Horatio Alger Jr. 
Ragged Dick 

Can a lowly shoeshine boy called Dick make his way up the ladder to bigger and better things or is he destined to be poor for his whole life? This classic rags-to-riches story follows young Dick Hunter’s life in New York City from his position as a lowly shoeshine boy to his rise through society. Wildly popular long after it was first published, 'Ragged Dick’ is the first story in Horatio Alger Jr. famous series. Dick’s confidence, determination, and great sense of humour help him a lot in life, especially with his encounters with people good and bad alike.-