Horatio Alger Jr.(1832 – 1899), wrote over 100 poems, short stories, and novels during his lifetime, which included four adult novels and one adult novella. He gained notoriety when his friendship with ‘William Taylor Adams’, a boys’ author, changed Alger’s interest to writing for the juvenile market. His first book for young people, “Ragged Dick, or Street Life in New York,” was a huge success, securing the author’s fame among the youth of America. ‘Digging for Gold: a Story of California,’ is one of Horatio Alger’s ‘formula, rags-to-riches’ books for boys. At sixteen years of age, Grant Colburn is introduced to his new stepfather, a man who could provide well for his family, yet chooses not to. Desperate to make his fortune, and assist his mother, Grant leaves Iowa on a perilous journey for the gold fields of California. Among his many adventures, Grant experiences deprivation; encounters unscrupulous characters; and makes life-long, trustworthy friends. Through his generous nature, and clever mind, Grant is able to aid many of his old friends back home, and secure financial independence for his mother.