The Rushton Boys at Rally Hall; Or Great Days in School and Out - Revisiting Youth: School Adventures and Friendship in Late 19th Century

Spencer Davenport

Summary

In "The Rushton Boys at Rally Hall; Or, Great Days in School and Out," Spencer Davenport presents a vibrant tapestry of youth, camaraderie, and the formative battles of adolescence. Set against the backdrop of an early 20th-century educational institution, the novel unfolds the exploits of the Rushton boys, deftly exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of growing up. Davenport employs a rich, engaging narrative style that resonates with humor and realism, reflecting the societal norms and values of his time while also probing into the emotional truths of childhood and the challenges that come with it. Spencer Davenport, an educator himself, draws from his own experiences to vividly portray the intricacies of school life and the inherent lessons therein. His nuanced understanding of youth culture, complemented by his reflections on the educational climate of the early 1900s, lends authenticity to his characters and their adventures. Davenport's background as a teacher and observer of adolescent behavior informs the depth and relatability of the Rushton boys'Äô experiences. This book is highly recommended for readers seeking a nostalgic return to the innocence of youth and the universal lessons embedded within those formative years. Davenport'Äôs sharp insights into school life, paired with his engaging narrative, make it a delightful read for both adolescents and adults eager to revisit the exuberance of their childhood.

Available since: 10/04/2023.

Print length: 126 pages.

Other books that might interest you

Bunny´s Pear

Isabel Kuri

Bunny is in search for her perfect pear.

Show book

Raven's Gate

Anthony Horowitz

This chilling NYT bestseller from Anthony Horowitz, "a master of edge-of-your-seat writing" (Booklist, starred) is "an exhilarating read" (Kirkus) that "should attract a strong following" (PW) 
  
As punishment for a crime he didn't really commit, Matt was given a choice: go to jail or go live with an old woman named Mrs. Deverill in a remote town called Lesser Malling. He should have chosen jail. A strange and sinister plan is coming together made in Lesser Malling, with Matt at the center of it all. People who try to help him disappear … or die. It all ties to an evil place named Raven's Gate—a place whose destiny is horrifyingly intertwined with Matt's own.

Show book

A Potion Powder Little Bit of Magic

Philip C. Stead

A plucky young goatkeeper sets out on a misadventurous rescue mission in this uproarious debut novel, perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Lemony Snicket. 
 
In a kingdom ruled by a capricious king, the castle rests on the backs of twenty-four goats, and the welfare of those goats rests on the back of a girl called Bernadette. So when one goat escapes, it’s up to her—with the help of a very forgetful wizard and a Boat That Does Not Grant Wishes—to bring it back safely. 
 
Her task may be straightforward, but this book is anything but. Like a swirling herd of restless goats, the chapters are all out of order. The ending may prove to have been the beginning all along. All the while, the author of Bernadette’s saga—a character himself—hurries to write her a resolution, with very mixed results. And if you’re feeling lost, don’t worry; the story has twenty-four morals, of varying advisability, to edify you along the way. 
 
Award-winning picture book author and illustrator Philip Stead makes a confident debut as a novelist in this laugh-out-loud, one-of-a-kind illustrated tale, chock-full of running gags, broken fourth walls, and underdog triumph.

Show book

Julián Stories - Julián Is a...

Jessica Love

Julián Is a Mermaid While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes—and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself? Mesmerizing and full of heart, this jubilant story is a radiant celebration of individuality and self-love. Julián at the Wedding Julián and his abuela are going to a wedding. Better yet, Julián is in the wedding. Weddings have flowers and kissing and dancing and cake. And this wedding also has a new friend named Marisol. It’s not long before Julián and Marisol set off for some magic and mischief of their own, and when things take an unexpected turn, the pair learns that everything is easier with a good friend by your side.

Show book

Potential - Alone in the Void...

Robert Sheckley

Potential by Robert Sheckley - He was one man, horribly confused, escaping from a destroyed planet, carrying some sort of message which he couldn't recall. But he had tremendous potential for achievement!
Robert Sheckley (1928–2005) was a prolific American science fiction writer renowned for his sharp wit, satirical style, and imaginative storytelling. Emerging as a major voice in the 1950s, Sheckley became a fixture in magazines like Galaxy and Amazing Stories, captivating readers with tales that often blurred the line between absurdity and philosophical insight. His work frequently explored the quirks of human nature, the unpredictability of technology, and the ironic consequences of alien encounters, often through fast-paced plots and cleverly twisted logic.
A master of the short story, Sheckley penned classics such as “The Seventh Victim”, which inspired the 1965 cult film The 10th Victim, and “Watchbird”, a prescient tale about autonomous drones enforcing morality. His ability to satirize bureaucracy, consumerism, and Cold War anxieties drew comparisons to contemporaries like Kurt Vonnegut and Philip K. Dick. Despite often being categorized as humorous or light, his stories packed a philosophical punch, exploring themes of identity, free will, and societal control.
Sheckley also wrote novels, including Mindswap, Dimension of Miracles, and The Status Civilization, which showcased his trademark blend of existential inquiry and surreal comedy. His influence extended beyond literature, inspiring filmmakers, futurists, and generations of speculative writers. Endlessly inventive and sharply perceptive, Robert Sheckley remains one of science fiction’s most original and underappreciated voices.

Show book

All's Faire in Middle School

Victoria Jamieson

From the author of the Newbery Honor winner Roller Girl, a heartwarming graphic novel about starting middle school, surviving your embarrassing family, and life at the Renaissance Faire that's perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier. Eleven-year-old Imogene (Impy) has grown up with two parents working at the Renaissance Faire, and she's eager to begin her own training as a squire. First, though, she'll need to prove her bravery. Luckily Impy has just the quest in mind-she'll go to public school after a life of being homeschooled! But it's not easy to act like a noble knight-in-training in middle school. Impy falls in with a group of girls who seem really nice.until they don't. For the first time, she's embarrassed of her thrift shop apparel, her family's unusual lifestyle, and their small, messy apartment. And when her new friends encourage her to do something mean, Impy goes along with it. Before long, Impy doesn't even recognize herself. Is she the dragon in her own story or the heroic knight? As she did in Roller Girl, Victoria Jamieson perfectly-and authentically-captures the bittersweetness of middle school life with humor, warmth, and understanding.

Show book