Subject
Newspaper vendors -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Horatio Alger
Dan, the Newsboy
"Dan, the Newsboy" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a young newsboy named Dan Mordaunt, who faces the challenges of poverty after his father's death forced him and his mother into a life of hardship. The narrative explores themes of resilience, social justice, and the contrasting lives of the wealthy and the poor. At the start of the book, we meet Dan as he sells newspapers and navigates the difficulties of supporting his sick mother while dealing with the harsh realities of urban life. Dan’s character is portrayed as hardworking and caring, showing an admirable devotion to his mother. The opening chapters introduce the struggle against an unkind employer, Mr. Gripp, who withholds payment for Dan's mother's work, and highlight Dan's interactions with various characters, demonstrating his resourcefulness and determination to improve their situation. As the narrative develops, Dan encounters both kindness and cruelty, which set the stage for his personal growth and adventures ahead.
James Otis
Teddy and Carrots: Two Merchants of Newpaper Row
"Teddy and Carrots: Two Merchants of Newspaper Row" by James Otis is a fictional novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story centers around two young boys, Teddy Thurston and Joseph "Carrots" Williams, navigating the challenges of selling newspapers in New York City, where they confront bullies, form friendships, and seek to establish their place amid the rough streets. The narrative captures the struggles and resilience of youth in an urban environment, evoking themes of camaraderie and perseverance. At the start of the book, the reader meets Teddy, a newcomer to the city, who is eager to make a living selling newspapers. He quickly encounters trouble when confronted by Skip Jellison, a local bully, who attacks him and causes chaos in his attempts to sell papers. The scene unfolds as Teddy tries to defend himself, while Carrots, a bootblack and potential ally, observes the conflict and decides to help Teddy. Carrots’ initiative sets the stage for their burgeoning friendship and the larger challenges they will face together in the cutthroat world of newspaper selling, with the ever-present threat of conflict with Skip looming large.
James Otis
An Amateur Fireman
"An Amateur Fireman" by James Otis is a youthful adventure novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Seth Bartlett, a determined fourteen-year-old boy with aspirations of joining the Fire Department. Despite being a bootblack living in a shed, Seth spends his time learning everything about firefighting, eager for the day he can officially call himself a fireman. The beginning of the novel introduces us to Seth and his friend Dan Roberts as they engage in a discussion about Seth's ambition to become a fireman, despite the skepticism of Dan. After a series of events that highlight Seth's resilience and perspective on life, including the tension created by a boy named Jip Collins who threatens to set fire to Seth’s living quarters, the narrative sets the stage for action and challenges ahead. This portion establishes Seth’s character and determination, giving readers a glimpse into the adventures and trials he will face as he works towards his goal amidst the backdrop of his humble living conditions and friendships.
James Otis
Left Behind; Or, Ten Days a Newsboy
"Left Behind; Or, Ten Days a Newsboy" by James Otis is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows a young boy named Paul Weston who finds himself stranded in New York City after his family departs for Europe without him. As Paul grapples with his loneliness and uncertainty, he befriends two streetwise boys, Johnny and Ben, who introduce him to the harsh realities of street life, including the world of newsboys and boot-blacking. The opening of the book sets the stage for Paul's introduction to the bustling streets of New York City. He recounts the unfortunate series of events that led him to be left behind while searching for a new top, showcasing his innocence and the stark difference between his past comfortable life and his current predicament. The narrative quickly moves into his interaction with Johnny and Ben, where they not only believe his story but also offer him a chance to earn money as a newsboy, marking the start of his journey towards self-reliance amidst the challenges of urban life. The camaraderie and adventures that ensue hint at both the trials and tribulations of growing up in a bustling city environment.
Thomas M. (Thomas March) Clark
John Whopper The Newsboy
"John Whopper" by Thomas M. Clark is a whimsical novel written in the early 1870s. The story follows the adventures of a young newsboy named John Whopper, who embarks on a fantastical journey that takes him through a secret passage in the Earth, leading him to China, the North Pole, and beyond. The book mixes elements of adventure and fantasy, exploring themes of curiosity, youthful ambition, and the wonders of exploration. The narrative begins with John slipping into a mysterious hole that transports him beneath the Earth's surface, ultimately landing in China where he cleverly sells Boston newspapers at a high price to eager customers. His entrepreneurial spirit shines as he devises a scheme to transport newspapers via an "air-line" route, leading to a series of escapades and narrow escapes. Eventually, his travels take him to the Arctic, where he survives on a drifting iceberg after discovering provisions from a dismasted ship. As he crafts a life for himself on the iceberg, he becomes resourceful, utilizing what he finds to sustain himself, while dreaming of returning home. The story culminates with his eventual rescue and return to Roxbury, reflecting both the absurdity and charm of his adventures.
Frank V. Webster
The Newsboy Partners; Or, Who Was Dick Box?
"The Newsboy Partners; Or, Who Was Dick Box?" by Frank V. Webster is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the adventures of two boys, Jimmy Small, a streetwise newsboy, and Dick Box, a mysterious boy who suffers from amnesia after a head injury. Together, they navigate the challenges of life on the streets of New York City, facing bullies, striving to earn a living, and forming a partnership that promises camaraderie and support. The opening of the novel introduces us to Jimmy Small as he energetically sells newspapers in City Hall Park, showcasing his street smarts and determination. He encounters a well-dressed stranger, Joshua Crosscrab, who seems out of place, engages in a brief conversation, and learns about overcoming hardships. After a series of unfortunate events, including a theft, Jimmy seeks shelter in an alley where he discovers Dick, who is injured and unable to remember his past. This unexpected meeting lays the groundwork for their partnership, setting the stage for a journey of friendship and mystery as they navigate their lives in the bustling city.
Recently surfaced classics