Walter Sherwood's Probation - A Tale of Determination and Moral Integrity in 19th Century America

Horatio Jr. Alger

Summary

In "Walter Sherwood's Probation," Horatio Alger Jr. weaves a compelling narrative that explores themes of perseverance, moral integrity, and the transformative power of hard work. Set against the backdrop of 19th century America, the novel follows the journey of Walter Sherwood, a young boy from humble beginnings who embodies the quintessential rags-to-riches archetype. Alger'Äôs signature style, characterized by an engaging and straightforward prose, serves to bring Walter's challenges and triumphs to life, while illustrating a broader commentary on the opportunities available to the industrious youth of the era, reinforcing the idea of the American Dream amidst societal constraints. Horatio Alger Jr. was a prominent figure in American literature, known for his inspiring stories that championed the ideals of self-help and determination. His own experiences as a teacher and a cleric in the rapidly changing socio-economic landscape of the late 19th century deeply influenced his writing. Alger faced personal adversity, including financial struggles, which fuelled his belief in the potential of individuals to rise above their circumstances through virtue and hard work. This belief resonates strongly in "Walter Sherwood's Probation." I highly recommend this work for readers interested in classic American literature or those seeking motivational tales of tenacity. Alger's adept storytelling not only captivates the reader but also imparts timeless lessons on morality and ambition. "Walter Sherwood's Probation" serves as both an engaging narrative and a reflection on the values that underpin the fabric of American society.

Available since: 11/15/2023.

Print length: 114 pages.

Other books that might interest you

Monster Blood for Breakfast!

R. L. Stine

In this spinoff to the New York Times–bestselling Goosebumps series, a tween is given monster blood, a mysterious serum that gives him strange powers. 
 
For an athlete like Matt Daniels, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s also the most dangerous. That’s because somebody pulls a mean prank and adds gooey, green Monster blood to his cereal bowl. As if Matt’s problems weren’t big and slimy enough, he gets an invitation to HorrorLand. Can the Monster Blood help him in the terrifying theme park? Matt really begins to wonder once his friends start disappearing!

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 Deadly Experiments of Dr Eeek

R. L. Stine

Enter the labs of a mad scientist and choose your fate in this scary GOOSEBUMPS adventure that’s packed with more than twenty super-spooky endings. 
 
Top secret and dangerous. That’s what your mom, a famous scientist calls, the research she’s been doing at the labs of Dr. Eeek. You’re dying to know what it’s all about. 
 
Then one day you get lost in the labs. Before you know it, you’ve become a human guinea pig in Dr. Eeek’s deadly experiments! 
 
If you choose one lab, you meet a dog wearing sneakers. He’s half dog, half kid. And now he’s after you! 
 
If you choose another lab, you get lost in a maze-a maze that just happens to be the home of an enormous rat! The choice is yours . . .  
 
Reader beware—you choose the scare! GIVE YOURSELF GOOSEBUMPS!

Show book

Night In Werewolf Woods

R. L. Stine

Choose your fate on a family vacation with werewolves in this scary GOOSEBUMPS adventure packed with more than twenty super-spooky endings. 
 
Get out your bathing suit! You and your family are off on a summer vacation to a place called WoodsWorld. You can’t wait to mess around down at the lake. 
 
Then at the Kids only Campfire you hear the rumor about WoodsWorld. Legend has it, werewolves roam the woods at night. But you’re not scared. You’re ready for adventure. 
 
Will you explore the deepest, darkest part of the woods? Brave the Tunnel of Waves, home of the terrifying lake monster? Or battle an army of red fire ants? The choice is yours . . .  
 
Reader beware—you choose the scare! GIVE YOURSELF GOOSEBUMPS!

Show book

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 Ghost Witch

Betty Ren Wright

Jenny’s new house has an unwanted ghost: “Readers will enjoy the imaginative pranks of the specter and the resourceful way [Jenny] solves her problem” (School Library Journal). Jenny knows she should be excited about the beautiful old house that her mother has inherited from Miss Nagle. She’ll finally have her own bedroom, and the place even comes with Rufus the cat, a ready-made pet. But when Jenny visits the house, she’s scared out of her wits. Giant snakes, elephants, and all kinds of terrifying creatures lurk around every corner. With a little help from Rufus, Jenny discovers who’s behind these spooky happenings. It’s the ghost of Miss Nagle’s grandmother, the once-famous witch of Willowby Lane. The ghost witch loves to scare people, and she thinks Jenny and her friends will be perfect targets.   Jenny decides to meet the ghost witch face-to-face in this scary, yet delightful short-chapter book.

Show book