The Telegraph Messenger Boy; Or, The Straight Road to Success

"The Telegraph Messenger Boy; Or, The Straight Road to Success" by Edward S. Ellis is a story from the 1800s about a young boy named Ben Mayberry, and we are there as he grows and faces tough times to achieve his goals. Ben deals with bullies and struggles to make money, but it doesn't stop him from chasing his dreams. It's an exciting adventure about growing up, with messages about not giving up, being brave, and how important it is to get an education. The story starts with Ben floating down a river, where rich kids make fun of him and even throw rocks, but Ben stands up for himself, showing just how brave he is. Wanting to support his mom, who doesn't have a husband anymore, Ben wants to get a job, highlighting how responsible and determined he is. The story shows Ben is smart as well as hard-working, setting the stage for a life as he takes on a job to earn money and the challenges that it brings.