Showing results by author "Gene Stratton-Porter" in All Categories

Join the heartwarming journey of Michael O’Halloran, a spirited and hopeful newsboy who, despite being orphaned at a young age, embraces life with a simple mantra “Be Square!” This delightful tale captures Michaels unwavering optimism and the way he brightens the lives of everyone he meets. A truly uplifting story that reminds us all of the joy that comes from kindness and connection. (Summary by Mary A.)

Jamie MacFarlane has returned a hero from the Great War but with a stubborn chest wound. The government has sent him to their new thermal springs hospital in California “where it was hoped that the brilliant sunshine, the fruits, and the clean air, the eternal summer of a beneficent land” would heal him. But nothing has worked and with his parents now deceased and no one to care for him, it seems the next step is a camp rife with tuberculosis. Realizing this, Jamie begins his Great Adventure on foot toward the ocean.

Michael “Mickey” O’Halloran is no stranger to hardship. As an orphaned newsboy in the early 1900s, everyday brings struggle. However, his kindness, faith, love, and optimism define his character and shine so brightly that he leaves an incredible impact on those around him. After taking in...