Adrift in the City; or Oliver Conrad's Plucky Fight - Navigating the Gritty Urban Landscape: A Tale of Ambition and Resilience

Horatio Jr. Alger

Summary

In "Adrift in the City; or, Oliver Conrad's Plucky Fight," Horatio Alger weaves a compelling narrative that encapsulates the essence of the American Dream through the trials and tribulations of young Oliver Conrad. Set against the backdrop of urban life in the late 19th century, the novel reflects Alger's hallmark style'Äîan engaging blend of moral didacticism and vivid storytelling. The work addresses themes of perseverance, integrity, and the transformative power of hard work, positioning Oliver's journey as emblematic of a society grappling with rapid industrialization and shifting social norms. Alger's rich descriptions and character development invite readers to sympathize with Oliver's struggles, all while underscoring the era's belief in self-made success. Horatio Alger, a prolific author during America's Gilded Age, penned numerous works focusing on young boys overcoming adversity. His own experiences as a minister and a witness to social disparities deeply influenced his literary output. Recognized for championing the underdog, Alger's narrative choices often echoed the ambitions and hardships faced by many young Americans of his time. His storytelling served not only to entertain but also to inspire readers to aspire towards betterment amidst societal challenges. "Adrift in the City" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the historical roots of American optimism and resilience. Through Oliver Conrad'Äôs engaging adventures, readers will find themselves reflecting on the values of determination and courage'Äîqualities that remain relevant today. This novel not only serves as a vivid portrayal of a bygone era but also as a timeless reminder of the perseverance inherent in the human spirit.

Available since: 11/11/2023.

Print length: 123 pages.

Other books that might interest you

The Last Shepherd

Travis Pond

Imagine being present when the angel appeared to the shepherds in Bethlehem and witnessing the angelic choirs singing and praising God. Imagine the angel extending his arms and inviting you to visit the Christ child. Would you go? What would you sacrifice to see the Christ child? What struggles would you endure to know Christ? 
Nathanael and Bina saw the angel and received the invitation to visit. Travel with them as they search for a stable and visit the newborn babe. Make the journey through their eyes as they overcome challenges and physical limitations to have a relationship with Christ.

Show book

Francesca the Dragon

Stephen M. Lackey

This is the story 
of Francesca the Dragon— 
her winsome journeys 
from familiar climes to foreign lands, 
from alienation to acceptance, 
from dejection to optimism, 
as recited by 
father to sleep-shirking son 
at bedtime request. 
Fourteen engaging illustrations 
narrated via timeless florid prose 
allow us to witness Francesca 
as she seeks a home 
befitting the truth of her 
heart's immensity. 
Raising a child can be daunting—especially if they sense ostracism. Sometimes things get better, and not just believing that but knowing it may foster sufficient intent to change their own narrative. This story illustrates that there can be a place in one’s life for mourning the past, the possibility that new horizons lie ahead and that one may eventually be accepted and appreciated as-is. 
~ On uncommon words (as this story has several) 
Remarkably receptive to context clues, children grasp far more than we realize. That said, make an adventure of noting any unfamiliar and/or interesting words in advance of exploring a dictionary and thesaurus together.

Show book

Stacey and the Mystery of...

Ann M. Martin

Stacey and the Baby-Sitters investigate a spooky old house in this mystery from the classic hit series. 
 
To a New York City girl like Stacey, the fact that an old—supposedly haunted—house in Stoneybrook is being torn down is no big deal. But then her friend Kristy discovers the house was built on a graveyard, and when Stacey sees a horrible face in one of the windows, she wonders if the house really could be haunted! 
 
The best friends you’ll ever have—with classic BSC covers and a letter from Ann M. Martin!

Show book

Fortune Tellers

Lisa Greenwald

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants meets That's So Raven in bestselling author Lisa Greenwald’s charming middle grade novel about three recently separated best friends who discover the paper fortune tellers they made in third grade are the key to staying close through middle school. 
What if your fortunes really came true? 
Once upon a time, Millie, Nora, and Bea were best friends who loved slumber parties, exploring their Manhattan neighborhood, and making fortune tellers with their Magic Markers. Now, in the summer before seventh grade, they haven’t spoken in over a year—thanks to a big fight, the pandemic shutting down their school, and each girl moving away for different reasons. The girls routinely check each other’s social media, but none of them can muster the courage to reach out, even if they might want to. 
Then their long-ago paper fortune tellers start popping up in the most unexpected places. The fortunes carry some eerily accurate wisdom for each girl: Your future is hidden in your past. Hold on to the memories. Go back to where you started. Could this be the push the girls need to reconnect and reunite? Or is the gap between them too wide to mend?

Show book

Mizzi Mozzi And The...

Alannah Zim

In the mysterious Hush-Hush Woods, Mizzi Mozzi and friends encounter the frightly-scared Sprogo Moidlie-Doidlies, who believe the nearby Horrifull Haunty-House is haunted by Spectra-Spooky Ghostly-Ghosties. Determined to help, the brave group investigates, discovering the "ghostly" noises and lights are just numerous loud Piffle-Puffle-Powered Terri-Blisions belonging to lonely O.A.P. Mizzi Mozzi's clever invention, the Soundly-Scoopers, allows O.A.P. to hear clearly without excessive noise, putting an end to the spooky rumors and forging new friendships in the woods.

Show book

Mannon Makes Friends

Yolanda Stanton

Mannon the Manchester is having trouble making friends with other pups, and he can’t figure out why. It seems so easy for everyone else. 
With the help of a wise old Doberman, Mannon learns the six basic social skills that open up a whole new world of happiness and confidence.

Show book