Subject
United States -- National Guard -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Homer Greene
The Guardsman
"The Guardsman" by Homer Greene is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the youthful characters in the town of Fairweather as they navigate the mischief of Hallowe'en and face the consequences of their actions. The main characters, Halpert McCormack and Benjamin Barriscale, both come from prominent families and engage in a series of antics that culminate in the theft of a statue from Barriscale's home, which leads to unintended afflictions and moral dilemmas. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the mischief and chaotic spirit of Hallowe'en in 1909, showcasing a group of boys, led by Hal McCormack, who embark on a nighttime escapade that involves removing a cobbler's sign and aiming to place it on the property of Benjamin Barriscale, the wealthy head of the Barriscale Manufacturing Company. However, their adventure escalates when they consider stealing an ornamental marble statue from Barriscale’s fountain, leading to the accidental breaking of the statue later in the story when a rival group encounters it. The narrative sets up a conflict rooted in youthful indiscretion, friendship, and the pursuit of social standing, paving the way for themes of accountability and personal growth as Hal must face the repercussions of their Hallowe'en antics.
Robert Maitland
The Boy Scout Automobilists; Or, Jack Danby in the Woods
"The Boy Scout Automobilists; Or, Jack Danby in the Woods" by Robert Maitland is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a group of Boy Scouts, particularly focusing on the character of Jack Danby, who, along with his fellow Scouts, takes part in military maneuvers that simulate war. The narrative captures their adventures and the responsibilities placed upon them as they learn about teamwork, strategy, and the importance of being prepared for emergencies. The opening of the book introduces us to Jack Danby, who has just been appointed Assistant Patrol Leader of the Crow Patrol. Excitement ensues as the Scouts prepare for a special mission—taking part in mock military maneuvers alongside the National Guard. We are introduced to a range of themes, including camaraderie, leadership, and the practical application of scout skills in a competitive environment. As the meeting unfolds, we see the Scouts' enthusiasm grow, laying a foundation for their forthcoming adventure where Jack will need to utilize bravery, resourcefulness, and quick thinking in the face of imagined conflict.
Recently surfaced classics