The Cash Boy

Horatio Alger wrote 135 dime novels in the latter part of the 19th century. His stories were rags to riches stories illustrating how down-and-out boys might be able to achieve the American Dream. Alger's stories empathize the need for hard work and honesty as a way to get ahead. Frank like many of the Alger characters earns his freedom from poverty, yet never becomes rich. Frank, as a baby was given into the care of a kind woman. When she died Frank was determined to make his way in the world and support himself and his sister. Frank's story begins as he is elected leader of the baseball team. Alger often depicts sports as good training for life.