Skip to main content
Chaptra
Cover of The boys of Columbia High on the ice : $b or, Out for the hockey championship

The boys of Columbia High on the ice : $b or, Out for the hockey championship

Written by Graham B. Forbes

Not rated yet — tap a star to review it

Chaptra reads alongside you — AI insights, chapter breakdowns and reader discussions for every book. Join free

About this book

"The Boys of Columbia High on the Ice: Or Out for the Hockey Championship" by Graham B. Forbes is a children's sports novel written in the early 20th century. It follows the boys of Columbia High, particularly Frank Allen and Lanky Wallace, as they engage in various athletic competitions, specifically hockey, and face off against rival schools. The story is filled with themes of friendship, rivalry, and sporting spirit, as the main characters prepare for a significant hockey match. At the start of the story, Frank and Lanky are eager to challenge the Clifford High hockey team after a series of athletic successes. In a spirited moment, they quickly decide to take Lanky's newly built ice-boat, the "Humming Bird", for a spin up the Harrapin River, feeling the thrill of the crisp winter air. However, their adventure is soon marked by a collision with a rival team member's boat, revealing tensions and competitive rivalries. The opening portion sets the stage for the challenges they will face, both in their sportsmanship and in dealing with the antagonistic Lef Seller, who embodies the competitive spirit of their rivals. As the plot unfolds, the reader becomes drawn into their quest for victory, camaraderie, and the dangers of rivalry.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The boys of Columbia High on the ice : $b or, Out for the hockey championship, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 6 hours
  • beginner
  • uplifting
  • adventurous
  • competitive

Graham B. Forbes's "The Boys of Columbia High on the Ice" is an early 20th-century children's sports novel chronicling the athletic adventures of Frank Allen and Lanky Wallace, students at Columbia High. The story centers on their quest for the hockey championship against rival schools, particularly the formidable Clifford High team and its antagonistic member, Lef Seller. Beyond the thrilling ice hockey matches and an exciting ice-boat race, the narrative delves into themes of enduring friendship, the competitive spirit, and the challenges of sportsmanship. It sets the stage for a classic tale of youthful ambition, camaraderie, and the pursuit of victory amidst spirited rivalry.

"The ice-boat, 'Humming Bird,' cut through the crisp air like a swallow, a true champion of the frozen river."

Key themes

Friendship and Loyalty
The bedrock of the story, the theme of friendship is explored through the unwavering bond between Frank Allen and Lanky Wallace. Their mutual support, shared adventures, and collaborative spirit are central to their individual growth and their team's success. This theme emphasizes the strength found in camaraderie and the importance of standing by one's companions.
Sportsmanship vs. Rivalry
This theme explores the delicate balance between healthy competition and destructive antagonism. While rivalry is a natural part of sports, the novel highlights the importance of fair play, integrity, and respect for opponents, contrasting the honorable conduct of the Columbia High boys with the unsportsmanlike actions of Lef Seller and Clifford High.
Perseverance and Determination
The journey to a championship is never easy, and this theme underscores the importance of persistent effort, resilience in the face of setbacks, and unwavering determination to achieve one's goals. The boys of Columbia High must train hard, overcome obstacles, and never give up, even when faced with formidable opponents or unfair play.

Worth discussing

How does the novel define 'sportsmanship' through the actions of its characters?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

Discussions

No one has started one yet

Join

Questions this book opens up

No discussions yet

Be the first to start a discussion about this book!

Sign up to start the discussion

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to review this book!