Try Again; Or, the Trials and Triumphs of Harry West. A Story for Young Folks

"Try Again; Or, the Trials and Triumphs of Harry West. A Story for Young Folks" by Oliver Optic is a tale from the early 1900s about a brave boy named Harry West, who battles hardship in a world that's quick to judge. The plot centers on Harry's battles with his history, especially with Squire Walker and Jacob Wire, touching on topics like not giving up, the value of friends, and chasing a better life. Harry is first introduced in a poorhouse, about to be sent to the house of Jacob Wire, a mean person who hurts those who work for him. When Harry meets Squire Walker, a person that represents authority and looks down on those less fortunate, Harry sticks up for himself, showing how strong he is even when things are not going his way. When Mr. Nason, the poorhouse's kind keeper, has a serious conversation with Harry, Harry thinks about running away. Ben Smart, a local boy, stops him with an offer of helping him escape. The story shows that Harry's trip will be full of challenges and chances to win as he tries to get away from a tough reality.