Subject
Orphans -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Secret Garden
"The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a children's novel first published in 1911. When orphaned Mary Lennox arrives at her uncle's gloomy Yorkshire manor, she discovers a locked garden that has been abandoned for ten years. As Mary uncovers the garden's secrets, she befriends a nature-loving boy and finds her bedridden cousin Colin hidden away in the house. Together, the children work to restore the forgotten garden, and in doing so, begin transforming themselves and those around them.
Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Secret Garden
"The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a children's novel first published in 1911. When orphaned Mary Lennox arrives at her uncle's gloomy Yorkshire manor, she discovers a locked garden that has been abandoned for ten years. As Mary explores this hidden world, she uncovers family secrets and finds an unexpected companion—her bedridden cousin Colin. Together with a nature-loving boy named Dickon, the children nurture the forgotten garden back to life, transforming themselves in the process.
Frances Hodgson Burnett
A Little Princess Being the whole story of Sara Crewe now told for the first time
"A Little Princess" by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a children's novel published in 1905. When young Sara Crewe arrives at a London boarding school as a privileged pupil, she wins hearts with her imagination and kindness. But a sudden tragedy strips away her fortune, transforming her from pampered princess to starving servant. As the cruel headmistress exploits her and hardship tests her spirit, Sara clings to one belief: true nobility comes from character, not wealth. A mysterious benefactor watches from next door, harboring secrets that could change everything.
Eleanor H. (Eleanor Hodgman) Porter
Pollyanna
"Pollyanna" by Eleanor H. Porter is a novel published in 1913. When eleven-year-old orphan Pollyanna arrives to live with her stern Aunt Polly in a small Vermont town, she brings with her "The Glad Game"—finding something positive in every situation, no matter how difficult. Her infectious optimism begins transforming the lives of the town's most troubled inhabitants. But when tragedy strikes, even Pollyanna's unwavering cheerfulness faces its greatest test.
Gertrude Chandler Warner
The Box-Car Children
"The Box-Car Children" by Gertrude Chandler Warner is a children's novel originally published in 1924. Four orphaned siblings—Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden—flee from a baker who would separate them and discover an abandoned boxcar in the forest. They transform it into their secret home, determined to stay together and avoid their grandfather, whom they believe to be cruel. Through resourcefulness and devotion to each other, the children create a new life, unaware that their fears about family may be unfounded.
L. M. (Lucy Maud) Montgomery
Emily of New Moon
"Emily of New Moon" by L. M. Montgomery is a novel published in 1923. When young Emily Starr loses her father to tuberculosis, she's sent to live with her stern aunts at New Moon Farm on Prince Edward Island. There she discovers her gift for writing and forms deep friendships with three other talented children. But Emily must navigate family tensions, misunderstandings, and the challenge of pursuing her passion when those around her don't always understand her dreams.
L. M. (Lucy Maud) Montgomery
Rainbow Valley
"Rainbow Valley" by L. M. Montgomery is a novel published in 1919. The story shifts focus from Anne Shirley to her six children and their adventures with the four unruly offspring of the new widowed minister, John Meredith. The mischievous Meredith children scandalize the town with their wild behavior, but the Blythes see their true loyalty and kindness. In the enchanted hollow called Rainbow Valley, the children form bonds, navigate self-imposed punishments, and ultimately help their father find love again.
Anonymous
Goody Two-Shoes A Facsimile Reproduction of the Edition of 1766
"Goody Two-Shoes" by Anonymous is a children's story published in 1765. It tells the tale of Margery Meanwell, a poor orphan girl who possesses only one shoe until a gentleman's kindness changes her fortune. Her joy at having two complete shoes earns her the nickname Goody Two-Shoes. Through virtue and determination, she becomes a teacher and eventually marries well. This influential work helped establish children's literature as a genre and popularized the phrase "goody two-shoes" still used today.
Louisa May Alcott
Eight Cousins
"Eight Cousins" by Louisa May Alcott is a novel published in 1875. Thirteen-year-old Rose Campbell, a sickly orphan and heiress, finds herself living with her great aunts until her guardian Uncle Alec arrives from abroad. Through his unconventional approach to child-rearing, Rose grows stronger and healthier while navigating life among her seven boy cousins and befriending Phebe, the family's young housemaid. The story follows Rose's journey toward finding her place within her large, lively family.
Frances Hodgson Burnett
Sara Crewe; Or, What Happened at Miss Minchin's Boarding School
"Sara Crewe; Or, What Happened at Miss Minchin's Boarding School" by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a novel written during the late 19th century, falling within the Victorian era. The story explores themes of resilience, social class, and imagination as it follows a young girl named Sara Crewe who faces the harsh realities of life at a boarding school after losing her father and her fortune. The novel presents a critique of social injustice while highlighting Sara's indomitable spirit and her ability to maintain her identity and kindness despite her circumstances. The narrative centers on Sara Crewe, a bright and imaginative girl raised in India by her father, a wealthy captain. After her father passes away and her fortune is lost, Sara is forced to live in the attic of Miss Minchin's boarding school, where she is mistreated and reduced from a favored pupil to a servant. Despite her struggles, Sara maintains her grace and optimism through her vivid imagination, often envisioning herself as a princess. Throughout the story, her kindness and compassion for others, including a beggar child she encounters, ultimately lead to a transformative turn of events when her father's friend discovers her plight. The novel culminates in Sara regaining her fortune and finding a loving guardian, illustrating the triumph of goodness and resilience over adversity.
Dorothy Canfield Fisher
Understood Betsy
"Understood Betsy" by Dorothy Canfield Fisher is a children's novel published in 1916. When fragile, anxious Elizabeth Anne is suddenly sent from her overprotective city aunts to distant farming relatives in rural Vermont, she faces a world entirely unlike her sheltered upbringing. At the Putney farm, she encounters one-room schoolhouses, maple syrup making, and unexpected freedoms. As Elizabeth navigates her new life among the practical, no-nonsense Putneys, she begins discovering capabilities within herself she never knew existed. But what will happen when her city aunt wants her back?
Horatio Alger
The Errand Boy; Or, How Phil Brent Won Success
"The Errand Boy; Or, How Phil Brent Won Success" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Phil Brent, a young boy who faces challenges and adversities after discovering that his stepmother doesn’t consider him her son, which shakes the foundation of his identity and home life. The narrative unfolds as Phil resolves to leave his unhappy home and seek his fortune in New York City, revealing themes of resilience, ambition, and personal growth. At the start of the tale, Phil endures a painful scuffle with his stepbrother Jonas, followed by a confrontation with his stepmother, Mrs. Brent, where he learns that she does not view him as a true member of the family. This revelation prompts Phil to consider a future for himself outside of the oppressive environment he’s lived in. He decides to leave home, sells some of his possessions to save money, and embarks on a journey to New York, where he hopes to find work and establish his independence. Along the way, he encounters various characters, such as Mr. Lionel Lake and Mr. Oliver Carter, who play crucial roles in shaping his fortunes and experiences in the big city. The opening chapters set up Phil's character as determined and resourceful, as well as foreshadowing the trials and opportunities he will face in his quest for a better life.
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