Breaking Away; or, The Fortunes of a Student

Name: Breaking Away; or, The Fortunes of a Student
Author: Oliver Optic

By Oliver Optic

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Children & Young Adult Reading

About This Book

A young student narrates his clash with a partial, authoritarian principal and the ensuing dispute that leads to his expulsion and a contested student breakaway. He helps organize classmates into a seafaring camp, commanding small craft and later a steamer during voyages that include provisioning trips, a steamboat race, and encounters with betrayal and legal threats. The plot follows practical leadership, camaraderie, and the consequences of rebellious tactics as the boys negotiate loyalty, ingratitude, and internal treason, concluding with a return to town and a change in the institute’s management.

About the Author

Oliver Optic

Oliver Optic was the pen name of William Taylor Adams, an American author known for his prolific contributions to children's literature in the 19th century. He wrote over 80 books, many of which are adventure tales aimed at young readers, emphasizing themes of courage, friendship, and moral integrity. His notable works include "A Lieutenant at Eighteen" and "Across India; Or, Live Boys in the Far East," which reflect his ability to engage and inspire youth through storytelling. Optic's narratives often feature boys embarking on exciting journeys, making him a significant figure in the genre of boys' adventure fiction.