Tom Slade On The River

Tom Slade #3

by Percy Keese Fitzhugh

Tom Slade On The River is a children's novel that delves into the exciting adventures of a young boy scout as he embarks on thrilling quests and experiences the joys of camp life. The story emphasizes the values of friendship, teamwork, and bravery, reflecting the spirit of scouting. It captures the camaraderie among the scouts as they navigate challenges and assist those in need. Through the arrival of new scouts and the discovery of an urgent message, the protagonist takes charge, leading his friends on a journey into the wilderness. The narrative highlights the importance of selflessness and responsibility, showcasing how these values shape the scout's character. The plot develops around the strong bonds of friendship, the adventures that arise from teamwork, and the willingness to help others, providing a vivid portrayal of scouting life. The sense of adventure, together with the lessons learned along the way, reinforces the story’s message of courage and mutual support, making it an engaging read for young readers.

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1917

About the author

Percy Keese Fitzhugh (1876-1950) was an American author. His first known work, The Goldenrod Story Book was published in 1906. The bulk of his work, having a Boy Scouting theme, revolves around the fictional town of Bridgeboro, New Jersey. Characters included Tom Slade, Pee-wee Harris, Roy Blakely, and Westy Martin. Fitzhugh's Scouting based books were very popular with children and adults. His characters became so real to his readers that it was not uncommon for Percy to receive fan mail addressed to the characters themselves. In the 1930's, he began writing the Hal Keen Mystery Series (10 titles) under the pseudonym Hugh Lloyd. They were followed by another mystery series - Skippy Dare - (3 titles). Neither of these series achieved the popularity of his Scout work.