Half a dozen boys : $b An every-day story

"Half a Dozen Boys: An Every-Day Story" by Anna Chapin Ray is a tale from the late 1800s about six young boys facing the ordinary joys and struggles of growing up. The story kicks off by introducing us to Rob and Fred, setting the scene for their adventures and how they mature emotionally. Initially, the book paints a picture of a close-knit New England town, where community matters. We first meet the boys at church, where Rob worries about Fred, who is slowly losing his sight due to sickness. Rob talks with his cousin Bess, who shows that she will help Fred deal with the change, highlighting the themes of friendship and inner strength that are key to the story.