A boy of sixteen with a small gripsack in his hand trudged along the country road. Young Carl – a boy who is forced to leave home because of an oppressive stepmother learns how to turn adversity into success. Carl finds that with success comes failure – and hard work and learning from each failure show Carl the way to true and lasting success. A great example of personal success story telling from the master, Horatio Alger. Alger wrote to instill the principle of Strive and Succeed, Personal Growth and Achievement-to attain the American dream. He inspired countless millions of young people world-wide and was the Mark Victor Hanson and Tony Robbins of his era.