Harry Harding—Messenger "45"

"Harry Harding—Messenger '45" by Alfred Raymond is a story about growing up that follows friends Teddy Burke and Harry Harding as they leave school and enter the working world. The story, set in the early 1900s, introduces Teddy, a playful boy always in trouble, like when his rubber snake prank angers his teacher, Miss Alton, and the principal, Mr. Waldron. At the same time, Harry is eager to find a job to support his family after his father's death. When both boys decide to leave school and get jobs at Martin Brothers' Department Store, the story shows how they deal with new responsibilities, the value of friendship, and what it's like to become an adult during tough economic times.