Luck and Pluck; or, John Oakley's Inheritance

"Luck and Pluck; or, John Oakley's Inheritance" by Horatio Alger Jr. tells the story of John Oakley, a young boy facing hardship with a cruel stepmother and stepbrother after losing his father; themes of determination, justice, and the fight for what's rightfully his drive the plot as John bravely confronts unfair treatment, most notably when he asserts his ownership on a family horse. Displaying both physical and moral courage, John stands up to Ben, his stepbrother, and makes it clear that he will not be taken advantage of, which builds the base layer for the novel's tension. Battling within his own family, John resolves to stand up for his rights.