The Store Boy
1887
The Store Boy, written by Horatio Alger, Jr. and published in 1887, follows the story of Ben Barclay, a diligent young boy who works in a grocery store to support his widowed mother. Set in late 19th-century New York, the novel explores themes of bravery, morality, and social class as Ben faces various challenges, including a threatening tramp and a wealthy rival, Tom Davenport, who threatens his family's stability. This juvenile fiction work reflects the era's fascination with young protagonists overcoming adversity and has become a notable example of Alger's contributions to American literature.
