Josiah in New York; or, A coupon from the Fresh Air Fund

"Josiah in New York; or, A Coupon from the Fresh Air Fund" by James Otis is a late 1800s children's story about Josiah Shindle, a country boy, whose big trip to New York City turns into a series of unexpected events. The novel opens with Josiah eagerly getting ready for his adventure, excited to leave the farm after spending time with city children. He packs his bag, gets permission to travel by himself to the city, and anticipates seeing his friends, Tom and Bob. Once he arrives he is immediately overwhelmed by the loud confusing city streets, and soon lost and homesick when he can't find his friends amidst all the chaos. From the beginning of the story themes of being new to overwhelming change and innocence take hold as Josiah begins a journey filled challenges in a world completely unlike his own.