Oliver Optic
William Taylor Adams, pseudonym Oliver Optic, was an academic, author, and a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
The Soldier Boy; or, Tom Somers in the Army: A Story of the Great Rebellion
Caught in a nation torn apart, a young boy's fiery spirit is ignited by war, leading him on a collision course with divided loyalties and the harsh realities of battle.
By Oliver Optic
On The Blockade
A young commander must navigate treacherous waters and deceitful shipmates in order to stop enemy supplies from reaching shore during the Civil War.
By Oliver Optic
The Christmas gift : $b A story for little folks
When a group of children chooses to forego their own presents to assist a struggling widow and her family, they discover the true meaning of Christmas through selfless giving.
By Oliver Optic
Poor and Proud; Or, The Fortunes of Katy Redburn: A Story for Young Folks
A young girl, facing poverty and her mother's illness, must find a way to provide for her family without losing her sense of self-worth.
By Oliver Optic
Fighting Joe; Or, The Fortunes of a Staff Officer. A Story of the Great Rebellion
Amidst the Civil War, a Union officer's journey through perilous missions and unexpected battles tests his loyalty, courage, and moral fiber.
By Oliver Optic
Stem to Stern; or, building the boat
On the gentle waves of Lake Champlain, an epic battle of wills begins when dreams of boat building clash with a local bully.
By Oliver Optic
A Victorious Union
A brave first lieutenant risks everything on a dangerous mission to outwit a swift blockade-runner and aid the Union cause during the Civil War.
By Oliver Optic
Brave Old Salt; or, Life on the Quarter Deck: A Story of the Great Rebellion
A young officer's celebration turns swiftly to peril as he sets sail during the Civil War, facing questionable loyalties and dangerous secrets aboard his ship.
By Oliver Optic
Haste and Waste; Or, the Young Pilot of Lake Champlain. A Story for Young People
** A teenage pilot faces treacherous storms and family challenges as he pursues his dreams of mastering the waters and commanding a steamboat.
By Oliver Optic
Dolly and I: A Story for Little Folks
Witness how the destructive power of jealousy unfolds as two sisters learn valuable lessons about kindness and the joy of giving.
By Oliver Optic
Field and Forest; Or, The Fortunes of a Farmer
In a rugged American landscape, a young boy must summon his courage and cunning to reclaim what was stolen and prove his place in a dangerous world.
By Oliver Optic
Make or Break; or, The Rich Man's Daughter
In a bustling city, a barber's adopted son must rise to the occasion when sudden hardship strikes his family, while a pompous clerk faces conflict.
By Oliver Optic
The Birthday Party: A Story for Little Folks
A young girl's birthday party becomes more than just a celebration, teaching her valuable lessons about generosity and family, with a surprising twist that brings everyone closer together.
By Oliver Optic
Our Standard-Bearer; Or, The Life of General Uysses S. Grant
Discover how a young man's strong character and military brilliance made him a celebrated general and a key figure in shaping the nation after a devastating war.
By Oliver Optic
Ready About; or, Sailing the Boat
A determined young student must choose between his dedication to duty and the allure of reckless adventure with old friends.
By Oliver Optic
Asiatic Breezes; Or, Students on The Wing
Young sailors must navigate both treacherous waters and a cunning pirate as they strive for knowledge and brave adventure on the high seas.
By Oliver Optic
The Young Lieutenant; or, The Adventures of an Army Officer
Amidst the chaos of the Civil War, a young lieutenant's courage is tested when a chance encounter on a train leads to a fight for survival and sets the stage for a journey of love and honor.
By Oliver Optic
Square and Compasses; Or, Building the House
In a late 1800s school setting, moral character and useful skills become the focus as a uniform disagreement threatens discipline and sets the stage for a rival school showdown.
By Oliver Optic
A Spelling-Book for Advanced Classes
Step into a world of complex vocabulary where students are challenged to master advanced spelling and expand their knowledge of language.
By Oliver Optic
Now or Never; Or, The Adventures of Bobby Bright
A fearless boy's selfless rescue leads him on an adventure where he must defend his family's honor and fortune.
By Oliver Optic