The boy wanted to help his family by selling newspaper with his friend JACOB. IN THE STORY IT SAYS the boy wanted a bicycle for his birthday but his mom and dad  only gave a dime and he was so disappointed at them. ALSO IN THE STORY IT SAYS the boy found out that his FATHER didn't have a job and did not tell his mom. ALSO IN THE STORY IT SAYS there were tears in the boy eyes as he  watched people walk past his FATHER, selling apples. The author wants me to know that the boy really want to save his family. The author wrote this story to entertain us about how you can help your family when your mom is working so hard to earn money. This shows that  the boy want to help his family. This reminds me of  when I was watching  base ball  with my uncle, just like the boy earned money to watch a baseball game.