True to Himself; Or, Roger Strong's Struggle for Place

In a small riverside village, Roger Strong is forced to grow up fast after his father’s disgrace lands the family in hardship. With his sister Kate by his side, he confronts the town’s privileged bully, Duncan Woodward, over a simple dispute in Widow Canby’s orchard—an encounter that reveals both Roger’s fierce sense of fairness and the weight of the family’s tarnished name. As rumors swirl and doors close, Roger’s determination to stand up for what’s right becomes his only foothold in a world that seems eager to judge him.

Through lively dialogue and vivid rural scenes, the story captures the everyday struggles of a young boy striving to earn respect on his own terms. Readers will find themselves rooting for Roger as he navigates friendship, responsibility, and the lingering shadow of his father’s past, all while staying true to the values that define him.