Tag Archives: orphan

The Orphan’s Wish (Hagenheim #8)

by Melanie Dickerson

Conditional Recommendation: Loosely based on the folk tale Aladdin, this growing-up-friends-to-lovers romance is a tame, enjoyable read.

Age: Young Adult
Series: Hagenheim, Book Eight
Pages: 345
Published: 2018

Genre: Fairy Tale, Romance

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Dragon Rider

by Cornelia Funke

Conditional Recommendation: A dragon, a brownie, and a boy set off on a quest to find the Rim of Heaven, a safe place for dragons to live, before humans invade their home or an ancient villain catches them.

Age: Middle Grade
Series: It was a standalone until 2018 when Funke published the companion novel, Dragon Rider: The Griffin’s Feather
Pages: 523
Published: 2005 (English), 1997 (original German)

Genre: Fantasy/Adventure

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Pollyanna

by Eleanor H. Porter

Unconditional Recommendation: Eleven-year-old orphan Pollyanna, full of happiness and love, goes to live with her cold, strict Aunt Polly and turns the household and the town upside down in the best way.

Age: Middle Grade
Series: Stand Alone
Pages:  224-333, depending on edition
Published: 1913

Genre: Classic

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The Witch of Blackbird Pond

by Elizabeth George Speare

Unconditional Recommendation: Katherine “Kit” Tyler must learn to live in a Puritan community with her relatives but befriends the Witch of Blackbird Pond and risks being persecuted as a witch herself.

Age: Young Adult
Series: Stand Alone
Pages: 256
Published: 1958
Genre: Historical

Awards: Newbery Medal (1959), Dorothy Canfeld Fisher Children’s Book Award (1960)

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The False Prince (The Ascendance Trilogy #1)

by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Conditional Recommendation: Orphan boy uses his cunning and wit to stay alive amidst the treacherous plot of a nobleman in this suspenseful adventure.

Age: Young Adult
Series: The Ascendance Trilogy, Book One
Pages: 352
Published: 2012
Genre: Adventure

Awards: E.B. White Read-Aloud Award Honor Book (2013), Lamplighter Award winner (2014)

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