Subject
Orphanages -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Martha Young
Somebody's Little Girl
"Somebody's Little Girl" by Martha Young is a children's narrative published in an earlier part of the 20th century. The book centers on the experiences of a little girl named Bessie Bell, whose memories and dreams intertwine with her present life in a convent setting. It explores themes of identity, belonging, and the innocent perceptions of childhood, as Bessie navigates her longing for familial connections amid a backdrop of illness and change. In the story, Bessie Bell's journey presents a blend of her recollections and her enigmatic surroundings. She recalls vague, dream-like memories of a grand house and a large white cat, reflecting her childhood innocence and the effects of being separated from family due to a fever epidemics. The narrative unfolds as Bessie interacts with Sisters who care for her and the other little girls, all while she yearns to understand the concepts of "Mama" and "family." Her life takes a significant turn as she moves to the High Mountain, meeting children who are completely different from the ones in her convent. The story builds to a poignant reunion when she discovers that the wise woman she has met, who understands her fragmented memories, is her mother, leading to a heartfelt conclusion filled with hope and joy.
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.
Florence Alice Sitwell
Daybreak: A Story for Girls
"Daybreak: A Story for Girls" by Florence Alice Sitwell is a children's novel written in the late 19th century. The book primarily revolves around the experiences of two sisters, Kate and Frances, who endure and navigate their life in an orphanage, as well as the challenges they face and the relationships they build within and outside that environment. The overarching theme touches upon resilience, love, and the journey toward healing and self-discovery. The story begins with Kate and Frances in an orphanage, where Kate, fiercely protective of her sister, stands against the other children. Following a tragic accident that takes Frances's life, Kate runs away only to face many hardships in London. Eventually, she returns to the orphanage, where she begins to find her place and purpose in life, focusing on caring for other children in need. Their narrative captures their growth from sorrow to joy as the sisters eventually find happiness through helping others, culminating in Kate’s aspiration to become a schoolmistress and Frances's dream of becoming a nurse, highlighting the transformative power of love and altruism in the face of adversity.
Jacob Abbott
Mary Erskine
"Mary Erskine" by Jacob Abbott is a children's novel written during the mid-19th century. The story is set around the characters living in the village of Franconia, focusing primarily on the life of Mary Erskine, a young orphan who navigates the challenges of her early adulthood as she matures into a responsible woman. The book emphasizes themes of domestic life, character development, and moral teachings through everyday events and interactions. The opening of the story introduces a group of children including Malleville and her cousin Phonny, who are excited about visiting Mary Erskine's home. This visit promises to be an adventure as they prepare for a trip to her farm, accompanied by another character named Beechnut. The narrative conveys a joyful atmosphere, highlighting the children’s innocence and curiosity, while laying the groundwork for Mary Erskine’s character, who has struggled with the loss of her parents but remains a beacon of kindness and resilience. The chapter reflects on the simplicity and joys of rural life, hinting at deeper themes of companionship and community that will unfold throughout the book.
A. D. T. (Adeline Dutton Train) Whitney
Real Folks
"Real Folks" by A. D. T. Whitney is a novel that was written during the late 19th century. The book explores the lives and relationships of its characters, particularly focusing on the Shiere sisters, Frank and Laura, as they navigate through personal challenges, family dynamics, and societal expectations in their journeys from childhood to adulthood. At the start of the story, the reader is introduced to two little girls, Frank and Laura Shiere, who are reflecting on their lives while grappling with the illness of their father. They share imaginative thoughts and observations about the world around them, contemplating their mother’s absence and the grim prospects of potentially becoming orphans. As they play hidden away in their home, the children discuss their feelings about their situation and their longing for a mother. The narrative hints at the historical context and the societal norms of their time, establishing a poignant atmosphere that underscores the complexities of family, loss, and childhood innocence, setting the stage for their unfolding lives.
Bertha B. (Bertha Browning) Cobb
Clematis
"Clematis" by Bertha B. Cobb and Ernest Cobb is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young girl named Clematis who is found lost and alone in a big city, subsequently taken to a Children's Home where she begins to learn about care, friendships, and the responsibilities of life. As Clematis navigates her new environment, her experiences connect to her dreams of going to the countryside, where magnificent flowers and animals abound. The opening of the story introduces readers to Clematis, a little girl dressed in tattered clothing, sitting on a city sidewalk. A kind policeman discovers her and learns she has no known home or family, leading to her being taken to the Children's Home. Here, Clematis is introduced to the routines and rules of her new life, grappling with obstacles such as learning how to conform to communal living and the importance of work, while also finding solace in her beloved kitten, Deborah. The beginning sets a tone of innocence and resilience, showcasing Clematis's journey toward stability and belonging amid the challenges she faces.
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