Subject
Theater -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Gertrude W. Morrison
The Girls of Central High on the Stage; Or, The Play That Took The Prize
"The Girls of Central High on the Stage; Or, The Play That Took The Prize" by Gertrude W. Morrison is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story revolves around a group of high school girls involved in a secret society, the M. O. R., as they confront challenges related to their building's financial stability and the thrill of competition for a playwriting prize. The main character, Jess Morse, faces personal struggles and aspirations that intertwine with her desire to win the prize to improve her family's financial situation. The opening of the story introduces readers to the lively world of Central High, establishing a backdrop of camaraderie and ambition among the girls. During a reception at their society's house, the girls brainstorm ways to secure funds for their organization amidst rising rents. This leads to the exciting suggestion of a playwriting contest to engage the broader school community. At the same time, Jess's personal circumstances are explored, highlighting her economic struggles and dreams that motivate her to participate in the contest. The narrative sets the stage for Jess's journey as she navigates the complexities of adolescence, friendship, and financial desperation, with the prize serving as both a tangible goal and a beacon of hope.
O. F. Walton
A Peep Behind the Scenes
"A Peep Behind the Scenes" by Mrs. O. F. Walton is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story sets the stage for a poignant exploration of the struggles faced by a family involved in a traveling theater, focusing particularly on the life of a young girl named Rosalie and her ill mother, who must perform despite her sickness. The novel raises themes of hardship, longing for home, and the stark contrast between the glamorous facade of entertainment and the dreary reality behind it. At the start of the narrative, the scene is established amidst a rainy fairground where Rosalie's family resides in a humble caravan. Rosalie, a delicate twelve-year-old girl, is introduced as the daughter of a struggling actor, while her mother battles sickness and a tumultuous life as an actress. The opening chapters convey the stark realities faced by Rosalie and her mother as they interact with a kindly old man who gives Rosalie a picture symbolizing hope. Through vivid descriptions of their surroundings and heartfelt conversations, the reader gains insight into their troubling existence, setting the tone for further exploration of their lives and relationships as they navigate the challenges of their tumultuous environment.
Margaret Penrose
Dorothy Dale's Great Secret
"Dorothy Dale's Great Secret" by Margaret Penrose is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows two close friends, Dorothy Dale and Tavia Travers, as they navigate life at Glenwood School amidst adventures and mischief. The narrative centers around their friendship, highlighting themes of loyalty and the challenges of growing up, all set against the backdrop of an all-girls school environment. The opening of the novel introduces Dorothy and Tavia in their dormitory, eagerly anticipating a ride in an automobile owned by Dorothy's aunt. Their playful banter reveals their contrasting personalities: Dorothy is more serious and cautious, while Tavia is lively and carefree. After a perilous automobile ride that nearly ends in disaster when the car approaches a broken bridge, the girls reflect on their friendship and the changes that may come with the approaching summer vacation. The chapter sets the tone for their adventures and misadventures at Glenwood, establishing the importance of their bond as they face various challenges together.
Grace Brooks Hill
The Corner House Girls in a Play How they rehearsed, how they acted, and what the play brought in
"The Corner House Girls in a Play" by Grace Brooks Hill is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. This story continues the adventures of the Kenway sisters, Tess, Dot, Agnes, and Ruth, as they engage with their community and each other while preparing to stage a play. The narrative explores themes of friendship, responsibility, and the importance of family, often showcasing the girls' imaginative and resourceful nature. The opening of the book introduces the two younger sisters, Tess and Dot, as they grapple with their history lessons, specifically the succession of English sovereigns. Their innocent banter about the subject reflects their emerging personalities, with Tess feeling overwhelmed and Dot displaying her quirky vocabulary. After a chance encounter with a mysterious woman in a gray cloak, who teaches Tess a helpful rhyme for remembering the sovereigns, the girls' focus shifts towards their personal lives, including their relationships with friends and family. As they navigate their daily adventures, including concerns about their school, authority figures, and the community’s well-being, readers are drawn into their world filled with both challenges and charming unpredictability.
Margaret Vandercook
The Camp Fire Girls' Careers
"The Camp Fire Girls' Careers" by Margaret Vandercook is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Polly O'Neill, a young aspiring actress who grapples with self-doubt and fear on the eve of her debut performance in New York City. As she struggles to overcome her nerves about acting, the novel explores themes of ambition, friendship, and the pursuit of one's dreams. The opening portion of the novel introduces Polly as she prepares nervously for her performance, revealing her inner turmoil and the weight of expectations from her friends and family, particularly from her mentor, Margaret Adams. Challenging her self-image, Polly contemplates fleeing the stage rather than facing potential embarrassment. While she ultimately steps into her role, the fear of failure lingers, highlighting the pressure she feels to prove herself in the competitive world of acting. The narrative sets the stage for her journey, intertwining her aspirations with the dynamics of her relationships and the support of her fellow Camp Fire girls.
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