Dan, the Newsboy

"Dan, the Newsboy" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a tale set in the late 1800s, that follows a young boy named Dan Mordaunt as he becomes a newsboy in the city. After the tragic passing of his father, Dan and his mother face immense poverty, sparking a journey filled with themes of never giving up hope and looking at how fair society is, alongside the huge gap between the rich and the poor. Readers meet Dan as he braves the tough streets, selling newspapers to provide for his ailing mother, demonstrating his strong work ethic and deep love for her. Early on, the story introduces a mean boss named Mr. Gripp, who doesn't pay Dan's mother fairly for her work. Dan's interactions with different people shape his ability to be smart and determined as he takes on the world to improve their lives. As the story unfolds, Dan experiences both acts of kindness and cruelty, molding his character and setting the course for exciting experiences.