Subject
Women in journalism -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Mildred A. (Mildred Augustine) Wirt
Behind the Green Door
"Behind the Green Door" by Mildred A. Wirt is a young adult mystery novel written in the early 1940s. The story revolves around Penny Parker, an adventurous and spirited girl who embarks on a skiing trip to the quaint winter resort of Pine Top, only to find herself tangled in a web of intrigue and potential danger surrounding her father's libel case against a wealthy hotel owner. As she explores her surroundings and gathers clues, Penny's resourcefulness and determination to protect her father from this threat come to the forefront. The opening portion introduces readers to Penny Parker in a lively setting as she prepares for her skiing adventure while maintaining a deep sense of familial loyalty. Shortly after arriving at Pine Top, she learns of the libel suit against her father and the cunning businessman, Harvey Maxwell, which sets the stage for her quest for justice. Penny's interactions with her father, the housekeeper Mrs. Weems, fellow travelers, and especially her encounter with a mysterious girl locked in a cabin introduce essential elements of suspense. This narrative establishes an enticing blend of carefree fun and serious undertones, making readers eager to follow Penny on her engaging and precarious journey as she unwittingly finds herself at the heart of a puzzling mystery.
Ruthe S. Wheeler
Helen in the Editor's Chair
"Helen in the Editor's Chair" by Ruthe S. Wheeler is a novel written in the early 1930s. The story centers around a young girl named Helen Blair, who takes on the responsibility of managing her family's local newspaper, the "Rolfe Herald", after her father falls ill and must seek treatment in a warmer climate. This coming-of-age tale explores themes of family, duty, and the challenges of journalism in a small town setting. At the start of the book, we meet Helen as she eagerly anticipates "press day," the day the paper is printed and distributed. Her family is deeply involved in the newspaper business, with her father as the editor and publisher, her brother Tom helping with the news writing and the mechanical aspects, and Helen herself assisting with various tasks in the office. However, concern arises when Helen realizes her father is unwell, leading her to insist on him leaving work to rest. This pivotal moment sets the stage for Helen to step into the role of editor, navigate the challenges of running the paper while managing her school commitments, and learn to work alongside her brother Tom and their supportive mother. The opening portion effectively establishes the characters, setting, and inciting event that drives Helen’s journey throughout the rest of the novel.
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