Subject
United States -- History -- French and Indian War, 1754-1763 -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Edward Stratemeyer
With Washington in the west; $b or, A soldier boy's battles in the wilderness
"With Washington in the West; or, A Soldier Boy's Battles in the Wilderness" by Edward Stratemeyer is a historical fiction novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set during the colonial period in America and follows the adventures of David Morris, a young Pioneer, as he encounters significant historical figures and events, notably George Washington, while navigating the challenges of frontier life and the conflicts between English and French settlers. The opening of the novel introduces us to David Morris, a fourteen-year-old boy living with his uncle and his family near Will's Creek, Virginia. As David eagerly awaits news of his father, who has ventured west to establish a trading post, he meets White Buffalo, a Delaware Indian, who brings letters and updates from his father. Through Uncle Joe's encouragement, David learns about the mounting tensions between English traders and the French in the Ohio Valley, foreshadowing the conflict to come. The beginning sets the stage for David's transition from a farm boy to an active participant in the turbulent events of his time, including his association with Washington and the looming threats that will impact his family and the region.
G. A. (George Alfred) Henty
With Wolfe in Canada: The Winning of a Continent
"With Wolfe in Canada: The Winning of a Continent" by G. A. Henty is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the events surrounding the French and Indian War, focusing on key battles and the struggle for dominance in North America. While it sets the stage for various historical figures, the primary character introduced in the opening is James Walsham, a young boy whose heroic actions indicate a promising adventure awaits him. The opening of the work presents a picturesque seaside village, Sidmouth, where the lives of its inhabitants are intricately tied to the sea and the stories of those who brave its waters. We meet James Walsham, the son of a deceased doctor, as he engages with local fishermen and contemplates the moral implications of smuggling, revealing a depth of character beyond his years. A dramatic event occurs when he saves a drowning child, the granddaughter of a traveling showman, which sets into motion a series of interactions that hint at both adventure and personal growth in the face of societal expectations. This engaging opening establishes a vivid backdrop for the unfolding tale of courage, friendship, and the quest for identity amidst a tumultuous historical setting.
Eliza F. Pollard
Roger the ranger: A story of border life among the Indians
"Roger the Ranger: A Story of Border Life among the Indians" by Eliza F. Pollard is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The book focuses on the life of the protagonist, Roger Boscowen, and his experiences on the New England border as he navigates the complex relationships between early settlers and Native Americans amidst the struggles of their intertwined fates. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Charles Langlade, who is preparing to leave his home and family to join the Native American tribes and abandon what is perceived to be a birthright, causing great distress for his mother and friends. The emotional fallout from his departure is palpable, particularly through the lens of his sister Loïs, and the elder Nathaniel Boscowen, as they navigate their feelings of loss and fear of change. The opening chapters establish a rich landscape of familial ties and tensions, hinting at a broader conflict that looms on the horizon, involving friendships strained by choices and the allegiance to their respective peoples. The foundation is laid for themes of loyalty, courage, and cultural collision as Roger Boscowen's journey unfolds.
Edward Stratemeyer
At the fall of Montreal; or, A soldier boy's final victory
"At the Fall of Montreal; Or, A Soldier Boy's Final Victory" by Edward Stratemeyer is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative is set during the French and Indian War and follows young soldiers David and Henry Morris as they navigate treacherous circumstances, confronting enemies and making critical choices while serving in the Colonial army. The story encapsulates themes of bravery, loyalty, and the struggles faced by individuals during wartime. At the start of the tale, the cousins, who are stationed at Fort Niagara in July 1759, discuss fishing and the recent military activities. Their camaraderie is a focal point, revealing their connection to family back home amid the looming dangers of war. As they engage in fishing, they remain vigilant for enemies, foreshadowing the violence that inevitably erupts when they encounter wounded Indians, leading to their involvement in a broader conflict between the English and French forces. The opening scene sets a tone of adventure, suggesting the boys’ forthcoming challenges as historical events unfold around them.
J. Macdonald (James Macdonald) Oxley
With Rogers on the Frontier: A Story of 1756
"With Rogers on the Frontier: A Story of 1756" by J. Macdonald Oxley is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set during the French and Indian War, the narrative centers on the conflict between English and French forces as it unfolds in the wilderness of North America. The story primarily follows Seth Allen, a young man driven by vengeance after losing his family to Indian attacks allied with the French, as he joins a military expedition against the enemy. The opening of the novel introduces readers to a pivotal moment in history, detailing the buildup of colonial forces under the command of William Johnson, who aims to capture the French stronghold at Crown Point. Young Seth Allen, motivated by a personal vendetta, wrestles with impatience as preparations drag on. We learn of the diverse soldiers from various New England colonies, and Seth's determination to fight alongside them. His journey begins as he volunteers for a perilous scouting mission, setting the stage for adventure and conflict as the story unfolds.
F. S. (Frederick Sadleir) Brereton
How Canada Was Won: A Tale of Wolfe and Quebec
"How Canada Was Won: A Tale of Wolfe and Quebec" by Captain F. S. Brereton is a historical adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story immerses readers in the tumultuous period of the French and Indian War, centering around the character of Steve Mainwaring, a young backwoodsman navigating the perilous landscapes of North America. The novel vividly portrays the battle between French forces and English settlers, capturing the struggle for control over Canada through engaging and action-packed narratives. The opening of the novel introduces us to Steve Mainwaring and his companions as they set up camp on the bank of the Mohawk River. The scene is tense, as they share their experiences and survey the surrounding wilderness, aware of the looming dangers from both the French and Native American forces. As the group discusses their next moves, the stakes are raised with the introduction of a hostile scout, prompting Steve and his father, Judge Mainwaring, to engage in a risky pursuit. Their journey is marked by cautious planning and moments of intense confrontation, setting the tone for the adventure and conflict to unfold as they try to evade capture and protect their lives and livelihoods.
Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander) Altsheler
The Masters of the Peaks: A Story of the Great North Woods
"The Masters of the Peaks: A Story of the Great North Woods" by Joseph A. Altsheler is a novel likely written during the early 20th century, drawing on themes pertinent to the historical context of the French and Indian War. The story revolves around key characters including Robert Lennox, Tayoga, a young Onondaga warrior, and David Willet, a skilled hunter, as they navigate the challenges of survival and their mission in the treacherous wilderness. At the start of the novel, the three characters brace themselves against the cold winds of autumn while contemplating the changing beauty of the wilderness. They are on a scouting mission following a recent victory, but dangers abound from both the French and Native American forces. As they seek refuge from the chill and plan their next moves, Tayoga’s keen senses hint at an impending threat. The opening establishes a vivid and immersive atmosphere, highlighting themes of camaraderie, nature's majesty, and the perilous stakes of their venture as they face their enemies while trying to remain undetected in the harsh landscape.
Evelyn Everett-Green
French and English: A Story of the Struggle in America
"French and English: A Story of the Struggle in America" by Evelyn Everett-Green is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. Set against the backdrop of the conflicts between the French and English colonists in America, it follows the experiences of Humphrey Angell, a young settler who faces terrifying changes in his peaceful life due to sudden and violent raids by Native Americans incited by his white adversaries. The story explores themes of survival, vengeance, and the harsh realities of frontier life while also reflecting on the broader struggles of colonial powers in North America. The opening of the novel introduces Humphrey Angell, who is depicted as a resourceful and strong young man living in the remote American wilderness. After a successful hunting trip, he returns home only to find his peaceful homestead in ruins, destroyed in a savage attack that has claimed the lives of his family members. His elder brother, Charles, narrowly escapes but is left wounded and enraged, determined to seek revenge against the attackers—whom he identifies as both Native Americans and treacherous white allies. Throughout this gripping beginning, we witness the stark transition from a life of idyllic farming to one fraught with violence and the threat of war, as the two brothers grapple with their loss and the impending chaos of the colonial conflict.
Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander) Altsheler
The Shadow of the North: A Story of Old New York and a Lost Campaign
"The Shadow of the North: A Story of Old New York and a Lost Campaign" by Joseph A. Altsheler is a historical novel written during the early 20th century. This engaging tale is set against the backdrop of the French and Indian War, delving into the tumultuous relationships between various factions, including Native American tribes and colonial forces. The story prominently features characters like Tayoga, a young Onondaga warrior, and his companions Robert Lennox and the hunter David Willet, who navigate the challenges of war and loyalty amidst the forest's shadowy depths. The opening of the novel introduces Tayoga, who skillfully traverses the wilderness with the intent of pursuing an enemy warrior, Tandakora. As the narrative unfolds, readers witness Tayoga's transformation from a student of white civilization back to his warrior roots, embodying the spirit of the Onondaga. The scene shifts to Tayoga’s encounter with his friends, Robert and Willet, as they prepare to face the impending conflict with their French adversaries. The trio soon finds themselves engaged in a gripping battle for survival against multiple forces while grappling with the complexities of friendship, honor, and loyalty that define their experiences during this pivotal moment in American history.
Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander) Altsheler
The Sun of Quebec: A Story of a Great Crisis
"The Sun of Quebec: A Story of a Great Crisis" by Joseph A. Altsheler is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. As part of the French and Indian War Series, this installment continues the adventures of Robert Lennox, a young man of mysterious origins, along with his friend Tayoga, an Onondaga warrior. The narrative engages with themes of bravery, friendship, and the complexities of war as the characters navigate the dangers of an escalating conflict between British and French forces in North America. The opening of the novel introduces the aftermath of a significant defeat at Ticonderoga, where Robert and Tayoga return to the safety of Mynheer Jacobus Huysman's home in Albany. They recount their harrowing escape from French soldiers while grappling with the grim news of advancing enemy forces and the broader implications of the war. As they reconnect with old friends and discuss their next steps, Robert's curiosity about his own mysterious lineage deepens, especially regarding Chevalier de St. Luc, a prominent and honorable French officer. The stage is set for a riveting blend of personal quests and collective action as the boys prepare to re-enter the fray, underlined by their encounters with spies and threats in a world filled with intrigue.
Edward Stratemeyer
Marching on Niagara; Or, The Soldier Boys of the Old Frontier
"Marching on Niagara; Or, The Soldier Boys of the Old Frontier" by Edward Stratemeyer is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows cousins David and Henry Morris, young pioneers living on the frontier during a turbulent period of colonial America. They become involved in the conflicts between English and French settlers, as well as with the local Native American tribes, as they undertake missions and face various dangers in their quest for survival and adventure. The opening of the novel introduces David and Henry as they set out on a hunting expedition, reflecting on the recent troubles with local Native American tribes and tensions with the French. The characters soon discover that their familiar territory is rife with danger, as they encounter tracks indicating Indian presence and overhear conversations about the potential for an uprising. Their hunting trip quickly turns tense as they must navigate not only the challenges of the wilderness but also the threats posed by conflict in their region, setting the stage for the larger narrative of bravery, family, and survival amidst historical turmoil.
Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander) Altsheler
The Lords of the Wild: A Story of the Old New York Border
"The Lords of the Wild: A Story of the Old New York Border" by Joseph A. Altsheler is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century. The book is set during the tumultuous period of the French and Indian War, and follows the adventures of its central character, Robert Lennox, as he navigates the dangers of the wilderness and encounters various Native American tribes and French forces. At the start of the story, Robert Lennox is portrayed as a youth keenly aware of his surroundings while evading pursuers in a vibrant, yet perilous, forest setting. As he takes a moment to rest by a tranquil stream, he observes the beauty of nature, which soothes his worn spirit. The tension quickly escalates when he senses the presence of hostile forces nearby, leading him to rely on both his instincts and the guidance of a blue bird, which he sees as a symbol of hope and warning. As he maneuvers through the woods, he contemplates his friends, Willet and Tayoga, and the precariousness of his situation, setting the stage for a thrilling adventure filled with suspense and the deep connections between comrades amidst the backdrop of a larger conflict.
Recently surfaced classics