A little over two weeks ago, I finished reading Ragged Dick by Horatio Alger, Jr.
A charming tale of a young boot-black finding friends and a better situation in late 19th-century New York, Ragged Dick is a wonderful example of early young adult fiction. True, there are no supernatural beings and there is a great deal of silly, out-of-date slang, but this story is a great and accessible example of classic literature.
Ragged Dick is a boy who shines boots for a living. Orphaned at a very young age (seven, I think it was?), he has found a way to get by day to day in New York City. After meeting a young well-to-do country boy and giving him the tour of the city, Ragged Dick becomes inspired to seek a better "situation" for himself. He meets wealthy gentlemen who assist him, make him want to be a better person, and it's all uphill from there.
This book is essentially a moral story for youths, intended to show them that saving one's pennies and attending church, generally making oneself 'spectable, is a good idea. You'll get places, you will, and you just might save the right rich kid and get yourself a sweet job.
Dick has ridiculously good luck. That's all I'm gonna say about that, unless you want me to rant and rave about it. I don't really want to either, so I'll stop there.
I gave Ragged Dick 3 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. Officially, in my lovelylovely YA book club, I gave it 2.75, but let's not split hairs. I not-quite liked it. Almost, but not quite. I'd be more than willing to recommend it to the right person, but let's not get carried away.
If you're looking for a quick piece of classic literature that drags on a bit but ensures that a charming and capable boy gets just what he deserves, knock yourself out with this one.
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