Subject
Business -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Horatio Alger
Ben Bruce: Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy
"Ben Bruce: Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a coming-of-age novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Ben Bruce, a determined young boy who grapples with the harsh realities of life as he confronts his cruel stepfather and his yearning for a better future in the bustling city of New York. Throughout his journey, Ben's bravery and resilience shine through as he faces various challenges and seeks independence. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to Ben and his tumultuous relationship with his stepfather, Jacob Winter, who scolds him for giving food to two tramps. Tensions rise as Jacob insists Ben abandon his dreams of furthering his education, which leads Ben to contemplate leaving home to seek his fortune in New York. After a mix of adventures, including thwarting a robber and earning praise for his bravery, the narrative sets up Ben's arrival in Boston, marking the beginning of his journey towards self-discovery and hope for a brighter future amidst adversity.
Sophie Swett
The young ship builder
"The Young Ship Builder" by Sophie Swett is a fictional work written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the lives of the Dill family who navigate the complexities of life, family relationships, and the challenges presented by their family dynamics, especially following the return of their mother with two new half-siblings after a second marriage. The story is narrated by Bathsheba, one of the elder siblings, and the primary focus is on her brother Cyrus, whose aspirations are challenged by family duty and the arrival of their half-siblings, whom are perceived as "aliens" within the family. At the start of the narrative, the reader is introduced to Bathsheba's family on Groundnut Hill, where the dynamics have changed with the return of their mother and the incorporation of her new children, Estelle and David. Bathsheba reflects on the implications of having a mixed family, the expectations on Cyrus to sacrifice his own dreams for the sake of the younger children, and the emotional toll it takes on everyone involved. As the childhood antics of Bathsheba and her siblings unfold, we witness a deepening sense of responsibility emerge in Cyrus, who grapples with his desire to pursue a ministry against the harsh realities of caring for his family. The opening serves not only to set up the family dynamics but also hints at impending struggles and the burden of expectations that will shape the characters' lives going forward.
Clarence Budington Kelland
Mark Tidd in Business
"Mark Tidd in Business" by Clarence Budington Kelland is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Mark Tidd and his friends as they face the challenges of running a local store in Wicksville while their fathers are away due to health issues. The plot highlights themes of resilience, creativity, and friendship, as the boys devise clever plans to keep the store afloat and compete against a new rival. The opening of the narrative sets in motion a series of events following the hospitalization of Plunk Smalley's father, who runs Smalley's Bazar. With both parents unable to manage the store, Mark Tidd proposes that he and his friends take over the business for six weeks. They seek to prove their capability amidst self-doubt and external competition from a new five-and-dime store run by the shrewd Jehoshaphat P. Skip. As they brainstorm ideas, their entrepreneurial spirit is ignited, particularly with Mark's initiative to host an auction and a contest to boost sales, showcasing the boys' determination to overcome challenges with ingenuity and teamwork.
Recently surfaced classics