The Hoosier School-boy - Edward Eggleston - Bog

Young Jack Dudley yearns for an education that feels out of reach. He and his friends face a nearly intolerable situation at school with a mean school master and several bullies, and have the added stress of financial detain at home. In spite of it all, Jack follows his mother's good example and applies himself to his studies, protects the younger children, and tried to be a good citizen. His hard work does not go unnoticed, and Jack soon finds that if he's willing to work as hard as he ever has, he stands a chance of reaching his dreams. (Tania)