The Story of a Bad Boy (1869), by Thomas Bailey Aldrich, is a classic of American children's literature. This semiautobiographical novel follows young Tom Bailey, a spirited prankster sent from New Orleans to live with his grandfather in the quiet town of Rivermouth, New Hampshire. Through humorous episodes—mischievous pranks, sledding disasters, schoolroom escapades, and loyal friendships—Tom navigates the joys and troubles of growing up. Praised for its realistic and affectionate portrayal of boyhood, the novel broke from moralistic conventions and influenced later works such as Mark Twain's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, remaining a beloved celebration of youth and small-town American life.
