Tattered Tom; or, The Story of a Street Arab

Name: Tattered Tom; or, The Story of a Street Arab
Author: Jr. Horatio Alger

By Jr. Horatio Alger

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About This Book

The narrative follows a ragged, resourceful street child who adopts a boyish appearance to earn a living in the city, performing tasks like sweeping and trading small services while relying on quick wits and petty schemes. Episodic encounters with well-dressed pedestrians, rival street workers, and a stern grandmother produce scrapes, small triumphs, and moral choices that reveal class tensions and daily hazards. The sequence of adventures emphasizes perseverance, thrift, and the precarious hopes and practical ingenuity of urban childhood.

About the Author

Jr. Horatio Alger

Horatio Alger, Jr. was an American author best known for his young adult novels that often feature themes of perseverance, hard work, and the pursuit of success. His stories typically revolve around impoverished boys who rise to middle-class status through determination and moral integrity. Notable works include "A Boy's Fortune; Or, The Strange Adventures of Ben Baker" and "Adrift in New York: Tom and Florence Braving the World." Alger's narratives reflect the values of the American Dream during the late 19th century, emphasizing the belief that anyone can achieve success regardless of their background.