From Office Boy to Reporter; Or, The First Step in Journalism

"From Office Boy to Reporter; Or, The First Step in Journalism" by Howard Roger Garis is a work of fiction written in the early 20th century. The story follows a young boy named Larry Dexter, who, after the foreclosure of his family's farm, moves to New York City with his mother and siblings in search of a better life. Faced with the struggles of unemployment and a desire to support his family, Larry's journey is one of resilience and determination as he aspires to become a reporter. The beginning of the narrative introduces Larry and his family's difficult situation, stemming from the death of his father and the subsequent loss of their farm due to a mortgage foreclosure. As they prepare to leave their old home for New York, the emotional weight of their circumstances is evident, especially in moments where Larry senses the gravity of his family's struggles. Upon arriving in the city, Larry takes on the responsibility of finding work to help his mother, setting the stage for his transformation from an office boy to a budding journalist, eager to make his mark in the world of newspapers.