Tom Slade in the North Woods
"Tom Slade in the North Woods" by Percy Keese Fitzhugh follows the adventures of Tom Slade, a young scout, as he returns to his suburban town after a summer at Temple Camp in the Catskills. The story begins with Tom's return, signaling the end of summer and the start of autumn. Tom is a local celebrity known for his adventurous spirit and unconventional attire. The narrative delves into Tom's past, from his troubled youth in Barrel Alley to his transformation through scouting, his heroism during the war, and his role at Temple Camp. The plot thickens when Tom learns about Leatherstocking Camp, a wilderness retreat owned by the wealthy Harrison McClintick, who wants to sell it after a tragic accident where his son was mistakenly shot. Tom sees potential in the camp as a training ground for scoutmasters and seeks the support of Mr. Temple, a benefactor of scouting. As Tom and his friends work to prepare the camp, they encounter mysterious occurrences, including a ghostly trail, a haunting footprint, and a stranger's presence. The story unfolds with Tom and his companions unraveling the mystery surrounding the camp, which involves a hermit, a lynx, and the revelation of past secrets. The narrative explores themes of adventure, mystery, and the spirit of scouting, culminating in a resolution that clears the camp's reputation and sets the stage for its future as a scout training ground.
By Percy Keese Fitzhugh · First published 1910 · Genre: Children's Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Wilderness Fiction · 34 chapters · 54,679 words
First lines
One of the surest signs of approaching autumn in this suburban town of ours, is the reappearance in the main thoroughfares of my adventurous young friend Tom Slade after his summer sojourn in the mountains. When I see that familiar form in brown negligee attire careering down Main Street in the outlandish flivver which seems to be a very part of him, I know that Temple Camp has closed for the season, that the schools are again open, and that soon I shall be raking up dried leaves on the front lawn. The return of Tom Slade is just as much a harbinger of autumn as the coming of the first robin is a harbinger of spring.
What this Textopian page supports
Tom Slade in the North Woods is listed on Textopian as a novel by Percy Keese Fitzhugh, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Percy Keese Fitzhugh
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Wilderness Fiction, Regional Fiction, Action
- Length: 54,679 words
- Structure: 34 chapters, 1,142 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Tom Slade in the North Woods by Percy Keese Fitzhugh
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Genres
- Children's Adventure — Emphasizes a young protagonist engaging in daring exploits and explorations in the North Woods.
- Coming-of-Age — Focuses on the personal growth and development of its adolescent lead as they face challenges in the wilderness.
- Wilderness Fiction — Centers on survival, nature, and outdoor challenges, highlighting the unique setting of the North Woods.
- Regional Fiction — Reflects the culture and lifestyle of a specific American locale, capturing the essence of rural life.
Tags
adventure · wilderness · youth · coming-of-age · exploration · survival · friendship · courage · action · nature · outdoors · mystery
Contents
- Perhaps you have Met Before
- Who is that Man?
- A Tragic Episode
- The New Venture
- A Neighbor's Story
- The End of One Trail
- Into the Depths
- Shadows
- The Sign of the Four
- The Work Progresses
- Alone
- Signs on the Mountain
- The Steady Gaze
- The Apparition
- Out of the Past
- Somebody's Son
- Baffled
- Seeing is Believing
- Guesswork or Action
- Suspense
- Despair
- Tom
- Strange Partners
- And "Peters" Drops In
- A Ghost on the Wire
- Who's Letter?
- Mystery Upon Mystery
- This is Brent's Suggestion
- Rivers is Delighted
- The Threads Unravel
- An Evening of Deductions
- The Letter Comes Back
- Face to Face
- It can't Rain Forever