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
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
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
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
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
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
Herbert Carter's Legacy; Or, the Inventor's Son
A determined boy confronts bullies, poverty, and the looming threat of losing his home while holding onto hope for a better future and the importance of self-reliance.
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
Cast Upon the Breakers
Stripped of his fortune, a young man must navigate a world of trickery to prove that character matters more than wealth.
By Horatio Alger
Luke Walton
Amidst the grit of Chicago's streets, a newsboy's unwavering honesty becomes his greatest weapon as he fights for his family's honor and a chance at a better life.
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
Tom Thatcher's Fortune
A young factory worker embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind his father's death and a potential lost fortune.
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
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
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
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
Struggling Upward, or Luke Larkin's Luck
In a small town, a poor but brave boy's skating competition against a rich bully becomes about more than just winning.
By Horatio Alger