Frank and Fearless: Or, The Fortunes of Jasper Kent

The author, known for his prolific output of boys' books, gained fame with "Ragged Dick," which marked a turning point in his literary career. Born in Massachusetts and a Harvard graduate, he briefly served as a Unitarian minister before scandal ended his clerical career. Moving to New York City, he focused on writing, producing over 100 popular stories that emphasized themes of hard work, perseverance, and the rise from rags to riches, making a lasting impact on American literature for young readers.