The Young Adventurer; or, Tom's Trip Across the Plains

** "The Young Adventurer; or, Tom's Trip Across the Plains" by Horatio Alger Jr. introduces Tom, a young boy setting out to find wealth in California during the gold rush era. The story focuses on Tom’s journey, filled with tests of character and the pursuit of his dreams. Tom is introduced as a young boy dealing with struggles on his family's farm . Eager to get out of his situation and help his family, Tom resolves to leave home and follow his dreams. After he returns a wallet filled with money to the wealthy Squire Hudson, he is given the chance to borrow money for his trip to California. As the story begins, Tom's character is rooted in a moral choice setting the stage for the adventures and the people he will meet along the way. **