The Errand Boy; Or How Phil Brent Won Success - Rising from Rags to Riches: A Tale of Perseverance and Ambition in 19th Century America

Horatio Jr. Alger

Summary

In "The Errand Boy; Or, How Phil Brent Won Success," Horatio Alger Jr. presents a quintessential rags-to-riches narrative, emblematic of the American Dream. This 1890 novel follows the industrious and virtuous Phil Brent, a young boy whose enterprising spirit and moral integrity propel him from humble beginnings to the heights of success in the bustling world of commerce. Alger's accessible prose, characterized by optimism and moral instruction, reinforces the values of hard work, honesty, and perseverance while reflecting the socio-economic climate of late 19th-century America, a time when entrepreneurship was increasingly viewed as an avenue for social mobility. Horatio Alger Jr., an influential figure in American literature, became a voice for the working class through his prolific storytelling. Born in 1832, Alger faced personal challenges that shaped his understanding of poverty and the pursuit of success. His experience as a schoolteacher and his deep connections with youth informed his narratives, capturing the aspirations and struggles of young Americans. Alger'Äôs background in Transcendentalism imbued his works with themes of self-reliance and individualism, inherent in Phil Brent's journey. This empowering tale is not just for young readers; it resonates universally with anyone seeking inspiration from the virtues of diligence and integrity. "The Errand Boy" invites readers to reflect on their own paths to success while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit. It remains a significant contribution to American literature, encouraging us all to believe in our potential and the transformative power of hard work.

Available since: 10/12/2023.

Print length: 132 pages.

Other books that might interest you

Levin the Cat

Tao Jiu

Levin is a loving, but sometimes mischievous, cat. When his owner Jane has to work at the hospital for eight long weeks, Levin makes new friends and finds ways to help out.

Show book

Coming Home - A Hopi Resistance...

Mavasta Honyouti

From master Hopi woodcarver Mavasta Honyouti, the story of his grandfather’s experience at a residential boarding school and how he returned home to pass their traditions down to future generations.
When Mavasta Honyouti was a boy, he would go with his grandfather to their cornfield, watching him nurture every plant and whittle beautiful carvings into paako root with his pocketknife – carvings Mavasta would later learn to do himself.
But Mavasta would often wonder: what was his kwa’a like when he was a boy? And one day, he heard the story.
Mavasta’s grandfather, like many Native American children across the country in the late 19th and early 20th century, was forced to leave his Hopi reservation as a child and go to a residential boarding school far away. There, the government cut his hair, punished him for speaking his native language, and gave him a new name. But Mavasta's grandfather never forgot who he was – or where he came from – and he tried to escape again and again. Finally, he made it back to their reservation.
In later years, Mavasta’s kwa’a chose a simple life, taking great care of his family just like he took great care of his plants. His son and later his grandson became acclaimed Hopi katsina woodcarvers, just like him. Coming Home: A Hopi Resistance Story is a deeply personal book – written in both English and Hopi. It is an unforgettable testament to one man rising above a painful piece of history to keep the light of his family and culture alive.
"This powerful tale is a much-needed reminder that Indigenous peoples’ stories, despite being threaded with trauma, are marked by defiance and pride. A stirring tribute to Hopi culture, language, and resistance.”–Kirkus (starred)

Show book

Heroes of the War for...

Marilyn Boyer

Meet unforgettable people and animals in the What a Character! Notable Lives from History series as you enjoy 10 real stories within each book! 
 
Designed to be fun and engaging for students or anyone with a love for history, these readers include a fascinating focus on important, influential, and visionary people, along with heroic animal escapades! From scientists to famous women to war heroes and more, there is something of interest for everyone in this exciting series! 
 
This volume, Heroes of the War for Independence, is recommended for Grade 6 and up and includes: 
Paul RevereJohn Peter Gabriel MuhlenbergBetsy RossJohn StarkMad Anthony WayneJohn SevierReverend James CaldwellNathanael GreeneEmily GeigerMarquis de Lafayette 
 
Each book can be read in any order and includes colorful and fun images. Definitions are included to help readers learn the new words they will discover. Read for enjoyment or as an extension of your history, science, or language arts curriculum.

Show book

The Frightened Puppy

Holly Webb

Avery is excited to be on holiday with her family. They're staying in a gorgeous cottage right by the river and have lots of fun activities planned. The only thing that would make the trip even better is if she had a dog to enjoy it with.
So when she finds Hazel, a frightened puppy all alone on the riverbank, she knows she has to help her. But where has Hazel come from and how can Avery make the little puppy trust her?
A new story from best-selling author Holly Webb, perfect for animal-loving children, and fans of ZOE'S RESCUE ZOO and MAGIC ANIMAL FRIENDS.

Show book

Sherlock Holmes: The Reigate...

Alex Woolf, Arthur Conan Doyle

Join world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his ever-loyal sidekick Dr. Watson as they embark on a daring adventure. 
 
A coach driver has been murdered ... and it looks like the killer is going to get away with their terrible crime. The only clue is a torn piece of paper in the victim's hand, with a few words written on it. With the help of this single tiny clue, can our legendary sleuth unravel the mystery? 
 
Adapted by award-winning children's fiction author Alex Woolf, this thrilling tale will delight children aged 7+.

Show book

The Other Now

Murray Leinster

The Other Now by Murray Leinster - He knew his wife was dead, because he'd seen her buried. But it was only one possibility out of infinitely many!
It was self-evident nonsense. If Jimmy Patterson had told anybody but Haynes, calm men in white jackets would have taken him away for psychiatric treatment which undoubtedly would have been effective. He'd have been restored to sanity and common sense, and he'd probably have died of it. So to anyone who liked Jimmy and Jane, it is good that things worked out as they did. The facts are patently impossible, but they are satisfying.
Haynes, though, would like very much to know exactly why it happened in the case of Jimmy and Jane and nobody else. There must have been some specific reason, but there's absolutely no clue to it.
It began about three months after Jane was killed in that freak accident. Jimmy had taken her death hard. This night seemed no different from any other. He came home just as usual and his throat tightened a little, just as usual, as he went up to the door. It was still intolerable to know that Jane wouldn't be waiting for him.
The hurt in his throat was a familiar sensation which he was doggedly hoping would go away. But it was extra strong tonight and he wondered rather desperately if he'd sleep, or, if he did, whether he would dream. Sometimes he had dreams of Jane and was happy until he woke up, and then he wanted to cut his throat. But he wasn't at that point tonight. Not yet.
As he explained it to Haynes later, he simply put his key in the door and opened it and started to walk in. But he kicked the door instead, so he absently put his key in the door and opened it and started to walk in—
Yes, that is what happened. He was half-way through before he realized. He stared blankly. The door looked perfectly normal. He closed it behind him, feeling queer. He tried to reason out what had happened.

Show book