O. Henry’s works are wholesome and sentimental. They are easy to read, but much can be read into these simple fables. *The Last Leaf|/onlinereader/the-last-leaf*, is for example short and straightforward, but hits heavy with emotion and symbolism surrounding death and destiny.
His writing has a distinctly American tone, and his settings are often quaint, traditional towns of late 19th/early 20th century America.
Although not directed for children, many of his short adventures such as *The Ransom of Red Chief|/onlinereader/the-ransom-of-red-chief* and *A Retrieved Reformation|/onlinereader/a-retrieved-reformation* are easily suited for kids.