Subject
World War, 1914-1918 -- France -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Horace Porter
Our Young Aeroplane Scouts in France and Belgium Or, Saving the Fortunes of the Trouvilles
"Our Young Aeroplane Scouts in France and Belgium" by Horace Porter is a young adult adventure story written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows the exciting and risky exploits of young aviators Billy Barry and Henri Trouville as they find themselves amidst the dangers of World War I in France and Belgium. The engaging theme centers around their quest to uncover and recover buried family treasures, all while facing adventures involving air travel, military encounters, and personal bravery. The beginning of the story introduces us to a thrilling night journey aboard a sea-plane as the boys embark on their mission. Captain Leonidas Johnson pilots the aircraft, with the spirited Billy and Henri accompanying him. After a turbulent flight through stormy skies, the sea-plane is left stranded on the coast of Ostend, leading the boys into unforeseen adventures. As they navigate through the war-torn landscape, they encounter various challenges, including aerial dogfights and encounters with enemy forces, while also seeking to find a lost treasure hidden in their family estate. The initial chapters lay the groundwork for an action-packed narrative filled with camaraderie, bravery, and a sense of adventure.
W. Crispin (William Crispin) Sheppard
Don Hale Over There
"Don Hale Over There" by W. Crispin Sheppard is a fictional account written in the early 20th century during the backdrop of World War I. This second volume in a series follows the adventures of Don Hale and his companions as they navigate the perils of war-torn France while serving as Red Cross ambulance drivers. The narrative combines themes of bravery, friendship, and intrigue as Don faces not only the challenges of ambulance duty but also unravels a mystery surrounding the Château de Morancourt. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to an eager group of ambulance drivers, including Don Hale, who has just returned from a furlough in Paris. The atmosphere is tense as they joke about the inevitable action that lies ahead amidst the constant sounds of artillery nearby. Tension rises when the group learns about the rumored disappearance of valuable artworks from the Château de Morancourt, which piques Don's curiosity. The opening chapters establish a sense of camaraderie among the drivers and foreshadow thrilling experiences as they navigate their duties and explore the mysterious château, all while bracing for the dangers of war.
Herbert Strang
Fighting with French: A Tale of the New Army
"Fighting with French: A Tale of the New Army" by Herbert Strang is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set during the time of World War I, the story focuses on the experiences of young recruits such as Kenneth Amory and Harry Randall as they enlist in the British Army and prepare to face the challenges of war. The narrative delves into themes of patriotism, camaraderie, and the impacts of conflict on individuals and society. The opening of the tale introduces Kenneth Amory, a young man recovering from illness and contemplating enlistment in the army. He meets his impulsive old friend, Harry Randall, who has just returned from Canada to join the fight against the Germans. Their interactions convey a sense of urgency and determination as Randall encourages Amory to enlist with him and their former schoolmates. Strang sets the stage for the emotional and moral dilemmas faced by these young men, revealing the complex motivations behind their willingness to fight for their country as they navigate personal relationships and their roles within the New Army.
Amy Ella Blanchard
A little maid of Picardy
"A Little Maid of Picardy" by Amy Ella Blanchard is a historical fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The book likely centers around a young girl named Lucie Du Bois, who navigates the challenges and changes brought on by war in her native France. As a tale of resilience and friendship, it explores themes of bravery and the impact of conflict on family life and childhood innocence. The opening of the story introduces readers to Lucie, a fourteen-year-old girl who enjoys spending time in her garden with her friend Annette. The two share a deep bond while discussing their lives and exchanging songs in English and French. As the narrative progresses, the looming threat of war becomes apparent, with Lucie’s father preparing to leave for battle as tensions rise in France. The chapter concludes with Lucie's promise to be brave, setting a tone of courage and uncertainty that will likely guide her journey through the turmoil ahead. With vivid character interactions and a backdrop of impending conflict, the beginnings of this novel establish an emotional foundation and an urgent context for the unfolding story.
Herbert Strang
A Hero of Liége: A Story of the Great War
"A Hero of Liège: A Story of the Great War" by Herbert Strang is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The book focuses on Kenneth Amory, a young Englishman caught in the tense early days of World War I as he grapples with loyalty to his family business in Germany and the rising conflict between the nations. It explores themes of espionage and courage as Kenneth finds himself in a precarious situation. The opening of the story sets the stage for the unfolding conflict, as Kenneth is in Cologne, Germany, working for his father's partner, Max Finkelstein. A conversation among the three characters hints at the brewing war, with Kenneth's loyalty to England contrasted against the dismissive attitudes of his German associates. After overhearing a conspiracy involving the undermining of a bridge in Belgium, Kenneth finds himself arrested under suspicion of being a spy, escalating the stakes. With cunning and determination, he narrowly escapes his predicament, teaming up with a stranger named Lewis Granger to thwart the German plans and ultimately protect his homeland.
F. S. (Frederick Sadleir) Brereton
Under Foch's Command: A Tale of the Americans in France
"Under Foch's Command: A Tale of the Americans in France" by F. S. Brereton is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century, during or shortly after World War I. The story revolves around American characters as they confront the turbulent events of the Great War, particularly focusing on their involvement in France and the complexities of loyalty amidst international conflict. The narrative likely explores themes of heroism, camaraderie, and the emotional stakes of warfare. At the start of the book, the narrative is set in a picturesque scene in the Rocky Mountains, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of spring as two young men, Jim Carpenter and Dan Holman, discuss the looming war and their desire to join the fight against the Germans. The mood quickly shifts with the announcement of America's declaration of war on Germany, igniting a wave of patriotic fervor among the characters. Shortly after, a tense situation arises when a German agent shoots a bartender, Charlie, leading the sheriff and a posse, including Jim and Dan, to pursue the antagonist into the dark, labyrinthine copper mine. The opening sets the stage for a thrilling adventure as the young men transition from their peaceful lives to the perilous journey of war.
Lucy Fitch Perkins
The French Twins
"The French Twins" by Lucy Fitch Perkins is a historical novel likely written during the early 20th century. This poignant story unfolds the lives of Pierre and Pierrette, nine-year-old twins living in Rheims, France, amidst the backdrop of World War I. The narrative captures the turmoil of war through their innocent eyes, emphasizing themes of bravery, family, and resilience as they face the encroaching German army and the destruction of their beloved cathedral. At the start of the book, the atmosphere is set in the beautiful Cathedral of Rheims, which serves as a sanctuary for the community but is threatened by the advancing German forces. As the children attend a catechism class led by the Abbe, an alarm bell suddenly causes panic among the gathered children and caregivers, signaling the arrival of danger. Mother Meraut, the twins' mother, appears to be a central figure, balancing her duties at the Cathedral while demonstrating courage and determination in the face of adversity. The opening section expertly intertwines the child's perspective of fear and confusion with the adult world of duty and sacrifice, foreshadowing the hardships that the characters will endure in their quest for safety and the preservation of their home in a war-torn landscape.
Margaret Vandercook
The Red Cross Girls on the French Firing Line
"The Red Cross Girls on the French Firing Line" by Margaret Vandercook is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows four American girls—Eugenia, Mildred, Barbara, and Nona—who journey to France to support the Red Cross nursing efforts during World War I. Their diverse backgrounds and personalities shape their experiences as they care for wounded soldiers while navigating the challenges of war and the complexities of friendship. At the start of the novel, the four girls, already familiar with the harsh realities of wartime nursing at a hospital in northern France, face a new challenge as their hospital must relocate due to imminent danger from the German forces. They escape to a quieter town, where they continue their dedicated service with the Red Cross. The opening chapters set the stage for their adventures in Paris, highlighting the girls' different roles and personalities as they celebrate a recent victory of the French army, encounter unexpected dangers, and engage with the vibrant yet perilous world around them. The narrative captures their emotional growth and the camaraderie that develops amidst the backdrop of war.
Clair W. (Clair Wallace) Hayes
The Boy Allies at Verdun; Or, Saving France from the Enemy
"The Boy Allies at Verdun; Or, Saving France from the Enemy" by Clair W. Hayes is a work of historical fiction written during the early 20th century, capturing the essence of World War I. The story centers around two American boys, Hal Paine and Chester Crawford, who find themselves embroiled in the critical battle of Verdun as they undertake a daring mission to deliver dispatches to General Petain. Alongside them is Anthony Stubbs, a war correspondent, whose humorous quips provide comic relief amid the harrowing backdrop of war. The opening of the story establishes a tense atmosphere leading up to the pivotal battle at Verdun, highlighting the urgency of their mission as they speed along in an automobile on the eve of the conflict. Hal, a youthful lieutenant, is determined to deliver crucial information about a German attack plan, while Chester's camaraderie livens the journey. Their banter depicts a friendship forged in adversity, and as they approach the front lines, readers are left aware of the impending chaos of war. The introduction effectively sets up an adventure filled with danger, bravery, and the complexities of youth amidst the harsh realities of battle.
Homer Randall
Army Boys in France; or, From Training Camp to Trenches
"Army Boys in France; or, From Training Camp to Trenches" by Homer Randall is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of young American men, particularly focusing on Frank Sheldon and his friends, as they respond to the call of duty as the United States enters World War I. The narrative explores their experiences from the initial realization of war's inevitability to their enlistment and the emotional tension surrounding their families. The opening of the novel portrays Frank Sheldon and his friends engaged in lively conversation about the brewing war while at their workplace in a hardware store. As they grapple with their thoughts and feelings about the likelihood of entering combat, Frank emerges as a determined character, eager to serve his country. His interaction with both supportive friends and antagonistic figures, particularly a German foreman named Nick Rabig, hints at the broader societal tensions of the time. The poignant exchange between Frank and his mother reveals the personal stakes of war, setting the tone for their impending departure to serve in a conflict that promises bravery, sacrifice, and a newfound sense of identity.
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