Hefting a newspaper bag, the paperboy trimmed playtime with his daily routine. But routines rupture. Undeterred by dangers and disasters, rascals guide the reader along paper routes sharing their adventures and misadventures. Their evocative stories arc from hilarious to horrific, and poignant to repugnant, as the children spun between drudgery and exciting rewards. This American icon learned lifetime lessons in just a few years, which impacted his character. These responsible messengers impacted the American character.
At the core of the twentieth century, 500,000 youth ran routes in the heart of neighborhoods. The million dollar newspaper business was entrusted to the hands of little merchants. Not overprotected nor pampered, not perfect nor polished, rambunctious children with remarkable fortitude hustled, to spend dimes on snacks and save dollars for that first car. They soared forward with self confidence acquired from mistakes committed on sidewalks. With the image of a friendly Norman Rockwell figure, these youngsters left an imprint of their footsteps to the porch.
