Subject
Street life -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Horatio Alger
The Errand Boy; Or, How Phil Brent Won Success
"The Errand Boy; Or, How Phil Brent Won Success" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Phil Brent, a young boy who faces challenges and adversities after discovering that his stepmother doesn’t consider him her son, which shakes the foundation of his identity and home life. The narrative unfolds as Phil resolves to leave his unhappy home and seek his fortune in New York City, revealing themes of resilience, ambition, and personal growth. At the start of the tale, Phil endures a painful scuffle with his stepbrother Jonas, followed by a confrontation with his stepmother, Mrs. Brent, where he learns that she does not view him as a true member of the family. This revelation prompts Phil to consider a future for himself outside of the oppressive environment he’s lived in. He decides to leave home, sells some of his possessions to save money, and embarks on a journey to New York, where he hopes to find work and establish his independence. Along the way, he encounters various characters, such as Mr. Lionel Lake and Mr. Oliver Carter, who play crucial roles in shaping his fortunes and experiences in the big city. The opening chapters set up Phil's character as determined and resourceful, as well as foreshadowing the trials and opportunities he will face in his quest for a better life.
Horatio Alger
Tony, the Hero; Or, A Brave Boy's Adventures with a Tramp
"Tony, the Hero; Or, A Brave Boy's Adventures with a Tramp" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Tony, a 14-year-old boy who leads a vagrant life alongside his uncle, Rudolph, a dark and suspicious tramp. The narrative explores themes of resilience, the desire for a better life, and the quest for identity as Tony grapples with his situation and dreams of a stable future. The opening of the book introduces Tony and Rudolph trudging through a country town in New York. As they converse, it becomes apparent that Tony is weary of the life of a tramp and wishes to break free from it, while Rudolph believes in the independence of their lifestyle. The dynamics of their relationship highlight Tony's internal struggle between loyalty to his guardian and the yearning for a more conventional life. Despite feeling stuck, Tony manages to assert his desire for change, setting the stage for his eventual quest for self-discovery and belonging.
Horatio Alger
The Train Boy
"The Train Boy" by Horatio Alger Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Paul Palmer, a resourceful 16-year-old train boy who sells magazines on a Milwaukee-to-Chicago train. As Paul navigates the challenges of life, he demonstrates his integrity and kindness while also facing adversities from characters who threaten his sense of justice and family. At the start of the story, Paul enthusiastically goes about his duties on the train, engaging with passengers and showcasing his charming personality. He encounters an elderly woman and a generous young lady named Grace Dearborn, who shows kindness by giving him money for his little sister's benefit. However, the atmosphere shifts when a thief named Luke Denton, seeking to steal from Grace, finds himself exposed by Paul, leading to a dramatic leap from the moving train. This incident sets the stage for subsequent conflicts involving Paul, his family dynamics, and his determination to protect those he loves from malevolent influences in his life.
Silas K. (Silas Kitto) Hocking
Her Benny: A Story of Street Life
"Her Benny: A Story of Street Life" by Silas K. Hocking is a novel first published in 1879. Set in the slums of Victorian Liverpool, it follows young Benny Bates and his frail sister Nelly as they escape their violent father and struggle to survive on the streets. Aided by kind friends, the siblings learn to lead Christian lives while facing poverty, loss, and false accusations. This "waif story" became hugely successful, selling over a million copies and establishing Hocking's reputation as a writer of improving fiction.
Kirk Munroe
Under Orders: The story of a young reporter
"Under Orders: The Story of a Young Reporter" by Kirk Munroe is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book follows the journey of Myles Manning, a young man who finds himself suddenly responsible for his family's financial well-being after his father's unexpected blindness and loss of income. As Myles navigates the challenges of transitioning from college life to the reality of working as a reporter, he faces both personal and professional trials that test his character and resolve. The opening of the story introduces the Manning family in a state of crisis, struggling with financial burdens as they attempt to send Myles through college. The narrative quickly shifts to Myles's decision to leave school and support his family by pursuing a career in journalism, despite initially viewing reporters as beneath him. He is guided by his new friend Van Cleef, who encourages him to embrace this career path. As Myles embarks on his first day as a reporter, he encounters the dangers and unpredictability of the job, finding himself embroiled in a tumultuous streetcar strike. This scenario sets the stage for Myles's growth as he learns to adapt to the demands of his new profession while maintaining his determination to uplift his family.
Horatio Alger
Tattered Tom; or, The Story of a Street Arab
"Tattered Tom; or, The Story of a Street Arab" by Horatio Alger Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century, which explores the challenges faced by impoverished youth in urban America. The story centers around a young girl named Tom, who survives as a street sweeper in New York City, managing her meager earnings while navigating her difficult life, characterized by a neglectful and abusive guardian. The narrative delves into themes of resilience, self-reliance, and the quest for a better life. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Tom through an encounter with a well-dressed young gentleman named Frederic Pelham, who dismisses her while trying to maintain his polished appearance. Tom boldly stands her ground, showcasing her witty and defiant nature. The opening chapters detail her daily struggles, including her harrowing interactions with her alcoholic guardian, whom she refers to as Granny, and her resourcefulness in earning a living through street sweeping and odd jobs. As her story unfolds, Tom's longing for a stable, caring environment becomes evident, foreshadowing her potential journey toward a more hopeful future.
Horatio Alger
Tony the Tramp; Or, Right is Might
"Tony the Tramp; Or, Right is Might" by Horatio Alger Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story focuses on a young boy named Tony, who finds himself living as a tramp under the influence of an unscrupulous adult named Rudolph. Throughout the early chapters, Tony expresses his desire for a more stable and respectable life, in stark contrast to Rudolph’s life of petty crime and vagabondage. The opening of the book introduces Tony and Rudolph as they struggle with their life on the road. Tony is visibly weary and dissatisfied with their transient lifestyle, yearning for a home and honest work. As the story progresses, we learn that their relationship is strained due to differing aspirations: while Rudolph embraces the freedom of a lower-class lifestyle, Tony wishes to break free from it. This theme of aspiration versus circumstance is highlighted when Rudolph tries to lead Tony into a life of crime, prompting the boy to grapple with his sense of right and wrong amidst external pressures. The tension between their characters sets the stage for a story that explores morality, resilience, and the quest for a better future.
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