Subject
Adopted children -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Elizabeth Sandham
The Adopted Daughter: A Tale for Young Persons
"The Adopted Daughter: A Tale for Young Persons" by Elizabeth Sandham is a novel written in the early 19th century. The story follows Mrs. Meridith, the heiress of two estates, as she navigates personal losses, her early memories with the Campbells—her foster family—and her desire to contribute positively to her community after returning to her childhood home. The narrative explores themes of kindness, compassion, and the importance of social responsibility, particularly through the character of Mrs. Meridith as she looks to care for those around her. The opening of the tale introduces us to Mrs. Meridith's return to Rosewood after significant personal loss, including the death of her husband and the unfortunate demise of her mother during childbirth. As she reconnects with her past and the families who cared for her, especially the Campbells, she resolves to utilize her wealth to improve the lives of the villagers, emphasizing her commitment to kindness and support for those in need. The text highlights her affectionate relationship with the Campbells and her determination to adopt their orphaned child, Anna, to provide her with a better life while also enriching her own. This sets a poignant tone for the story, inviting young readers to consider the values of empathy, gratitude, and community.
L. T. Meade
Peggy from Kerry
"Peggy from Kerry" by L. T. Meade is a novel written in the early 20th century. It tells the story of Peggy Desmond, a young girl from a modest background in County Kerry, Ireland, who is brought to live with a more affluent English family, the Wyndhams, following the death of her father. The narrative explores the challenges and adjustments Peggy faces as she navigates her new life, contrasting her peasant roots with the expectations of her new social standing. At the start of the story, we are introduced to the Wyndhams, specifically Mrs. Wyndham, who is distressed by her husband's decision to adopt Peggy in light of their late friend’s wishes. As the girls, Molly and Jessie, learn about their new sister, they express a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. Meanwhile, Peggy's experience in her Irish upbringing highlights her innocence and attachment to her earlier life. When Mr. Wyndham arrives to fetch Peggy, we see her reluctance and emotional struggle as she leaves the only home she has ever known, setting the stage for her journey of self-discovery and the cultural clashes that she will encounter in England.
Ethel Calvert Phillips
Little Friend Lydia
"Little Friend Lydia" by Ethel Calvert Phillips is a children's novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a Children's Home during Christmas time, where the motherless and fatherless children eagerly await Santa Claus. The protagonist, Lydia, is a gentle and kind-hearted girl, who wishes not for toys but for a real family of her own, setting the stage for a touching narrative about love, family, and belonging. At the start of the book, the children, dressed in their festive attire, are filled with excitement and anticipation on Christmas Eve, discussing what surprises Santa might bring. Lydia stands out among them for her thoughtful nature, as she hopes for a father and mother instead of material gifts. When Santa Claus arrives, he grants each child their wish but leaves Lydia's heartfelt request unresolved, prompting a promise that he will try to fulfill it. This opening establishes a warm, whimsical tone while foreshadowing Lydia's journey toward finding her true family and the emotional depth associated with her longing for connection.
Frances Margaret Fox
The Rainbow Bridge
"The Rainbow Bridge" by Frances Margaret Fox is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story focuses on a young girl named Marian, who begins her life as an orphan at the Home for Little Pilgrims, a nurturing place for abandoned children. The narrative explores themes of love, belonging, and the search for a family as Marian navigates her experiences in the orphanage and her subsequent adoption attempts, reflecting both her innocence and desire for connection. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Marian Lee, a newborn baby who arrives at the Home for Little Pilgrims and instantly captures the affection of Mrs. Moore, the caregiver. Unlike other children, Marian's charm leads Mrs. Moore to break her strict rules in favor of nurturing her. As Marian grows, she becomes aware of her status as an orphan, facing challenges in her relationships and the desire to find a loving family. Throughout the opening chapters, readers witness Marian's initial experiences: her struggles in school, her longing for a mother, and her interactions with other orphans, underscoring her innocence and resilience in the face of adversity.
Dorothea Moore
Sydney Lisle, the Heiress of St. Quentin
"Sydney Lisle, the Heiress of St. Quentin" by Dorothea Moore is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story follows Sydney Lisle, a young girl who learns she is the heiress to a title and a grand estate after a family tragedy strikes. As she navigates her new life and the expectations that come with her title, Sydney grapples with her identity and her connection to her foster family." "At the start of the novel, we meet Sydney Lisle during a rain-soaked November afternoon, anxiously waiting for her father and brother to return home. The narrative introduces us to her close-knit family life in London, replete with sibling banter and domestic warmth. However, Sydney's joy is cut short when her father receives a letter indicating that she must leave her loving foster family to assume her role as the heir to the St. Quentin title, dramatically altering the course of her adolescent life. This opening lays the groundwork for the ensuing story of self-discovery, responsibility, and the challenges of bridging two very different worlds."
Josephine Franklin
Nelly's First Schooldays
"Nelly's First Schooldays" by Josephine Franklin is a children's novel written in the mid-19th century. The story revolves around Nelly, a young girl who is excited to begin her school days alongside her peers, including her new teacher Miss Harrow and classmates like Melinda. The narrative explores themes of friendship, kindness, resilience, and the challenges faced by those living in poverty, particularly through the experiences of Nelly's friends, the Harrow family. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the Harrow family, highlighting the struggles they face as they deal with poverty and illness. Elinor Harrow, the eldest daughter, suffers from a debilitating condition brought on by the arduous work she undertook as a domestic servant. Despite the chaos and difficulty surrounding them, Nelly, who has just been adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Brooks, is eager to attend school and form friendships. As she navigates her school experience, she encounters challenges with a classmate named Melinda, which leads to lessons in forgiveness and understanding. The beginning of the story effectively sets up the overall tone of hope and the importance of community in overcoming hardship.
Ruth Ogden
His Little Royal Highness
"His Little Royal Highness" by Ruth Ogden is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a young boy named Reginald Fairfax, who has recently suffered an accident that leaves him in recovery. His adventures unfold as he navigates his new role as a little “king” while dealing with the challenges of being cared for by friends and family, building a sense of camaraderie and loyalty with his playmates, Nan and Harry. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Reginald, who is in a hospital cot following an accident that caused him to break his leg. The narrative details his interactions with Nan and Harry, emphasizing their imaginative games and the playful dynamics of their friendship. They create a royal scenario where Regie becomes a king, with his friends as his loyal bodyguard, injecting humor and warmth into the scene. Meanwhile, as the children show their affection and concern for Regie, the story hints at deeper themes of love, acceptance, and the struggles of growing up as an adopted child with a sensitive heart. The opening sets the stage for a tale of childhood innocence, resilience, and the joy of friendship.
Mrs. (Louisa Maria) Dundas
The little cap : $b Or, The lost heir of Sternfelden
"The Little Cap: Or, The Lost Heir of Sternfelden" by Hon. Mrs. Dundas is a historical novel set in the mid-16th century during the tumultuous times of European warfare. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the siege of Metz, depicting the life of a noble soldier, Gaspard Stettele, and his family as they navigate the perils of war, loss, and fatherhood. The narrative intertwines themes of bravery, compassion, and the search for identity, focusing on the themes of family and the enduring power of love. The plot centers around Gaspard, who, during a fierce battle, rescues a noble infant from a burning castle. This child, a lost heir to a powerful house, becomes a pivotal figure in Gaspard’s life and offers a beacon of hope for him and his family amidst their struggles. As Gaspard and his wife Katherine adopt the child, they face adversity from a cruel steward, leading to their unjust impoverishment. Their journey to restore justice brings them to the castle of Sternfelden, where revelations about the child and the steward’s misdeeds lead to their eventual reunion with the child's noble parents. With themes of redemption and the eventual reward for integrity, the narrative emphasizes virtue and perseverance in the face of hardship, ultimately showcasing how acts of kindness can lead to unexpected blessings.
Harriet Elizabeth Prescott Spofford
The Children of the Valley
"The Children of the Valley" by Harriet Elizabeth Prescott Spofford is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a group of children, particularly focusing on Ally and her twin sister Essie, who navigate life in a picturesque northern valley after moving from the south. The tale explores themes of adventure, family, and childhood innocence against a backdrop of nature and familial love. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to a state of commotion as Ally has gone missing, prompting a frantic search by family members and local residents. Various characters speculate on her whereabouts, hinting at her adventurous spirit and tendency to explore. The narrative captures the loving yet chaotic dynamics within this household, showcasing the children's relationships and fears. As the search unfolds, the empathetic elements of childhood imagination bloom, particularly through the perspectives of Ally's twin, Essie, who envisions fairies whisking her sister away, while the older Janet recognizes a deeper emotional connection related to Aunt Susan’s loss of her own child. This opening sets the stage for an enchanting exploration of childhood resilience and imagination.
Elijah Kellogg
Charlie Bell, The Waif of Elm Island
"Charlie Bell, The Waif of Elm Island" by Elijah Kellogg is a novel written in the late 19th century. This work follows the journey of Charlie Bell, an English orphan with a troubled past, who finds himself taken in by a couple, Ben and Sally Rhines, on a remote island after escaping from a gang of pirates disguised as fishermen. The story explores themes of resilience, community, and personal growth as Charlie navigates his new life and seeks to contribute to his adoptive family. The opening of the novel establishes a backdrop of hardship during the Revolutionary War era, painting a vivid picture of life on Elm Island. It introduces Charlie as a mistreated boy who is saved from a dangerous situation by Ben's fierce protection of his family. After Charlie is taken in, he quickly finds a sense of purpose and belonging while assisting Ben and Sally with chores around their homestead. The bits of dialogue exchanged between the characters reveal their personalities and relationships, setting the stage for Charlie’s transformation from a frightened waif to a productive and cherished member of the household. The beginning captivates the reader by promising adventure and character development as Charlie integrates into his new life.
Elaine Goodale Eastman
Yellow Star: A Story of East and West
"Yellow Star: A Story of East and West" by Elaine Goodale Eastman is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a young Indian girl named Stella, also known as Yellow Star, as she navigates her new life after being adopted by a white family in a small New England town. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, cultural intersection, and the struggles Stella faces as she attempts to fit into a world that is often foreign and unwelcoming to her heritage. The opening portion of the novel introduces readers to the quaint village of Laurel, where Stella's future unfolds amidst the acceptance and challenges of her new community. Young Stella arrives from Dakota to live with the warm-hearted but somewhat rigid Mrs. Waring and her cold sister, Miss Sophia. As Stella prepares to enter school, her initial excitement is marred by concerns of how she will be treated by her classmates. The narrative weaves between her longing for acceptance and the prejudices she may face as an indigenous girl in a predominantly white setting, setting the stage for the rich exploration of her identity that follows.
A. L. O. E.
The adopted son : $b or, illustrations of the Lord's prayer
"The Adopted Son: or, Illustrations of the Lord's Prayer" by A. L. O. E. is a moralistic tale written in the mid-19th century. The narrative revolves around a young girl named Nelly and her father, Viner, who adopt a boy named Walter, the son of a convict. The story explores themes of kindness, redemption, and the influence of family and faith on personal development. At the start of the story, we meet Nelly who is excited about the arrival of her new brother, Walter. The conversation between various villagers, including Goldie the fruiterer and Mrs. Winter, reveals concerns about Walter's lineage and the challenges he might face due to his father's past. Despite the villagers' skepticism, Viner and Nelly demonstrate kindness towards Walter, creating a warm household atmosphere where he is welcomed and encouraged. Viner imparts Christian values and the significance of prayer to both Nelly and Walter, setting the groundwork for a narrative steeped in the exploration of moral challenges and the efforts to live by one's principles amidst societal judgments.
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