Walter Sherwood's Probation

"Walter Sherwood's Probation" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a story about a young college student, Walter Sherwood, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he realizes he's been carelessly spending his money. His guardian, Doctor Ezekiel Mack, steps in, leading Walter to leave college and find a job to learn the value of responsibility. The story begins with Walter writing a letter to Doctor Mack about his money problems and Doctor Mack deciding to visit him at college. The book explores the struggles Walter faces as he tries to balance having fun with becoming responsible. He soon understands that he needs to leave college and start a new chapter. The novel shows Walter's journey as he grows, learns to be responsible, and moves from being a young boy to a young man.