Subject
Upper Peninsula (Mich.) -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Carroll Watson Rankin
The Cinder Pond
"The Cinder Pond" by Carroll Watson Rankin is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the young protagonist, Jeannette "Jeanne" Duval, who lives with her unconventional family on a makeshift dock by Cinder Pond and Lake Superior. The narrative presents Jeanne's adventures as she navigates her life, facing both the challenges of her impoverished background and the budding excitement of self-discovery. At the start of the book, the reader is introduced to Jeanne and her unusual living situation, as well as the colorful array of characters that surround her, including her half-siblings and her father, Léon Duval. The opening chapter begins with an accident involving a boy named Roger Fairchild, leading to an unexpected encounter between him and Jeanne, which sets the stage for the dynamics of their relationships moving forward. The narrative beautifully paints a picture of Jeanne’s world, revealing her resourcefulness and the charm of her modest home life amid a backdrop of love and chaos, while also hinting at the themes of identity and belonging that are to unfold throughout the story.
Kirk Munroe
The Copper Princess: A Story of Lake Superior Mines
"The Copper Princess: A Story of Lake Superior Mines" by Kirk Munroe is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Richard Peveril, a young man who embarks on a new life in the copper mining region of Lake Superior, after facing personal and financial turmoil back East. As he navigates the challenges of this rough environment, he forms friendships, finds work, and uncovers the history of a mysterious mine known as the Copper Princess. The opening of the novel introduces Richard Peveril in a thrilling scene where he saves a fellow passenger, Tom Trefethen, from a potentially fatal accident involving a train. Following this dramatic encounter, the two young men quickly bond as Peveril learns about the vibrant mining community in Red Jacket. Peveril's initial struggles include finding work and establishing himself in a world where his upper-class background is at odds with the working-class environment. The early chapters set the stage for Peveril's journey of self-discovery and resilience as he aims to build a future for himself amidst the challenges presented by the mining life and his quest for a better fortune.
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