"Ragged Dick" by Horatio Alger Jr. is one of the most famous works by the author. It is a novel that encapsulates Alger's signature themes of hard work, perseverance, and moral development, focusing on the life of a young boy named Dick Hunter who rises from poverty to success through determination and honesty. The novel has been celebrated for its emphasis on the "rags to riches" narrative, which was a popular theme in 19th-century American literature, offering an inspiring message about the power of individual effort and integrity.

The story is set in New York City and follows Dick, a poor, homeless street boy who lives by his wits, performing small jobs and surviving by his own resourcefulness. Over the course of the novel, Dick transforms from a ragged, uneducated boy into a respectable young man with a promising future. His story is filled with personal growth, as he learns the values of hard work, honesty, and self-improvement.