Rough and ready, or, Life among the New York newsboys (Ragged Dick series)
by Horatio Alger (Jr.)
Category: "Childrens literature"

Rufus, also known as Rough and Ready, is a newsboy who must protect his sister, Rose, from an alcoholic stepfather, James Martin. Through luck, hard work, and honesty, Rufus finds a home for Rose with a kindly seamstress and prospers in his business of selling newspapers. However, Mr. Martin is lurking in the shadows waiting for an opportunity to reclaim the children and hatches a plot to kidnap Rose.