1909. Alger is the original rags-to-riches guy, often credited with inventing the strive-and-succeed spirit that inspired boys to work hard and advance themselves in order to achieve the American Dream. This theme resonates throughout his numerous writings. When his father dies suddenly, Frank Kavanaugh is forced to live with his uncle and aunt. Unwilling to support Frank, his uncle urges him to move out. Frank decides to move to New York City where he works in a variety of positions, eventually becoming a Telegraph Boy. On one of his assignments he is asked to work as an errand boy for an importer. The importer knows that one of his employees is stealing large amounts of money from him. Frank's assignment is to learn the identity of the thief. Frank does his best to solve this mystery, and along the way receives a gift that will impact his life immensely. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.