T-Model Tommy

by Stephen W. Meader, John H. Meader (Foreword), Edward Shenton (Illustrator)

Here is a story set in the world of today, where the most intense interest of every boy approaching manhood is the problem of how he is going to earn his living. Red-headed Tom Ballard started off with no capital except his ancient T-Model Ford truck and built up a thriving business by his own efforts. Among the difficulties he had to overcome were the hazards of confronting the truck driver, perils of stormy weather and the danger of attack from hijackers. Tom found himself involved in adventures that took all his courage to surmount. But the battle he waged to get his business started and keep it going will interest boys as much, and will give them a great deal to think about. Mr. Meader’s familiar skill at handling plot and character shines with particular brilliance against the sober background of real existence.

Genres: Fiction

305 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1938

About the author

Stephen W. Meader (May 2, 1892 – July 18, 1977) was the author of over forty novels for young readers. His optimistic stories generally tended to either concern young men developing independent businesses in the face of adversity, or else young men caught up in adventures during different periods in American history.

Meader graduated from Haverford College in Philadelphia in 1913, and initially worked in Newark, New Jersey as a cruelty officer with the Essex County Children's Aid Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and by 1915 was working for the Big Brother Movement. After working for a Chicago publishing house in 1916, he took a position with the Circulation Department of the Curtis Publishing Company in Philadelphia, eventually reaching the position of Editor of the Sales Division publications. His first novel, The Black Buccaneer, was the first juvenile publication of the newly founded Harcourt, Brace and Howe.

Reviews

[Jason Mcintosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this as a young kid. There was just something amazing about a man building up his own business through hard work and sweat. But some of the things that catch me as I re-read are just how challenging life was at that time, but also there was that 50's viewpoint of everything is doable with hard work. It still gets me thinking today of trucks and working with my own two hands, laboring to improve my life :)

[Rodney Haydon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was perusing through BookSleuth and someone referenced this book, so I pulled it off the shelf and re-read it. Stephen W. Meader books are a treat to read.

[Michael Toleno · Rating 5 out of 5]

My final review—i.e., of books that I read before 2000, unless I remember others. In the past week, I’ve recalled (and estimated a reading date), recorded, and now reviewed 92 books that I read before 2000, when I first started keeping records.

For my final three reviews of books—bound to be very similar—going in reverse chronological order, I discuss my experience reading three books by Stephen W. Meader. These are the earliest books (other than books for very small children) that I can recall reading. I’m sure that I’m forgetting many.

When I was around 10 to 12 and my older brother was 12 to 14, possibly earlier, my father made a list of books by Meader and started to borrow them from the library or purchase them somewhere. He kept track of which ones my brother and I read. I’m sure that my brother read a lot more than I did. The list comprised dozens of titles. It’s likely that I read more than three, but these are all that I can remember when I review Meader’s bibliography.

All the novels were about boys becoming men in various fields: sports (Sparkplug of the Hornets, high school basketball), travel and adventure (Jonathan Goes West), and various industries such as trucking (T-Model Tommy) and lumber. They were set in different time periods, such as the dawn of the age of the widespread use of trucks and automobiles, westward expansion, and contemporary times (i.e., when the books were written).

So, thank you, Dad, for an introduction to literature and to diverse worlds that showcased young men growing up. My wife read Sparkplug of the Hornets to my sons some time in the past few years.

As with all of my pre-2000 books, the “Date finished” may be a few years off. I don’t know which edition I read, so I just selected the first valid search result.

[Philip Dampier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of good boy makes good. Lots of history, geography, and a super story of a time gone by. One of my very favorite Meader books. I have read it multiple times and hope to do so again before I leave this old world.

[Eyes of the Owl BQQKS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another terrific historic novel by Stephen W. Meader, a New Hampshire author known for his ability to connect with boy readers. I haven't read this in a while, but it is fast paced and excellent.

[Naomi McCullough · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite Meaders, involving gangsters and adventure with the early days of being a truck driver!

[Raymond Bial · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Stephen Meader's novels and T-Model Tommy is one of my favorites. Set in the depths of the Great Depression, this story follows the struggles of young Tom Ballard who is trying to make a living and support his mother as trucker and jack-of-all-trades. He is an impressive young man—hardworking, courageous, independent, and clever—who has to battle weather, tough luck, and gangsters to make his way in the world. This historical novel offers a fascinating look at the tough years of the 1930s and how industrious Americans, young and old, rose to the occasion and prevailed over adversity. A very uplifting novel that has many lessons for us today.

[Edward Burton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a classic boy's adventure tale about a lad who buys an old Model T Ford and starts a trucking business. He, along with Federal law enforcement thwarts a gang of hijackers bent on running cigarettes and booze during the Prohibition. This book is well written, and not as dated as one might think (it was written in 1938.)