Tom, The Bootblack; or, The Road to Success

"Tom, The Bootblack; or, The Road to Success" by Horatio Alger, Jr. showcases the journey of a young, resilient bootblack named Tom, striving to make ends meet in New York City while tenderly caring for Jacob, the old man he knows as his grandfather. The story, set in the late 1800s, immediately introduces Tom's industrious nature as he balances his work with familial duties, highlighting themes of hard work and the pursuit of a better life, which is common in Alger's books. We're introduced to Tom's world through his interactions with Mrs. Flanagan, a compassionate neighbor who helps them with food, and quickly learn about Tom's unwavering dedication to providing for himself and Jacob; however, Jacob is guarding a secret, pretending to be poor while hiding a treasure. Tom's path is a mix of grit and expectation, with hidden realities and the promise of transformation soon to come.