Jed the Poorhouse Boy - A Tale of Perseverance and Integrity in 19th Century America

Horatio Jr. Alger

Summary

In "Jed, the Poorhouse Boy," Horatio Alger crafts an evocative narrative that epitomizes the quintessential rags-to-riches motif prevalent in 19th-century American literature. Through the character of Jed, a resilient orphan living in a poorhouse, Alger explores themes of social mobility, self-reliance, and the inherent dignity of hard work. The prose is characterized by its earnest simplicity, reflecting both the struggles and triumphs of the working class, while also serving as a critique of societal neglect towards the less fortunate. Alger'Äôs work situates itself within the literary context of his time, responding to the values of the Gilded Age and offering hope and inspiration amid economic disparity. Horatio Alger Jr. was a prominent American author known for his prolific output of novels aimed at young boys. His background as a Unitarian minister informed his moralistic storytelling, emphasizing virtue, perseverance, and the potential for individual advancement. The proliferation of his works during a time of economic upheaval allowed him to connect with readers who sought assurance that personal effort could lead to better prospects, mirroring his own aspirations for societal improvement. "Jed, the Poorhouse Boy" is a compelling read for anyone interested in the American dream's foundational narratives and the resilience of the human spirit. It not only entertains but also encourages reflection on the social responsibilities and the moral imperative to uplift those in need. Alger's timeless lessons continue to resonate, making this book a must-read for both historical scholars and contemporary audiences.

Available since: 10/31/2023.

Print length: 138 pages.

Other books that might interest you

Between Sea and Sky

Nicola Penfold

In a near future where a series of environmental disasters has left much of the country underwater, Pearl lives on a floating oyster farm with her father and younger sister, Clover. Following her mum's death several years earlier, Pearl refuses to set foot on land, believing her illness was caused by the poisons in the ground. Meanwhile, Clover dreams of school, friends and a normal life.
Then Nat comes to spend the summer at the sea farm while his scientist mum conducts some experiments. Leaving behind the mainland, with its strict rules and regulations, he brings with him a secret. But when the sisters promise to keep his secret safe, little do they realize that they may be risking everything…
A thrilling and thought-provoking ecological adventure from the author of the highly acclaimed WHERE THE WORLD TURNS WILD. Perfect for fans of THE EXPLORER, THE LAST WILD and WHERE THE RIVER RUNS GOLD.
PRAISE FOR WHERE THE WORLD TURNS WILD:
"A sense of the natural world's curative power runs through this adventurous story like a seam of gold." – Guardian
"Some books are excellent story-telling, and some books broaden your knowledge and mind, and some just ought to be written and this book is all three. I loved it." – Hilary McKay, author of THE SKYLARKS' WAR
"A brilliant adventure that pulls you headlong into Juniper and Bear's world, where survival depends upon finding the wild." – Gill Lewis, author of A STORY LIKE THE WIND
"An absorbing, thought-provoking début tapping into pertinent ecological themes." – The Bookseller
"Wondrous, warm-hearted, wildly exhilarating […] The world is familiar and frightening, the relationships between characters beautifully rendered – Nicola Penfold is an author to watch." – Nizrana Farook, author of THE GIRL WHO STOLE AN ELEPHANT

Show book

The Lizard of Oz

R. L. Stine

In this spinoff to the New York Times–bestselling Goosebumps series, a tween begins turning into a reptile when her parents brings home a lizard egg. 
 
Kate Lipton’s family has some strange ideas. Her dad is convinced that their family should be running a farm . . . for lizards. Who doesn’t love lizards? The whole family takes a trip to Australia to find the most exciting and rare species. But what they come home with is an egg. Kate can’t wait for the egg to hatch. And when it finally does, strange things start to happen. She can’t help but notice certain . . . changes her body is going through. And then there’s all those flies she’s suddenly compelled to eat. What’s happening to her? And will she survive the Lizard of Oz?

Show book

Trapped in Bat Wing Hall

R. L. Stine

Choose your fate on a wild scavenger hunt in this scary GOOSEBUMPS adventure that’s packed with more than twenty super-spooky endings. 
 
Being the new kid in school is no picnic. At your old school you had tons of friends, but now you don’t even have one. Then you meet Nick. He asks you to join Horror Club. The Horror Club meets in an old mansion known as Bat Wing Hall. It’s dark. It’s spooky. And it’s where your adventure begins.  
 
The members of the Horror Club are going on a scavenger hunt. If you join the red team, you find out the truth about your new friends—they’re actually monsters! One is a green-skinned reptile. Another is a hulking giant! If you join the blue team, you get turned into a furry-faced vampire bat! The choice is yours . . .  
 
Reader beware—you choose the scare! GIVE YOURSELF GOOSEBUMPS!

Show book

Septimus Heap: The Darke Toad

Angie Sage

The New York Times–bestselling author returns to the Magykal world of her “deliciously spellbinding” fantasy series with this eBook exclusive novella (Kirkus, starred review of Septimus Heap: Magyk). 
 
In this tale that takes place between the stories told in Magyk and Flyte, the witches of the Port Witch Coven want DomDaniel’s powerful Darke Toad—and will go to ridiculous lengths to get their hands on it. But first, Simon Heap must get his master to the Port Witch Coven’s door, which may require a bit more Darke Magyk—and a much stronger stomach—than he bargained for. Is Simon up to the task? 
 
Meanwhile, ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand has taken her young Apprentice, Septimus Heap, on a field trip to the Port. But what Marcia had hoped would be a fun yet educational outing quickly turns chaotic, for it slipped Marcia’s mind that tonight is Hallowseeth—the perfect night for Darke mischief to go unnoticed among the revelers. 
 
With Angie Sage’s characteristic humor, beloved characters, and Magykal setting, Septimus Heap: The Darke Toad is a must-read for every Septimus fan.

Show book

The Ghost Next Door

R. L. Stine

From the New York Times–bestselling Goosebumps series, a tween makes friends with the kid living in an abandoned house next door and suspects he’s a ghost. 
 
Hannah’s neighborhood has just gotten a little—weird. Ever since that new boy moved in next door. But when did he move in? Wasn’t the house empty when Hannah went to sleep the night before? Why does it still look so deserted? She’s not getting any answers from her new neighbor. He just keeps disappearing in the oddest ways. And he’s so pale. . . . Is Hannah being haunted by . . . the ghost next door?

Show book

I Am Slappy's Evil Twin

R. L. Stine

In this spinoff to the New York Times–bestselling Goosebumps series, two mannequin dolls, props from a horror movie, come to life and terrify a tween boy. 
 
Luke Harrison’s dad makes horror films. It’s very fun to be around such scary stuff-especially when you have your own monster museum at home. But when two ventriloquist dummies join the collection, things get real creepy. Real-life creepy! Slappy and Snappy can walk and talk on their own. And they can make you scream on their own. They have a plan to make everyone’s lives miserable. Will Luke be able to stop this terrible twin twosome?

Show book