Subject
Wyoming -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Izola L. (Izola Louise) Forrester
The Polly Page Ranch Club
"The Polly Page Ranch Club" by Izola L. Forrester is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a group of young girls at Calvert Hall, particularly focusing on Polly Page, as they embark on an exciting mission to earn funds for an adventurous summer trip to a ranch in Wyoming. The narrative explores themes of friendship, independence, and the spirited determination to create memorable experiences, while showcasing the characters’ charming personalities and vivid aspirations. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to Polly and her friends as they discuss an absent comrade, Crullers, who is likely facing trouble with a teacher. The girls—Sue, Ted, Ruth, and Isabel—share their thoughts regarding future preparations for their outdoor adventures. As they stroll through the blooming gardens, anticipation builds for the summer ahead, and Polly expresses ideas about planning activities to raise money for their trip. The scene sets a warm and playful tone, hinting at the dynamics of their friendship and the forthcoming adventures that await them in the novel. The relationships between the characters are established alongside various academy traditions, revealing the community context they exist in, which adds layers to Polly's determination to create a rewarding journey for her friends.
W. Crispin (William Crispin) Sheppard
The Rambler Club's aeroplane
"The Rambler Club’s Aeroplane" by W. Crispin Sheppard is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the escapades of a group of boys from the Rambler Club, particularly focusing on Bob Somers and his ward, Willie Sloan, as they travel to Wyoming to engage in thrilling activities, including a visit to Circle T Ranch and interactions with aviators experimenting with dirigibles. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Cranny Beaumont and his father as they discuss the troublesome and lazy behavior of Willie Sloan, Cranny's father's ward. They learn that Bob Somers and his friends are on their way to Tacoma, and excitement builds as Cranny anticipates their arrival and the adventures that await, particularly in the context of a booming Border City and the possibility of flying in an aeroplane. The opening sets the stage for not only character dynamics but also hints at a transformation for Willie, who is portrayed as discontent and reluctant about his new surroundings and activities. The narrative promises a mix of humor, friendship, and young adolescent challenges against the adventurous backdrop of the American West.
Margaret Vandercook
The Ranch Girls and the silver arrow
"The Ranch Girls and the Silver Arrow" by Margaret Vandercook is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around four sisters, the Colter girls, who are adjusting to life at their family ranch, Rainbow Ranch, after their father remarries. As they explore the wild beauty of their surroundings, they navigate the complexities of sibling relationships and the arrival of a new stepmother, leading to discovery, adventure, and the challenges of growing up. At the start of the book, the four Colter sisters—Lina, Jeanette, Olivia (Via), and Eda—find themselves lost in a canyon while leading their ponies. Their playful banter reveals their personalities and perspectives, particularly Jeanette's adventurous spirit and Lina's more cautious demeanor. They unexpectedly discover a silver arrow in a hidden lake, which they decide to keep as a symbol of their bond, suggesting a forthcoming challenge or competition among them. The girls are also apprehensive about the arrival of their stepmother, Jacqueline, and the new family dynamics that will unfold with her presence, setting the stage for emotional conflict and development throughout the story.
Josephine Chase
Grace Harlowe's Overland Riders in the Yellowstone National Park
"Grace Harlowe's Overland Riders in the Yellowstone National Park" by Josephine Chase is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a group of young adventurers, known as the Overland Riders, who embark on a journey to explore the wonders and challenges of Yellowstone National Park. The characters, including Grace Harlowe, Lieutenant Hippy Wingate, and their companions, find themselves embroiled in unexpected twists and turns as they navigate their way through various escapades and mishaps. The opening of the novel introduces the Overland Riders arriving at Cinnabar, marking the beginning of their summer expedition. The group faces immediate challenges when their expected guide, Jake Coville, is missing, and they are astonished to discover that the stock car contains the wrong horses. Hippy Wingate quickly takes charge as tensions rise over their missing mounts and the potential for delays in their plans. Amidst humorous exchanges and banter among the group, they must confront the reality of their situation while remaining hopeful for the adventures ahead in the enchanting yet unpredictable wilderness of Yellowstone.
Frank Fowler
The Broncho Rider Boys on the Wyoming Trail Or, A Mystery of the Prairie Stampede
"The Broncho Rider Boys on the Wyoming Trail" by Frank Fowler is an adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around three young riders—Adrian Sherwood, Donald Mackay, and Billie Winkle—who are journeying from the Arizona border into the Wyoming cattle country. As they make their way along the trail, they encounter challenges and unexpected adventures that highlight their camaraderie and resourcefulness, notably dealing with the trials of bronco riding and the thrill of the Wild West. The opening of the book introduces the trio as they conclude a lengthy ride across the rugged terrain, preparing to reach the Bar-S Ranch. During their travels, they demonstrate their unique personalities, including Billie's struggles with his weight and his stubbornness to master bronco riding. The narrative sets the stage for their adventures as they camp, dine, and joke together, hinting at the coming excitement when they find themselves untangling a series of mysterious events involving cattle rustlers. This opening portion effectively establishes the characters' relationships, the challenges they face, and foreshadows the thrilling escapades awaiting them on the Wyoming trail.
St. George Rathborne
Rocky Mountain Boys; Or, Camping in the Big Game Country
"Rocky Mountain Boys; Or, Camping in the Big Game Country" by St. George Rathborne is an adventure novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows two boys, Tom Tucker and Felix Edmondson, who embark on an expedition to the Rocky Mountains for trapping and hunting, seeking the thrills and challenges of the wilderness. At the start of the narrative, Tom and Felix are nearing their destination—a dugout in the foothills where they plan to spend a couple of months hunting and enjoying nature. As they arrive at this rustic cabin, they quickly encounter a bobcat that has taken up residence inside, setting the tone for their exciting adventures in the wild. The boys' anticipation of impending challenges and the promise of hunting grizzly bears drive the storyline, hinting at the camaraderie, resourcefulness, and peril they are likely to face as they navigate the untamed wilderness together.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
Two Boys in Wyoming: A Tale of Adventure (Northwest Series, No. 3)
"Two Boys in Wyoming: A Tale of Adventure" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around two spirited youths, Jack Dudley and Fred Greenwood, who embark on a thrilling journey to Wyoming after one of their fathers acquires a ranch. The boys are characterized as athletic, outdoorsy, and filled with the exuberance of youth, setting the stage for an adventurous exploration of the untamed West. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to Jack and Fred, who are both strong and adventurous young men full of ambition and determination. Their desire to visit the newly acquired ranch leads them to convince their parents to send them to investigate its value and the surrounding wilderness. They prepare for their journey with excitement, equipped with rifles and supplies, and set off on a train to Fort Steele. Upon their arrival, they meet Hank Hazletine, who will guide them to the ranch. Their adventure is punctuated by thrilling encounters, including their first night camping under the stars where they must take turns guarding against potential dangers, such as wild animals and Indians. This blend of youthful audacity and the harsh realities of frontier life promises a captivating tale of growth and adventure in the wilds of Wyoming.
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