The narrator in the story helped his family out in the great depression by getting a job, selling newspaper.
In the story it says there were tears in the boy’s eyes as he watched people walk past his father selling apples. He wished so much that someone would buy an apple from him. No one did. He realized how he had earned his birthday dime and was so sorry he had spent it. I think the author wants me to know that the boy’s father did not have a job.

In the story it also says, the boy held one of his newspapers and called out the headline “Coney Island Fire”! Read all about it! The boy is learning how to sell newspapers. I think the author wants me to know that the boy has a job now and trying to help his family.

Lastly in the story, it says when the boy got home he searched the basement of his building for a wagon or anything with wheels. All he found were boxes and torn suitcases. Just before he went up stairs he saw Mrs. Johnson pushing her baby in a carriage. “Could I borrow that”? “Why”? She asked. “You don’t have a baby”. He told her about the newspaper. “I suppose so”, said Mrs. Johnson. I think the author wants me to know that the boy is doing great with his job and he is really helping his family out.
This shows that the boy was caring enough to help his family get the money. 

The author wrote this story to inform us how you can help your family when they are struggling because they are poor. This reminds me of when my sister really wanted to buy something so I gave her my allowance and told her not to pay me back. This is just like the boy who earned money for his family and they did not have to pay him back.