Skip to main content
Chaptra
Cover of The Motor Boys on the Pacific; Or, the Young Derelict Hunters

The Motor Boys on the Pacific; Or, the Young Derelict Hunters

Written by Clarence Young

Not rated yet — tap a star to review it
Mystery and detective storiesSwindlers and swindlingRailroad travelMotorboatsAutomobile racingDerelicts

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

About this book

"The Motor Boys on the Pacific; Or, the Young Derelict Hunters" by Clarence Young is a children’s adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows three young boys—Jerry, Ned, and Bob—as they embark on a thrilling journey across the continent to the Pacific coast, where they will search for a mysterious derelict after the tragic loss of their beloved motor boat, the "Dartaway". At the start of the book, the boys are devastated to learn via telegram that their motor boat has been wrecked during shipping. This news prompts them to seek damages from the freight company, but they remain hopeful for new adventures. After receiving letters from their friend Nellie Seabury, who invites them to visit her family in California, they decide to make the journey out west. Along the way, unexpected events unfold, including a dangerous race against their rival, Noddy Nixon, and encounters with mysterious characters that hint at further adventures yet to come. The opening chapters set in motion a tale filled with friendship, excitement, and the promise of exploration, making the book an exciting read for young adventurers.

Read it with a club

Chaptra's mystery and crime clubs — small groups reading the same books and talking as they go.

All clubs
Two readers smiling over something on a table

Whodunit Wednesdays

Mystery and crime

  • 4 members
  • 4 discussions
  • Active Sep 11

One mystery a fortnight. We stop at the reveal, everyone posts their accusation, and then we read on together. This is a Chaptra house club — set up and moderated by us to get the conversation going. Open to everyone; jump in anywhere.

Read The Motor Boys on the Pacific; Or, the Young Derelict Hunters alongside people who are reading it too.

Open the club

Also here: True Crime, Uneasy Conscience, The Locked Room

Chaptra Prime — paid clubs, every club feature, and unlimited reading support, for $5 a month or $60 once.

See Prime

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Motor Boys on the Pacific; Or, the Young Derelict Hunters, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • adventurous
  • optimistic
  • exciting

Clarence Young's "The Motor Boys on the Pacific; Or, the Young Derelict Hunters" is an early 20th-century children's adventure novel that plunges three intrepid friends—Jerry, Ned, and Bob—into a continent-spanning quest. After the devastating loss of their beloved motor boat, the 'Dartaway,' due to a shipping mishap, the boys receive an invitation to California, which soon transforms into a thrilling expedition to locate a mysterious derelict vessel. Their journey westward is fraught with excitement, including a competitive race against their rival, Noddy Nixon, and intriguing encounters with enigmatic figures that promise further escapades. The narrative skillfully blends themes of friendship, resilience, and the spirit of exploration, setting the stage for a classic tale of youthful determination and adventure on the high seas.

“"A Motor Boy never gives up, not while there's a chance to turn the tide!"”

Key themes

Friendship and Loyalty
The unbreakable bond between Jerry, Ned, and Bob forms the emotional core of the novel. Their loyalty to each other is paramount, enabling them to overcome challenges, support one another through setbacks, and share in the triumphs of their adventures. This theme emphasizes the strength found in unity and mutual respect.
Adventure and Exploration
At its heart, the book is a celebration of the spirit of adventure and the thrill of exploring the unknown. From a cross-continental journey to the hunt for a mysterious derelict, the narrative consistently emphasizes the excitement and rewards of seeking out new experiences and pushing boundaries.
Resilience and Determination
The boys face an initial major setback with the loss of their motorboat, but instead of succumbing to despair, they demonstrate remarkable resilience. This theme highlights their ability to bounce back from disappointment, adapt to new circumstances, and pursue their goals with unwavering determination, turning adversity into opportunity.

Worth discussing

How does the loss of the 'Dartaway' serve as a catalyst for the boys' new adventure, and what does this suggest about resilience?

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

Sign up freeLog in

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!