At the Black Rocks

At the Black Rocks

by Rev. Edward A. Rand

(c. 1900-1910?)

 Bartholomew Trafton, know as "Bartie" or "Little Mew", has always been told that he'll never amount to anything. His father is a sailor and a drunkard: home infrequently, and sober even less frequently. Small and frail, Bartie lives with his poverty-stricken grandparents in the seaside town of Shipton--and feels quite useless. Is there anything that he can do? Is his life of any use at all?

 Quiet David Fletcher has never had much use for "religion". Of course, his sister does, but Dave believes it to be of little importance. That is, until he meets the keeper of the light at the Black Rocks. Toby Tolman is a type of Christian that Dave has never encountered before: one whose Christian example is plain to see, but yet humble and unobtrusive. Challenged with the need to make a decision, what will Dave's be?

 Come ride on a drifting schooner, face temptation and danger with Dave, discover your purpose with Bart, and learn that honesty and a love for God and man are the best values a youth can have.   

Character Lessons:

God's Love, Loving God & Others, the Purpose of Life, Christian Example & Influence, Honesty, Prayer, Diligence.

Elements for Parental Consideration:

Set in the time of the Temperance Movement; Bart's father is mentioned as being a drunkard; Spoiler: he accepts Christ and gives up alcohol; some youths Dave knows are out camping, with their bottles of liquor and tobacco (after Dave visits, he thanks Bart, because Bart's presence made sure that he would not drink); "gay" = bright; "queer" = odd; a boy calls another a "booby"; a mention of mermen; Dave almost falls from the top of the lighthouse (intense moment); Spoiler: it is the catalyst for his salvation; some boys get permission to camp on an anchored schooner, two of them pull up the anchor and it drifts downriver (they get into trouble); description of a shipwreck; a man is delirious from sickness; Dave notices the bright eyes of a girl, and enjoys her company (his sister teases him, and he blushes) it is stated that he eventually married her.

                                                                 

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Alone in London

  

Alone in London

by Sarah Smith (1869)

as Hesba Stretton

  Years before, in a fit of anger, James Oliver sent his daughter from his arms. Since that day, he has bitterly regretted his words and actions, but has sought solace in a relationship with his Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. Now elderly, he operates a small newspaper shop deep in the dirt and darkness of London. Then, one evening, a small girl is left at his shop. A letter from his daughter, Susan, introduces the child, Dolly, to her "gan-pa". Dolly soon steals her grand-pa's heart, and he grows to love her more and more each day as they await the return of her parents.

 Tony has lived on the streets almost as long as he can remember--he knows their dangers. When he sees a woman leave a little girl at a shop, he lingers to keep watch over her. Strangely drawn to the sweet child, he regularly helps the old man, who teaches him about "The Master". Tony, however, prefers to be his own master, although he is very grateful for Mr. Oliver's kindness. But what will happen when troubles arise for Tony and those he loves? 

Character Lessons:

Charity, Compassion, Home Missions

Elements for Parental Consideration:

"Queer" = odd; "gay" = happy, or brightly-colored; Mr. Oliver smokes a pipe regularly; Susan's husband drinks, but has promised to give it up; mentions of pickpockets and fighting; brief mention that a rock "in olden times served as an altar to the gods of fire".

Spoiler: Dolly falls ill and dies.

                                                                

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The Academy Boys in Camp

  

The Academy Boys in Camp

by S. F. Spear (1909)

 A mystery hangs over the boys at Massillon Academy. A foolish prank--easily forgiven--has turned into a more serious affair: a falsehood, and something that their teacher, Mr. Bernard, considers of the utmost gravity. Only honest, well-liked Joe knows the culprit, and he has promised not to tell, bringing Mr. Bernard to take more desperate measures to expose the liar.

 Fleeing the school in shame, Ralph Drayton feels that he can never again face his father, Mr. Bernard, or his fellow students. He and his friend board a small fishing vessel, to escape the pricks of their own consciences, and encounter much inconvenience and distress. Even if he returned, Ralph is sure that he can expect neither welcome nor forgiveness--or can he?

 Come with the Academy Boys to Whaleback island to fish, swim, row, gather "specimens", explore the island, and just enjoy some healthy fun. What wonderful adventures does the island have in store?       

 

Lessons:

Honesty, Compassion, Forgiveness, Respect, Self-Improvement.

*Strong moral values, but no mention of salvation

Elements for Parental Consideration:

"Queer"=odd(8); "fiddlesticks"; "plague on them"

Joe admits he knows the culprit, but respectfully refuses to tell who did it. He refuses to lie, but also refuses to tell; mention of the sea being "a perfect witch's cauldron" (dictionary seems to translate it as "as stormy as a witch's anger"); several boys complain of the teacher's rules (Joe defends him); Mr. Bernard gives the boys a day with no supervision, which starts out very nicely, but after some of them get into danger, the boys wish that a teacher were there, saying that they'd had enough "freedom"; (afterward, they laughingly talk and joke about "Liberty Day"); some of the boys are disrespectful toward Mr. Bernard (corrected); a few mentions of pipes (tobacco); a mention of "mermaids", one boy is jokingly called a "merman", after getting soaked; the boys swim; a mention of "a whoop that would have delighted the heart of a red Indian" (some may consider it racist--if that's you, get over it!)

                                                                  

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