Walter and the Wireless

Walter and the Wireless by Sara Ware Bassett crackles with the curiosity and charm of early 20th-century invention, following a quick-witted teen whose experiments with radio push him into lively moral and social tests. Set in the era when wireless was brand-new, this coming-of-age fiction from 1923 blends small-town New England warmth, boyish adventure, and the era’s fascination with technology. Fifteen-year-old Walter King — freckled, good-humored, and full of resourceful energy — navigates a new job, friendships, and the thrill of making the invisible airways speak. Alongside loyal companions (including a devoted collie), Walter’s tinkering and missteps illuminate themes of ingenuity, responsibility, and community. Sara Ware Bassett places youthful enthusiasm against the historical backdrop of the wireless boom, offering gentle humor, period detail, and timeless lessons about perseverance and honesty without ever giving away pivotal surprises. Ideal for fans of classic teen/young-adult fiction, historical YA, and readers intrigued by vintage technology and wholesome adventure, Walter and the Wireless is a cozy, engaging listen for anyone who loves character-driven stories that celebrate curiosity and the magic of discovery.