Barry Locke, half-back

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

78118

Title

Barry Locke, half-back

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in a boarding school, this classic sports novel follows Barry Locke, a talented but inexperienced half-back, as he navigates rigorous football training, personal friendships, and the emotional turmoil of his coach's sudden illness. With a focus on camaraderie, resilience, and the spirit of teamwork, the story offers an engaging look at early 20th-century high school athletics and the challenges of growing up.

Summary up to 500 words

In Ralph Henry Barbour's *Barry Locke, Half-Back*, the narrative follows Barry Locke, a new student at a boarding school who joins the football team despite his lack of experience. The story opens with Barry bonding with his roommate, Fessenden, a shy violinist who fears the older boys' hazing traditions. Barry quickly proves his worth on the field, though he faces rivalry from Hal Stearns and tension with his teammate Clyde Allen. The plot thickens when the school's beloved coach, Mr. Benjy, falls seriously ill, worrying about his debts and family. Barry and his friends, including the resourceful Peaches, work to support the coach and eventually track down his missing son, Davy, to lift his spirits. Meanwhile, Barry struggles with a sprained ankle during a crucial game against Hoskins. Despite the injury, he plays heroically, securing a victory for his team. The novel also addresses themes of redemption and friendship when Barry discovers a forged letter implicating a fellow student, Rusty Waterman. Through investigation by Peaches, the truth is revealed, and Rusty is cleared, though he faces disciplinary action. The story concludes with Barry recovering from his injury, strengthening his bond with Clyde, and celebrating the team's success. Barbour captures the excitement of football, the complexities of adolescent relationships, and the moral growth required to face adversity with courage and integrity.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/78118.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg78118.epub

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2026-06-30 19:25 UTC

Categories

• Fiction
• Sports