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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
A Cousin's Conspiracy; Or, A Boy's Struggle for an Inheritance
In a world of secrets and hidden fortunes, a boy must fight to secure his rightful inheritance from those who seek to steal it.
By Horatio Alger
Tattered Tom; or, The Story of a Street Arab
A spirited street sweeper's life transforms when she finds an opportunity to escape poverty and discover her true potential.
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
Jack's Ward; Or, The Boy Guardian
Amidst the backdrop of economic hardship, a courageous young boy battles poverty and family woes, determined to uplift his loved ones with his unwavering spirit and hard work.
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
A Boy's Fortune; Or, The Strange Adventures of Ben Baker
In a bustling metropolis, a country boy chases his dreams of wealth, unaware of the hidden family secrets that could alter his destiny forever.
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
From Farm Boy to Senator Being the History of the Boyhood and Manhood of Daniel Webster
Witness the extraordinary rise of a curious farm boy whose love for learning and strong family support propelled him to become a celebrated senator.
By Horatio Alger