Facing Death; Or The Hero of the Vaughan Pit - A Tale of the Coal Mines

G. A. Henty

Summary

In "Facing Death; Or, The Hero of the Vaughan Pit," G. A. Henty crafts a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of a mining disaster that extracts the essence of courage and resilience. Written in Henty's characteristic adventure style, the novel employs rich, descriptive language that engages readers, blending historical fact with a fictional plot that examines themes of duty, bravery, and moral rectitude. The exploration of the working-class struggle during the 19th century is particularly poignant, highlighting issues surrounding industrialization and the human condition in times of crisis. G. A. Henty, a prolific Victorian author, was known for his historical novels aimed at young readers, drawing from his firsthand experiences as a war correspondent and his deep interest in history. His background likely influenced this work, as he sought to instill values of heroism and integrity in the youth of his time. Having experienced the frontlines of war and the realities of social upheaval, Henty infuses his narratives with a blend of authenticity and moral fervor. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in historical fiction that not only entertains but also educates. Henty's portrayal of the human spirit in the face of adversity serves as both inspiration and reflection, making "Facing Death" a valuable addition to both literary and historical study.

Available since: 10/04/2023.

Print length: 191 pages.

Other books that might interest you

Wanda Hears the Stars - A Blind...

Wanda Díaz Merced, Amy S. Hansen

A nonfiction biography of astrophysicist Wanda Díaz Merced and how losing her sight didn't stop her from studying the stars.An inspiring true story of a woman scientist of color that's a riveting intersectional read for STEM fans ages 6-9.Growing up in Puerto Rico, Wanda Díaz Merced wanted to learn everything she could about the stars. But in college she started losing her sight. How could she study what she couldn't see? Wanda found a way. She learned to hear the stars using sonification, which converts data into sounds. Listening to those chimes and drumbeats, she made new discoveries about the universe.Today Wanda is a leading advocate for inclusive science. She and her friend Amy S. Hansen collaborated on this book to inspire children to follow their curiosity no matter the challenges. As Wanda urges, "Never give up!"

Show book

The Forgotten Summer of Seneca

Camryn Garrett

From acclaimed author Camryn Garrett comes a middle-grade mystery with a magical twist, about a girl who goes to live with her aunt in the summer after the loss of her father—and who finds a doorway in Central Park that leads to a magically preserved historical village
Everything is changing, and twelve-year-old Rowan Robinson hates it. She’s dreading having to spend her summer in New York City with her Aunt Monica, even though she used to love it. But things are just different after her father passed away. Without him, nothing about her world feels the same.
Things start to get a little better when Rowan brings her dad’s old camera to Central Park to take pictures. But as she’s snapping photos, she notices a strange mirror-like shape floating in the air. When she gets closer to it, she trips and falls through the portal, and after she lands, she finds herself in a different world: Seneca Village, where Black people with magical abilities seem to live in the past, in a time without phones or electricity. At first, Rowan thinks it must be a dream, but the more time she spends in the village with her new friend Lily, the more she wants it to be real.
But outsiders aren’t even supposed to be able to find Seneca. Rowan and Lily aren’t sure how Rowan was able to see the portal, but they suspect it might have something to do with the girl who normally guards the portal having gone missing. As Rowan and Lily search for clues to help find the missing girl and uncover the truth of the portal’s magic, Rowan begins to realize what secrets this village might be hiding, and how the events of the past still linger in the present day.
Filled with sparkling magic, honest explorations of grief, and moving depictions of a new friendship, The Forgotten Summer of Seneca asks us to remember a history that’s often overlooked—and imagine a future where we’re brave enough to embrace change.
"Garrett weaves together themes of grief, resilience, healing, and friendship as Rowan faces the unwelcome certainty of change while experiencing joy in everyday moments. Examinations of contemporary and historical racism as well as approachable juxtapositions of the IRL fate of Seneca Village with its fictional counterpart of gifted, secluded descendants ground this fantastical adventure."—Publishers Weekly

Show book

Cool Buds: Treasure Map!

Barbara Lehman

Celebrating teamwork and friendship, Cool Buds: Treasure Map! is the latest in I Can Read Comics, an early reader line that familiarizes kids with the world of graphic novel storytelling and teaches visual literacy to emerging readers. Treasure Map! is a Level Three book, meaning it's a complex story for an independent reader.   
Welcome to Cozy Cove, population: 4! Blue, Puff, Tip, and Sealy are four cool buds living in the Arctic.  
When Tip finds a treasure map, the friends set out on an adventure to locate where X marks the spot. What will they find—gold? Jewels? A crown? It’s up to the Cool Buds to find out!

Show book

Creepy Classics: The Picture of...

Gemma Barder

Adapted and illustrated edition of The Picture of Dorian Gray at easy-to-read level for a new generation of readers aged 7+.

Basil Hallward’s latest portrait is the best he’s ever painted. But when the portrait’s subject, Dorian Gray, realises that he will never look as young and handsome again, he makes a terrible wish. From then on, Dorian becomes as ugly on the inside as he is beautiful on the outside. He lives his life never feeling bad about anything. Until one day his wrongdoings catch up with him.

Show book

Hidden Heroes in Space Exploration

Dionna L. Mann

Blast off to space with astronauts, mathematicians, engineers, and more who defined space exploration. These heroes reached for the stars by flying to the International Space Station and completing groundbreaking calculations that made space travel possible.

 
Discover some of the many contributions women, people of color, immigrants, and people with disabilities made to space exploration. From an engineer in the control room to a mission specialist that went on four space flights, these heroes are transforming how we think of space.

Show book

The Princess and the Goblin

George MacDonald

A classic children’s fantasy tale and a major inspiration for The Lord of the Rings, this story chronicles the endeavors, struggles, and triumphs of the beautiful, brave, and kind Princess Irene. Written originally as a serial, this charming adventure never has a dull moment. From magic and secrets to mazes and monsters, Princess Irene and her companions must stay focused, stay true, and stay alert to the forces that seek to do them, and her kingdom, harm.   This series, published by ONE audiobooks, seeks to produce Classic Christian titles read by well known and loved audiobook narrators. ONE takes great care to cast these titles with readers who will provide an unmatched listening experience for these important works. Tamaryn Payne brings her passion to every performance and is considered to be one of the top audiobook narrators in the industry.

Show book