Ready About; or, Sailing the Boat

"Ready About; or, Sailing the Boat" by Oliver Optic is a late 19th-century tale that follows a young man's journey of self-discovery. Through a series of challenges faced by Matt Randolph, a student at Beech Hill Industrial School, the story looks at the themes of adventure and characterbuilding. Instead of joining a group of unruly characters, Matt focuses on his duties and responsibilities, showing his commitment and resolve. The story contrasts the upstanding students of Beech Hill Industrial School against the care-free Nautifelers Club, creating a conflict with Matt at the center, testing his values and leading him toward future trials.