Subject
World War, 1914-1918 -- United States -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Rena I. Halsey
The Liberty Girl
"The Liberty Girl" by Rena I. Halsey is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Nathalie Page and her friends, who are inspired by the spirit of patriotism and liberty during World War I. As they navigate the challenges of wartime, they engage in various efforts to support the war, leading to the formation of a club called "The Liberty Girls," which symbolizes their commitment to helping their community and their country. The opening of the novel introduces us to the character of Nathalie and her friends as they discuss their lives and responsibilities in a small town during the war. With excitement, Grace Tyson shares her recent enlistment as a military chauffeur, demonstrating the eagerness of young women to contribute to the war effort. The narrative quickly establishes the emotional weight of impending deployments for Nathalie’s brother, Dick, who has joined the Flying Corps. This depth of character and social dynamics sets the stage for the girls' endeavors to honor liberty, forge friendships, and discover their desires to contribute meaningfully amidst the tumult of war. The introduction reflects themes of courage, community, and the struggle for personal identity within the greater context of patriotism and sacrifice.
Mabell S. C. (Mabell Shippie Clarke) Smith
Ethel Morton and the Christmas Ship
"Ethel Morton and the Christmas Ship" by Mabell S. C. Smith is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around themes of friendship, community service, and the spirit of giving, particularly during the holiday season. The main characters include Ethel Morton and her cousin Dorothy Smith, who embark on a mission to create a bundle of gifts for children affected by a war abroad, all while navigating their involvement in the United Service Club. The opening of the book introduces readers to Ethel and her friends, who gather to discuss the exciting news of a newly found relative and plan their upcoming meeting of the United Service Club. As they converse on the porch, various character dynamics and budding friendships are established, particularly highlighting Ethel's enthusiasm and the group's collective ambition. The talk includes plans for community service in light of current events, reflecting the values of teamwork and compassion in a time of need. This sets the stage for their mission of collecting gifts for the "Christmas Ship," which they hope will serve as a beacon of kindness amidst the backdrop of a world in conflict.
Augusta Huiell Seaman
The Crimson Patch
"The Crimson Patch" by Augusta Huiell Seaman is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around young Patricia Meade, who finds herself in a hotel while her father, Captain Meade, embarks on a clandestine government mission during a time of war. Patricia's life takes a thrilling turn as she navigates friendships and potential dangers, especially regarding her budding connection with a foreign girl named Virginie de Vos and the mysterious presence of their neighbor, Madame Vanderpoel. The opening of the novel sets the stage as Patricia and her father arrive at their hotel. Despite the excitement of being in a new place, Patricia grapples with the absence of her mother, who is in a sanatorium. As they settle into their suite, her father’s secretive work and the sudden arrival of a telegram about a family member add tension to their stay. The narrative introduces several key characters, including the suspicious waiter Peter Stoger and the enigmatic Madame Vanderpoel, creating an atmosphere charged with intrigue. Patricia's keen observations of her surroundings hint at the unfolding mystery, particularly about the relationships and motivations of those around her, setting the tone for the adventures and revelations to come.
Edna Henry Lee Turpin
The old mine's secret
"The Old Mine's Secret" by Edna Henry Lee Turpin is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around young Richard "Dick" Osborne and his adventures in a small Southern village during a time marked by the lingering effects of the Civil War and the onset of a new world conflict. The narrative primarily follows Dick and his twin sister Patsy, alongside their family and friends, showcasing their day-to-day lives, familial dynamics, and the intriguing yet perilous secret of a mine that Dick seeks to uncover. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the Osborne family, particularly gloomy Dick, who has been assigned garden work by his father, Mr. Osborne, but is more interested in a secret adventure involving a candle, a hatchet, and the old Sterling Mine. Dialogue between the characters reveals their close-knit community, filled with playful sibling banter and discussions about local veterans. Meanwhile, young Dick's mischievous plans lead him to a mysterious mine, setting up a series of escapades that will intertwine themes of discovery, bravery, and personal growth as he navigates the challenges that come with his secretive quest. The beginning establishes both the familial love and the complexities of growing up, setting the stage for Dick's adventurous journey.
Cornelia Meigs
The Island of Appledore
"The Island of Appledore" by Cornelia Meigs is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. It focuses on young Billy Wentworth, who finds himself spending the summer on Appledore Island, an unfamiliar and seemingly dull place to him initially. Throughout the story, Billy encounters various characters, including the old sailor Captain Saulsby and a local boy named Johann Happs, all while navigating the mysteries, adventures, and challenges posed by the island. The opening of the book introduces readers to Billy Wentworth's initial frustration at being sent to Appledore Island instead of his planned summer adventure in the Rockies. He begrudgingly approaches Captain Saulsby's home amidst a picturesque setting of the rocky coast, where he observes Captain Saulsby mending a sock in an unconventional image of a sailor. Billy's curiosity is piqued by the strange behavior of Johann Happs, introducing an element of mystery. As the chapter unfolds, hints of adventure beyond Billy's initial sulkiness emerge, suggesting that his summer may not be as boring as he anticipates, particularly with regards to the island's intriguing past and the looming conflicts surrounding it.
Louis Pendleton
Captain Ted: A Boy's Adventures Among Hiding Slackers in the Great Georgia Swamp
"Captain Ted: A Boy's Adventures Among Hiding Slackers in the Great Georgia Swamp" by Louis Pendleton is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around two boys, Ted and Hubert, who embark on a quest to find a Christmas tree in the snowy Georgia landscape, only to find themselves lost in the treacherous Okefinokee Swamp. Their misadventures lead them to encounter draft-dodgers hiding from the war, shifting the narrative towards themes of bravery, duty, and the moral implications of avoiding military service. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Ted and Hubert as they prepare for a snowy Christmas by venturing into the woods for a tree. Their playful sledding unexpectedly lands them in a pit, where they must devise an escape plan. The opening chapters not only establish the boys' resourcefulness but also provide insight into their contrasting characters: Ted is adventurous and driven, inclined to act while Hubert tends to be more cautious and fearful. This dynamic sets the stage for their deeper exploration of the swamp, where they eventually learn of the slackers hiding there, leading to moral dilemmas that frame their adventure in a context of wartime responsibility.
John Henry Goldfrap
The Boy Scouts at the Canadian Border
"The Boy Scouts at the Canadian Border" by John Henry Goldfrap is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of young scouts, specifically Rob Blake, Tubby Hopkins, and Andy Bowles, as they embark on a quest in the Maine wilderness aimed at locating Tubby’s Uncle George, who is hunting in Canada. The book captures themes of exploration, camaraderie, and patriotism amidst the backdrop of World War I. At the start of the novel, the trio of scouts is depicted amidst their journey, already two days into their expedition as they navigate through the rugged terrain of Maine. The opening emphasizes humorous interactions among the boys, especially between Tubby and Andy, as they tackle the challenges of their adventure, including physical hardships and the quest for survival skills. As they discuss the current situation in Canada, especially concerning the war, they become aware of the potential trouble brewing across the border. Their exploration leads them to a logging camp where they hope to find clues about Uncle George's whereabouts, setting the stage for further adventures and challenges that lie ahead. This first chapter effectively establishes the tone and stakes of their expedition, hinting at both camaraderie and the excitement of youthful adventure in undisturbed nature.
Nina Rhoades
When Gretel Was Fifteen
"When Gretel Was Fifteen" by Nina Rhoades is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Gretel Schiller, a young girl with German heritage living in America during World War I, as she navigates the complexities of her identity and friendships against the backdrop of a nation at war. The narrative delves into themes of loyalty, cultural conflict, and the struggle for acceptance, particularly in light of anti-German sentiment prevalent during the war. The opening of the novel establishes a tense atmosphere as Gretel and her fellow students at Miss Minton's school react to the news of America's entry into World War I. The girls' emotions range from fear to pride, revealing personal connections to the war as some have relatives who may be affected. Gretel's inner turmoil is palpable as she grapples with her own mixed heritage, reflecting on her deceased German father while forming a bond with her German teacher, Fräulein Sieling, who faces prejudice due to her nationality. This initial conflict not only sets the stage for Gretel's character development but also hints at the larger societal issues that will be explored throughout the book.
Laura Lee Hope
The Outdoor Girls at the Hostess House; Or, Doing Their Best for the Soldiers
"The Outdoor Girls at the Hostess House; Or, Doing Their Best for the Soldiers" by Laura Lee Hope is a work of juvenile fiction likely written in the early 20th century. This engaging novel is part of a series featuring a group of adventurous girls known as the Outdoor Girls, and it centers around their efforts to support soldiers and their families during wartime, mixing themes of friendship, bravery, and social responsibility along the way. At the start of the story, the four main characters—Mollie, Betty, Grace, and Amy—are enjoying a carefree day in Mollie's car when they have a moment of concern about their soldier friends who are preparing to go overseas. Their drive leads to a serious incident when they encounter a little old woman who has been injured in a motorcycle accident. Reacting quickly, the girls rush to assist her, demonstrating their commitment to helping others while hinting at the broader themes of duty and sacrifice that will unfold in the narrative. Mollie's reckless driving and the girls' light-hearted banter provide a backdrop that contrasts with the gravity of the situation they face, setting the tone for both humor and heroism that characterizes their adventures throughout the book.
Beth Bradford Gilchrist
The Camerons of Highboro
"The Camerons of Highboro" by Beth Bradford Gilchrist is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Elliott Cameron, a spirited young girl whose life is upended when she has to leave her comfortable, privileged existence to stay with her relatives on a farm during wartime. As Elliott grapples with her new circumstances and the unfamiliar lifestyle, she must come to terms with her own attitudes toward work and family. The opening of the book sets a dramatic tone, as it introduces Elliott's sense of displacement and bewilderment regarding her forced evacuation from her home, which echoes the experiences of refugees globally. We see her lively banter with her father, juxtaposed with her reluctance to embrace her new life with the Robert Camerons, a family she considers strange and less appealing than her own. As she arrives at the Cameron farm and begins to interact with her new cousins, the reader gets glimpses of her resistance to their way of life and her struggle to adjust while maintaining her personal identity. The initial chapters highlight her feelings of homesickness and her many interactions, setting the stage for her growth as she navigates her new reality amidst the contrasts of her previous upbringing and the farm life she now faces.
Edith Ballinger Price
Us and the Bottle Man
"Us and the Bottle Man" by Edith Ballinger Price is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around siblings Jerry, Greg, and Chris Holford, who embark on imaginative escapades during their summertime picnics on the island of Wecanicut. The children’s childhood whims lead them to write a playful message in a bottle, which ultimately brings unexpected correspondence from a mysterious figure they call the "Bottle Man," setting the stage for unique adventures and growing friendship. The opening of the book introduces us to the three main characters and their setting, highlighting their playful schemes during a picnic. The siblings creatively compose a letter that reflects their excitement for adventure, which they toss into the sea in hopes of it being discovered. Their light-hearted activities, including pretending to be pirates and finding a mysterious "Sea Monster," capture the essence of childhood imagination. As they explore both their immediate surroundings and the boundless possibilities of the adventures they can dream up, readers are drawn into their vibrant world marked by camaraderie and curiosity.
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