The little merchant

Name: The little merchant
Author: Oliver Optic

By Oliver Optic

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Children & Young Adult Reading

About This Book

In a riverside village a poor widow and her four children struggle to get by, and the narrative follows her eldest son, a responsible nine-year-old, as he seeks ways to help. He performs household chores, practices simple trades, fishes for family meals and invents small schemes to earn money, eventually selling papers and saving toward clothing and comforts. The account emphasizes youthful industry, practical resourcefulness and gradual improvement in the family’s circumstances through persistent thrift and initiative.

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.