Subject
Theft -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Carolyn Keene
The hidden staircase
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Carolyn Keene
The mystery at Lilac Inn
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Beatrix Potter
The Tale of Two Bad Mice
"The Tale of Two Bad Mice" by Beatrix Potter is a children's book published in September 1904. The story follows two mischievous mice who discover a beautiful doll's house and wreak havoc inside. After finding the miniature food is merely plaster, they embark on a destructive rampage—smashing dishes, scattering clothes, and stealing household items for their mouse-hole. When the young owner discovers the chaos, she takes measures to protect her treasured doll's house. The tale explores themes of curiosity, consequence, and redemption in Potter's charming signature style.
L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
The Lost Princess of Oz
"The Lost Princess of Oz" by L. Frank Baum is a novel published in 1917. When Princess Ozma vanishes from the Emerald City along with powerful magic tools belonging to Glinda and the Wizard, Dorothy leads search parties across Oz to find her missing ruler. Their quest takes them through unknown communities and eventually to a suspicious shoemaker's castle. Along the way, they encounter a pompous Frogman, a cookie cook missing her magic dishpan, and mysterious enchantments that complicate their mission.
Ralph Henry Barbour
The mystery of the Sea-Lark
"The Mystery of the Sea-Lark" by Ralph Henry Barbour and H. P. Holt is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around young Jack Holden, who aspires to run a ferry service using a derelict boat called the Sea-Lark. With the help of his friend George, he works to restore the boat and launch their business, all while navigating the challenges posed by their community, past events, and the mystery surrounding the Sea-Lark. At the start of the book, we meet Jack Holden and Cap’n Crumbie in the quaint fishing town of Greenport. The narrative introduces the aftermath of a fierce storm, hinting at a tragic incident involving a missing fishing boat. As they discuss the past and the robbery that affected Jack's father, we witness Jack's curiosity about the Sea-Lark, a stranded sloop. This sets the stage for Jack's ambition to refloat the vessel and start a ferry service. As the plot unfolds, we see Jack's determination and the budding friendship between him and George, all while mysterious elements linger in the background.
Lily F. Wesselhoeft
Sparrow the tramp: A fable for children
"Sparrow the Tramp: A Fable for Children" by Lily F. Wesselhoeft is a children's fable written in the early 20th century. The story features charming characters such as the mischievous Posy and her brother Tom, who encounter various animals, including a barn-cat, a house-cat, and a sparrow. The narrative promises delightful adventures as these characters navigate various situations, often highlighting themes of kindness, curiosity, and the magic of childhood. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to the lively dynamics in the Winton household, where the children, Posy and Tom, engage in playful mischief while preparing for breakfast. Their antics spark conversations around the house, involving their pets and various animals that add to the charm of the narrative. Among the characters, the barn-cat and the house-cat engage in a rivalry, with the introduction of a cunning rat named Graywhisker who lurks in the background, plotting mischief. This opening sets the stage for an enchanting tale filled with humorous exchanges, endearing characters, and an exploration of themes related to friendship and community.
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.
C. V. (Cecilia Viets) Jamison
Lady Jane
"Lady Jane" by C. V. Jamison is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against a backdrop of Southern landscapes and rich characterizations, the story begins with the delicate and heartwarming journey of a young girl named Lady Jane and her ailing mother traveling to New Orleans. The narrative explores themes of loss, survival, and innocence as they navigate a world filled with both benevolence and hidden peril. The opening of the book depicts a vivid scene aboard a train as Lady Jane and her mother make their way through the beautiful Teche country. While the mother is physically weakened by illness and emotional sorrow, Lady Jane’s curiosity and innocence shine through as she bonds with a boy traveling on the train who offers her a blue heron named Tony. This chance encounter leads them to a series of events in New Orleans, where secretive and contrasting characters will intertwine their lives. The gentle depiction of Lady Jane’s child-like wonder and strong attachment to her mother sets a poignant tone for their unfolding story, hinting at the hardships and trials they will face in the unfamiliar city.
L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
The Lost Princess of Oz
"The Lost Princess of Oz" by L. Frank Baum is a novel published in 1917. When Princess Ozma, ruler of Oz, mysteriously vanishes from her chambers, Dorothy and the Wizard organize search parties to find her. Meanwhile, powerful magic tools disappear from Glinda and the Wizard's collections. The quest leads Dorothy's group through strange communities and toward Ugu the Shoemaker, who may hold the answers. Can they recover the stolen magic and discover what happened to Ozma?
I. T. (Ida Treadwell) Thurston
The Bishop's Shadow
"The Bishop's Shadow" by I. T. Thurston is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story follows the lives of Tode Bryan, a young street boy living in Boston, and his interactions with characters such as Nan Hastings and a kind, influential bishop who inspires Tode to seek a better life. The narrative explores themes of redemption, social class, and the impact of kindness on the lives of vulnerable individuals. The opening of the novel presents a vivid depiction of Boston's rainy streets and introduces Tode, a 13-year-old boy who finds a woman's lost pocketbook during a chaotic moment involving a near accident. Instead of returning it, he keeps the money, only to later encounter his struggles with guilt and the mundane challenges of life as a street child. This part of the story sets the stage for Tode's potential transformation, highlighting his desire for a better life, his growing relationship with Nan and her sick younger brother, who he learns to care for, and the moral dilemmas he faces as he confronts his past behaviors. Overall, the beginning establishes a mix of adventure, compassion, and the possibility of change in Tode’s life through relatable challenges and unexpected interactions.
L. T. Meade
The Girls of St. Wode's
"The Girls of St. Wode's" by L. T. Meade is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around three young women—twins Eileen and Marjorie Chetwynd, and their cousin Letitia—as they navigate the transition from school to society. The narrative explores themes of modernity, individual choice, and the expectations placed upon young women regarding their roles in society. At the start of the book, Eileen, Marjorie, and Letitia are coming home from school, signaling a pivotal moment in their lives as they prepare for their debut in fashionable society. Conversations between their mother, Mrs. Chetwynd, and her friend Mrs. Acheson highlight differing views on education and societal roles for women. Meanwhile, Eileen and Marjorie express their reluctance to conform to conventional societal expectations, eagerly discussing their plans to lead independent lives and consider attending St. Wode's College for further education. This sets the stage for their ongoing conflict with their mother, who has specific ambitions for their debut in high society.
Harry Castlemon
Sailor Jack, the Trader
"Sailor Jack, the Trader" by Harry Castlemon is a novel written in the late 19th century. Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, it follows Captain Tom Randolph, a conscripted soldier who grapples with the harsh realities of military life while managing the consequences of his family's plantation and his own aspirations. The narrative delves into themes of loyalty, conflict, and the personal struggles faced by individuals during a tumultuous period in American history. The opening of "Sailor Jack, the Trader" introduces readers to Tom Randolph and his recent conscription into the Confederate army, highlighting his initial shock and reluctance. As he faces military authority and the abandonment of comforts, Tom conveys a mix of fear and indignation, particularly regarding the treatment he and his fellow soldiers receive. The arrival of a conscript officer sets the stage for Tom’s struggles within the camp, punctuated by his mother’s distress over his impending departure. As the narrative progresses, Tom's position leads him to contemplate not only survival in a military context but also the complexities of familial loyalty amidst the challenges of war, establishing a gripping start to what promises to be a complex tale of personal and social upheaval.
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