Tattered Tom; Or, The Story of a Street Arab
1871
Tattered Tom; Or, The Story of a Street Arab, published in 1871 by Horatio Alger, Jr., is a juvenile fiction novel that follows a young girl named Tom, a street sweeper in New York City. The narrative highlights her struggles with poverty, an abusive guardian, and her resilience in the face of adversity. As part of Alger's rags-to-riches series, the book reflects the American ideals of self-reliance and the pursuit of a better life, making it a significant work in understanding 19th-century social themes.
