterious artist from Italy. The opening portion of the book introduces Jean and her family as they transition from life on a farm to the excitement of New York City, where she stays with her cousin Beth. Jean is flooded with memories of her previous art studies and the friends she left behind. As she navigates her new environment, she encounters a boy named Jack, who has run away and seeks a place to belong. Jean's compassionate rescue of Jack sets the tone for her character and the themes of kindness and family that permeate the story. This early part of the tale establishes Jean's longing for artistic fulfillment, the warmth of familial bonds, and her journey of self-discovery amid the backdrop of changing landscapes and opportunities.
Alfred W. (Alfred Wilks) Drayson
The Gentleman Cadet His Career and Adventures at the Royal Military Academy Woolwich
"The Gentleman Cadet" by Lt. Col. A.W. Drayson is a novel written in the late 19th century. This coming-of-age story follows the life of Robert "Bob" Shepard, a young boy who aspires to join the military academy at Woolwich, detailing his early life, challenges, and the pursuit of his ambitions. The narrative captures the rigors of military education and the social dynamics among cadets, as well as the personal growth that Bob experiences along the way. The opening of the novel introduces us to Bob's upbringing in the New Forest, Hampshire, where he recounts his childhood filled with the influence of his well-meaning but ineffectual father, and the sternness of Aunt Emma. His formative years are portrayed as tumultuous due to a lack of proper education and emotional support, setting the stage for his later struggles. As Bob encounters Howard, an officer and a source of inspiration, his passion for becoming an engineer and a gentleman cadet awakens, leading him to pursue intense academic preparation. Yet, he quickly realizes the enormity of the challenge ahead, highlighting the conflict between his aspirations and reality as he embarks on his journey at a cram school in Woolwich.
Eglanton Thorne
An elder brother
"An Elder Brother" by Eglanton Thorne is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Michael Betts, an elderly bookseller who lives a reclusive and solitary life, deeply invested in his bookshop in Bloomsbury. The narrative delves into themes of loneliness, moral dilemmas, familial relationships, and the transformation of Michael's character sparked by his interactions, particularly with a young girl named Margery, the daughter of a recently deceased professor. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Michael Betts, a somewhat lonely and reclusive man who runs a second-hand bookshop. His monotonous life is disrupted by the unexpected visit of a bright young girl named Margery, who asks for a copy of “Pilgrim’s Progress” for her and her brother. Their innocent conversation prompts reflections on his own life, his estranged brother, and deeper issues surrounding morality and sin. Meanwhile, news about the illness of Margery's father and the subsequent passing of him creates a sense of foreboding, compelling Michael to confront his own emotional burdens and the impact of his solitary existence. As the story unfolds, Betts faces a series of events that challenge his previous notions of right and wrong.
Thomas Archer
Miss Grantley's Girls, and the Stories She Told Them
"Miss Grantley's Girls, and the Stories She Told Them" by Thomas Archer is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book follows Miss Grantley, a governess who has opened a school in the quiet suburban setting of Barton Vale. Through the introduction, we are introduced to her character and the fondness her students have for her, setting the stage for the stories she shares with them throughout the narrative. At the start of the book, we meet Miss Grantley, described as a remarkable yet unassuming woman who has become the beloved governess to a group of girls in Barton Vale. The narrative introduces the school and its environment, illustrating her gentle nature, past hardships, and the affection she receives from both her students and the community. The girls are eager to engage with her and learn from stories, building anticipation for the tales that will follow. We learn about their close bond as Miss Grantley nurtures their intellect and imagination during fanciful tea times, indicating that the storytelling aspect will play an integral role throughout the text.
John Habberton
Who Was Paul Grayson?
"Who Was Paul Grayson?" by John Habberton is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds around Paul Grayson, a new pupil at Mr. Morton’s Select School in the small village of Laketon, presenting themes of childhood curiosity, friendship, and the complexities of growing up. The narrative dives into the boys' perceptions, their speculation about Paul’s mysterious background, and the dynamics that develop in their interactions. At the start of the book, Paul Grayson arrives at the school, immediately capturing the attention and curiosity of his classmates, who are intrigued by his unfamiliarity and composure. As chatter among the boys unfolds about their new peer, they engage in playful speculation regarding his origins, wondering if he could be a foreign prince or an exceptional individual. Throughout the first chapter, Grayson navigates the social intricacies of school life, from making friends to dealing with envy and misunderstandings, all while the boys draw closer to unveiling the enigma of who he is. The introduction presents a rich foundation for themes of belonging and acceptance in youth, setting the stage for further developments in Grayson's character and story.
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