Story of a Naughty Boy by Anna Laetitia Barbauld

Name: Story of a Naughty Boy
Author: Anna Laetitia Barbauld

In Story of a Naughty Boy, Anna Letitia Barbauld tells the story of a young boy named Tom who is constantly getting into trouble. He is constantly being scolded by his parents and teachers for his mischievous behavior. Despite his mischievousness, Tom is a kind-hearted boy who loves to help others. He often helps his family and friends with their chores and errands. Tom's mischievousness eventually leads him to a life of crime. He begins to steal from his neighbors and even gets involved in a robbery. After being caught, Tom is sent to prison. While in prison, Tom learns the value of hard work and the importance of being honest. He also learns the consequences of his actions and how to make better choices in the future. Tom eventually returns home and is welcomed back with open arms. He is determined to make up for his past mistakes and live a better life. With the help of his family and friends, Tom is able to turn his life around and become a responsible and successful adult.

By Anna Laetitia Barbauld · First published 1847 · Genre: Children's Fiction, Humor, Adventure · 317 words

First lines

There was a naughty boy; I do not know what his name was, but it was / not Charles, nor George, nor Arthur, for those are all very pretty / names: but there was a robin came in at his window one very cold / morning -- shiver -- shiver; and its poor little heart was almost frozen / to death. And he would not give it the least little crumb of bread in / the world, but pulled it about by the tail, and hurt it sadly, and it / died. Now a little while after, the naughty boy's papa and mamma went / away and left him, and then he could get no victuals at all, for you / know he could not take care of himself. So he went about to every / body -- Pray give me something to eat, I am very hungry. And every body / said, No, we shall give you none, for we do not love cruel, naughty / boys. So he went about from one place to another, till at last he got / into a thick wood of trees, for he did not know how to find his way / any where; and then it grew dark, quite a dark night. So he sat down / and cried sadly; and he could not get out of the wood; and I believe / the bears came and eat him up in the wood, for I never heard any thing / about him afterwards.

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Story of a Naughty Boy is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anna Laetitia Barbauld, dated 1847 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Anna Laetitia Barbauld
Date: 1847 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Fiction, Humor, Adventure, Romance
Length: 317 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Children's Fiction — The title of the book implies that it is a story about a young boy, making it a children's fiction book.
Humor — The title of the book implies that the story is humorous in nature.
Adventure — The title of the book implies that the story is an adventure for the naughty boy.
Romance — The author, Anna Letitia Barbauld, is known for writing romantic stories, so this book may contain some romantic elements.