Subject
Texas -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Annie F. (Annie Fellows) Johnston
Mary Ware in Texas
"Mary Ware in Texas" by Annie F. Johnston is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Mary Ware, a spirited young girl navigating her new life in Texas after moving from Arizona with her family. The narrative captures her yearning for companionship, adventure, and a sense of belonging, as she encounters colorful characters and adjusts to her circumstances in the quaint town of Bauer. The opening of the book introduces Mary as she observes the vibrant scene at a hotel in San Antonio, where she marvels at the social life around her, contrasting sharply with her recent lonely existence in a mining camp. As she watches a group of young people, including a lieutenant and a major's daughter, she feels a deep desire to connect with others and longs for friendship. The narrative quickly showcases her social nature and the transition into her new environment, setting the stage for her continuing journey as she seeks to find a home and ultimately a sense of community in Texas. The tone is light-hearted, infused with the innocent curiosity of youth, as Mary expresses her hopes and dreams amidst her burgeoning experiences.
Caroline Elliott Hoogs Jacobs
Blue Bonnet's Ranch Party
"Blue Bonnet's Ranch Party" by Caroline Elliott Hoogs Jacobs and Edyth Ellerbeck Read is a work of fiction written in the early 20th century. This charming story follows a spirited young girl named Blue Bonnet and her adventures as she prepares to host a ranch party in Texas. The narrative centers around her excitement as she travels back home with friends and family while navigating the joys and challenges of organizing a summer gathering. At the start of the story, Blue Bonnet is on a journey back to her Texas ranch with her uncle in a luxurious private car. She is filled with anticipation about the appearance of her friends, affectionately known as the "We are Sevens," and the fun-filled days to come. The chapter introduces her lively character and relationships with her family and friends, while also hinting at some underlying secrets that may affect their time together. The opening sets the stage for a delightful exploration of friendship and adventure against the backdrop of rural Texas life.
W. Crispin (William Crispin) Sheppard
The Rambler Club on the Texas border
"The Rambler Club on the Texas Border" by W. Crispin Sheppard is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. It follows a lively group of boys, known as the Rambler Club, as they venture from Wisconsin to Texas, seeking excitement and connection with the famed Texas Rangers. The narrative revolves around the rambunctious character of Cranny Beaumont and his friends as they get caught up in thrilling escapades, consistently driven by their thirst for adventure. The beginning of the story introduces the Rambler Club's enthusiastic members as they arrive in Texas, eager for new experiences. They reunite with their friend Cranny Beaumont and are quickly drawn into the dynamic world of the Texas Rangers, who face challenges from lawlessness on the border. The club's curiosity leads them to cross the Rio Grande into Mexico, where they encounter a mixture of adventure and danger amid the backdrop of a revolutionary landscape. These opening chapters set the tone for a tale filled with friendship, daring exploits, and the spirited pursuit of challenges, inviting readers to follow along on this journey of exploration and camaraderie.
Caroline Emilia Jacobs
A Texas Blue Bonnet
"A Texas Blue Bonnet" by Caroline Emilia Jacobs is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a young girl named Blue Bonnet Ashe, who struggles with her identity and place in life as she transitions from her home in Texas to her grandmother’s house in Massachusetts. The narrative explores themes of belonging, self-discovery, and the contrast between rural and urban life as Blue Bonnet navigates her new surroundings and the expectations from her relatives. The opening of the book introduces Blue Bonnet as she expresses her discontent with life on the Blue Bonnet Ranch in Texas. Displeased with ranch life and yearning for the sophistication associated with the East, she confides in her Uncle Cliff about her fears and desires. Their subsequent conversation reveals her determination to leave for her grandmother's home. As preparations begin for her journey, Blue Bonnet grapples with mixed emotions, longing for change while simultaneously feeling a connection to her home and the life she is leaving behind. The initial chapters set the stage for her adventures in a new environment, where she must adjust to the expectations of her new family while discovering her own path.
John T. (John Thomas) McIntyre
In Texas with Davy Crockett
"In Texas with Davy Crockett" by John T. McIntyre is a historical adventure written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around two boys, Walter Jordan and Ned Chandler, as they embark on a journey to Texas, seeking to assist a girl named Ethel Norton, who has inherited a fortune. Their trip becomes complicated due to the presence of adversaries like Colonel Huntley and Sam Davidge, who have their own interests in the unfolding Texas conflict. The opening portion of the book introduces us to the boys aboard the steamboat "Mediterranean" as they make their way down the Mississippi River. They are alert to the suspicious presence of Sam Davidge and Colonel Huntley, who seem to be plotting against them. As tensions rise, Walter and Ned engage in an altercation with Barker, Huntley's enforcer, which escalates into a public fight that they ultimately win. Shortly after, they encounter the famed Davy Crockett who, having heard of their mission, decides to join them on their quest to San Antonio, heightening the stakes of their adventure and setting the tone for an exciting journey filled with peril and camaraderie.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
Across Texas
"Across Texas" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is an adventure novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Nick Ribsam and his friend Herbert Watrous as they embark on a journey through Texas and beyond, exploring themes of friendship, bravery, and the challenges of navigating the wilderness of the American Southwest. Their adventure begins with Herbert's precarious health, prompting a journey from Pennsylvania to seek recovery in the warmer climate of Texas. The opening of the book introduces Nick and Herbert, setting the stage for their travels. After receiving a letter from Herbert's father that expresses concern for his son's health, Nick is informed that Herbert is to join him on a journey to the Southwest that promises sun and fresh air. The narrative details their preparations and departure, highlighting their friendship and excitement as they board a train and begin their adventure towards San Antonio. As they travel, they encounter various characters, including cowboys and local residents, and face moments of danger and intrigue, suggesting a rich tapestry of encounters that will shape their journey across Texas.
Edward Stratemeyer
The Rover Boys in the Land of Luck; Or, Stirring Adventures in the Oil Fields
"The Rover Boys in the Land of Luck; Or, Stirring Adventures in the Oil Fields" by Arthur M. Winfield is a juvenile fiction novel written in the early 20th century. This book is the fifth installment in the Rover Boys Series, which follows a group of spirited young boys as they embark on various adventures. In this installment, the protagonists, Jack, Fred, Andy, and Randy Rover, face a new set of challenges as they find themselves in the tumultuous oil fields of the southern United States, promising excitement and adventure. At the start of the story, the Rover boys are enjoying an outing when they are caught in a fierce storm. They seek shelter and soon hear cries for help coming from the river, where a man and his son are in danger of drowning among the debris. The boys bravely respond to the situation, forming a plan to rescue them by loosening a tree that is trapping the victims. The opening portion sets up the themes of bravery, camaraderie, and adventure, introducing readers to the spirited nature of the young Rovers and the thrilling escapades they are destined to encounter in the oil fields.
Amy Bell Marlowe
Frances of the Ranges; Or, The Old Ranchman's Treasure
"Frances of the Ranges; Or, The Old Ranchman's Treasure" by Amy Bell Marlowe is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Frances Rugley, a brave and resourceful young girl who lives on a sprawling ranch in the Texas Panhandle. Throughout the narrative, Frances embarks on adventurous escapades, including a dramatic encounter with a mountain lion and the complexities of ranch life, all while navigating her relationship with her father, a former Texas Ranger. At the start of the novel, Frances rides out on her trusty pinto, Molly, only to hear the terrifying snarl of a mountain lion. When she discovers a young man under attack from the lion, she rushes to his aid, showcasing her bravery and sharp shooting skills. The opening chapters delve into the development of Frances's character as she balances her responsibilities on the ranch with her aspirations and desires for a more cultured life. There is an air of mystery surrounding her father's treasure chest, which is tied to her family's history and the old partnerships he formed as a Ranger, setting the stage for future tensions and revelations in the story.
Amy Ella Blanchard
A frontier knight : $b A story of early Texan border-life
"A Frontier Knight: A Story of Early Texan Border-Life" by Amy Ella Blanchard is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century." The narrative focuses on the lives of three young women—Alison, Christine, and their friend Fidgetty Lou—as they navigate the trials and tribulations of frontier life in Texas, facing the challenges and uncertainties that come with settling in a new, untamed land. "The opening of the book introduces us to Alison, who is contemplating her decision to leave her comfortable life in Kentucky to join her sister Christine and brother John on their journey to Texas." We see the dynamics within the Brown household, highlighting the contrasting desires for adventure versus stability. Alison's strong sense of loyalty and courage shines through as she grapples with her choice and expresses her determination to face the unknown challenges ahead. As the siblings prepare for their migration, the narrative sets the stage for themes of bravery, family, and the spirit of pioneering that will unfold throughout their journey.
John Henry Goldfrap
The Border Boys with the Texas Rangers
“The Border Boys with the Texas Rangers” by Fremont B. Deering is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a trio of adventurous boys, Jack Merrill, Walt Phelps, and Ralph Stetson, as they aim to experience the thrilling life of Texas Rangers while keeping the peace along the turbulent U.S.-Mexico border. This installment of the series explores their journey, challenges, and unexpected dangers as they interact with the Rangers and confront potential threats. At the start of the narrative, the three friends find themselves in the town of San Mercedes, eagerly awaiting the arrival of a detachment of Texas Rangers. Their excitement is palpable as they witness the thunderous approach of the Rangers, marked by a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Amidst the commotion, a Ranger known as Shorty attempts to bully Jack, leading to an unforeseen confrontation that highlights Jack's bravery and the festive spirit of the Rangers. As the story unfolds, the boys' initial thrill quickly escalates into serious adventures, setting the stage for further explorations and dangers that await them in the wild and unpredictable Texas landscape.
Frank Gee Patchin
The Pony Rider Boys in Texas; Or, The Veiled Riddle of the Plains
"The Pony Rider Boys in Texas; Or, The Veiled Riddle of the Plains" by Frank Gee Patchin is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a group of boys, known as the Pony Rider Boys, led by the adventurous Tad Butler and his companions, as they embark on a thrilling cattle drive through Texas. Their journey promises action, challenges, and exciting horsemanship amid the backdrop of cowboy life. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to Tad Butler and his friend Ned Rector, who are observing the festive scenes of San Diego, Texas, on the Fourth of July. Just as they are becoming acquainted with their surroundings, a group of wild cowboys charge through the streets, creating chaos and excitement. After an adventurous encounter with one of the cowboys, Tad and his friends prepare to join a cattle outfit, setting the stage for their upcoming challenges and adventures on the cattle drive. This opening effectively sets up the tone of adventure and camaraderie that characterizes the rest of the boys' journey.
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