Horatio Alger
Horatio Alger Jr. was an American author who wrote young adult novels about impoverished boys and their rise from humble backgrounds to middle-class security and comfort through good works. His writings were characterized by the "rags-to-riches" narrative, which had a formative effect on the United States from 1868 through to his death in 1899.
Dan, the Newsboy
A young newsboy struggles to make ends meet, faces adversity, and discovers his own strength in a world of unfair advantages.
By Horatio Alger
Brave and Bold; Or, The Fortunes of Robert Rushton
In a world of privilege and prejudice, a determined young man must confront a spiteful rival to protect his job, his integrity, and the possibility of love.
By Horatio Alger
Mark Mason's Victory
In a city of stark contrasts, a determined young telegraph boy navigates wealth, poverty, and family secrets to forge his own path to success.
By Horatio Alger
Bernard Brooks' Adventures: The Experience of a Plucky Boy
A brave young boy escapes a stern schoolmaster and oppressive guardian to find his own way in the world.
By Horatio Alger
Strive and Succeed; or, The Progress of Walter Conrad
Disguised and facing adversity, a young man journeys to uncover the truth about his father's misfortune, testing his courage and morals along the way.
By Horatio Alger
Mark Mason's Victory: The Trials and Triumphs of a Telegraph Boy
A poor boy's encounter with wealthy relatives ignites a fire within him to overcome adversity and achieve success, proving that determination and a good heart can conquer all.
By Horatio Alger
The Erie Train Boy
In a city teeming with danger, a resourceful young train boy takes it upon himself to help a naive country boy while looking after his family.
By Horatio Alger
Bound to Rise; Or, Up the Ladder
A poor, but determined young boy leaves home to make his own way in the world and uplift his family.
By Horatio Alger
Wait and Hope; Or, A Plucky Boy's Luck
After a boy loses his job, he leaves his small town to face humorous challenges with optimism as he tries to support his family.
By Horatio Alger
Do and Dare — a Brave Boy's Fight for Fortune
A young boy's unwavering spirit is tested as he confronts deceit and fights for his family's honor and fortune.
By Horatio Alger
Ben Bruce: Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy
Watch as a courageous young boy escapes a harsh home life and journeys toward independence, facing challenges and triumphs on his path to a brighter tomorrow.
By Horatio Alger
The Backwoods Boy; or, The Boyhood and Manhood of Abraham Lincoln
From a humble log cabin to the promise of greatness, discover how a young boy's curiosity and determination shaped him into an iconic American figure.
By Horatio Alger
Facing the World
Orphaned and thrust into a world of greed and mistrust, a young hero must rely on his courage and honesty to overcome adversity and find his place.
By Horatio Alger
Timothy Crump's Ward: A Story of American Life
In a 19th-century New York City, a struggling family faces poverty with resilience, teaching the value of charity and unwavering support.
By Horatio Alger
Strong and Steady; Or, Paddle Your Own Canoe
A young boy's world is turned upside down, and he must find the strength within to overcome financial ruin and build his own future.
By Horatio Alger
Helen Ford
A young girl's unwavering support for her inventor father becomes their shared flight towards a better future, soaring above the constraints of poverty.
By Horatio Alger
Digging for Gold: A Story of California
Fueled by dreams of fortune and freedom, a young boy leaves behind a life of hardship to seek his destiny amidst the glittering promise of the California Gold Rush.
By Horatio Alger
Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Horatio Alger, Jr.
Discover a world of young heroes who rise above tough times with grit and good morals.
By Horatio Alger
Tom, The Bootblack; or, The Road to Success
In old New York, a penniless shoeshine boy's life takes an unexpected turn when family secrets and fortunes are revealed.
By Horatio Alger
Randy of the River; Or, The Adventures of a Young Deckhand
A brave young boy steps onto the deck of a steamboat and into a world of adventure, where he must stay true to himself while facing bullies and the trials of working on the river.
By Horatio Alger