Set in 17th-century England, the novel follows the life of a disfigured boy, abandoned as a child on a winter's night, who is taken in and raised by a kind-hearted showman. The boy grows up to become a popular performer due to his permanent grin, a result of a cruel mutilation inflicted by a group of comprachicos. His life is marked by a series of dramatic turns, including love, nobility, and political intrigue. As he navigates a society that is both repulsed by his appearance and captivated by his entertainment, the narrative delves into themes of inner beauty, the nature of humanity, and the corrupting influence of wealth and power.

The series follows the life and adventures of a young orphan girl who is sent to work on a farm in rural Sweden. As she navigates the challenges of her new environment, she demonstrates resilience, kindness, and a strong sense of justice. Throughout the series, she forms deep connections with the people around her, influencing their lives in meaningful ways. Her journey is marked by personal growth, the pursuit of education, and the discovery of her own identity, all set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Swedish society.

"Habibi" is a graphic novel that tells the story of Dodola and Zam, refugee child slaves who escape to the desert, where they rely on each other for survival. The story is a complex interweaving of themes including love, religion, exploitation, and the clash of cultures, told through a blend of Islamic folklore, the Qur'an, and contemporary issues. The novel explores the strength of human resilience and the deep bonds that can form even in the face of unimaginable hardship.

The novel follows the journey of Fitz, the bastard son of a noble prince, who is taken into the royal household of the Six Duchies and secretly trained in the art of assassination. As he grows, Fitz is caught between his loyalty to the throne and his own moral compass. He must navigate a court rife with political intrigue, magic, and treachery, all while grappling with his own identity and the magical Skill that he possesses. His quest for acceptance and purpose is further complicated by the kingdom's need for his unique talents to protect the realm from internal and external threats.

"Moonfleet" is an adventure novel set in the 18th century in a small English coastal village. The story revolves around a young orphan named John Trenchard, who becomes entangled in the world of smuggling and treasure hunting. After discovering a cryptic message left by the deceased pirate Blackbeard, John and the village's taciturn but kind-hearted smuggler, Elzevir Block, embark on a perilous quest for a fabled diamond. Their journey is fraught with danger, betrayal, and moral dilemmas, leading to a gripping tale of friendship, loyalty, and the pursuit of fortune, all while evading the law and the harsh realities of their time.

"The Jumbies" is a captivating and enchanting tale that follows the adventures of Corinne La Mer, a brave and curious young girl living on the island of Trinidad. When a mysterious and powerful jumbie threatens her village, Corinne must use her wit and courage to protect her family and friends. With its rich Caribbean folklore and vivid descriptions, this book takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with magic, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil.

"Mr. Splitfoot" is a gothic and enigmatic tale that intertwines the stories of two women: Ruth, a foster child who grows up in a loveless home run by a religious fanatic, and her niece, Cora, who is unexpectedly visited by Ruth years later. The narrative unfolds in parallel timelines, with Ruth's past revealing her involvement with a con man in a scheme to communicate with the dead, and Cora's present-day journey across New York State, led by a now-mute Ruth on a mysterious mission. As the two women's paths converge, the novel explores themes of family, belief, and the intertwining of life and death, all while blurring the lines between the supernatural and reality.

The novel delves into the dark and macabre world of grave robbing, following the journey of a teenage boy who, after the death of his mother, is sent to live with his estranged father. He discovers that his father lives a secret life as a "digger," unearthing corpses for profit. As the boy is drawn into this grim and morally ambiguous underworld, he grapples with complex themes of family, identity, and the nature of legacy, all while navigating the challenges of high school life and the haunting allure of the grave-robbing subculture. The story is a chilling exploration of the bonds between father and son, set against a backdrop of decay and the search for redemption.

The book follows the harrowing journey of two boys abandoned at birth in a Tokyo train station locker, who grow up in an orphanage together and form a deep bond. As they navigate a dystopian underworld filled with violence and decay, the boys, now teenagers, embark on a quest for revenge against the mothers who left them and the society that neglected them. Their search for identity and belonging takes them through a surreal landscape of urban chaos, where their shared trauma and desperation for meaning lead them down a destructive path, challenging the reader with themes of abandonment, survival, and the human capacity for both love and brutality.

Set in a dystopian future along the Gulf Coast, the story follows a young scavenger named Nailer who works on the light crew, stripping copper wiring from grounded oil tankers for a living. The world is ravaged by climate change, with rising seas and devastating hurricanes. After a brutal storm, Nailer discovers a luxury clipper ship washed ashore with a wealthy girl barely alive amidst its wreckage. Faced with the decision to strip the ship for its wealth or rescue the girl, Nailer is thrust into a high-stakes adventure that challenges his understanding of loyalty, morality, and his own survival. As he navigates through treacherous waters, both literal and metaphorical, he confronts ruthless enemies and forms unexpected alliances, all while dreaming of a life beyond the squalor and brutality of his current existence.

The book is a poignant tale set in 19th-century South Africa, where a young white boy, believed to be lost by his biological family, is found and raised by Fiela, a compassionate and strong-willed woman of the Khoikhoi community. The story unfolds as the boy, named Benjamin, grows up with a deep sense of belonging in Fiela's family, only to have his identity and future thrown into turmoil when government officials, enforcing racial classifications of the time, remove him from his home. He is then forced to live with a destitute white family in the dense Knysna Forest, leading to a profound exploration of identity, race, and the meaning of family, as both Fiela and Benjamin struggle to reclaim their lives and assert their rightful place in a society governed by strict racial divides.

This novel delves into the complex emotional and psychological landscapes of its characters, focusing on a young writer who becomes entangled in the lives of an orphaned girl, his unrequited love, and a friend who betrays him. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Russia, the narrative explores themes of redemption, love, and the human capacity for forgiveness amidst societal decay and personal despair. Through its intricate portrayal of relationships and moral dilemmas, the story examines the depths of human suffering and the potential for humility and compassion to emerge from humiliation and insult.

The book follows the emotional journey of April, a teenage girl who was abandoned in a dustbin as a baby. On her fourteenth birthday, she decides to skip school and embark on a quest to uncover her past. April's search for her biological mother and understanding of her identity leads her through various experiences, from her time in foster care to living with her adoptive mother. Throughout her day, she confronts the challenges of her past and the complexities of her feelings, ultimately seeking a sense of belonging and acceptance in a world where she has often felt discarded.

Set against the backdrop of a gritty, contemporary America, the story follows a rebellious teenager named Chappie, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after leaving his dysfunctional home. With a shaved head and a new identity as "Bone," he navigates a world filled with drugs, crime, and unexpected friendships. As he travels from the small towns of upstate New York to the vibrant landscapes of Jamaica, Bone encounters a series of mentors and misfits who challenge his understanding of family, loyalty, and belonging. Through his adventures, he learns to confront his past and forge a path towards a more hopeful future.

The novel follows the life of Henry Smart, a boy born into the slums of early 20th-century Dublin, who becomes a soldier and fighter for the Irish independence movement. With a wooden leg from his deceased father as his talisman, Henry navigates through the violent and tumultuous era of Irish history, experiencing both the personal and political struggles of the time. His journey is marked by loss, love, and the relentless quest for identity and purpose amidst the chaos of war and the shaping of a nation's future.

"More Than Human" is a science fiction novel that explores the concept of evolution and the potential of human abilities. The story revolves around a group of outcasts with extraordinary abilities, including telepathy and teleportation, who form a collective consciousness, effectively becoming a single entity. As they struggle to understand their nature and purpose, they must also navigate the complexities of human society and morality. The novel poses profound questions about what it means to be human and the potential future of human evolution.

In this intricate tale, a young protagonist embarks on a journey through a fantastical world filled with mythical creatures and ancient magic. As they navigate through treacherous landscapes and unravel long-forgotten secrets, they discover their own hidden potential and the true meaning of courage and friendship. Along the way, they must confront dark forces that threaten to plunge the realm into chaos, ultimately learning that the power to change their destiny lies within themselves. The story weaves together themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the enduring power of hope.

The novel follows the adventurous journey of Japhet, a young man determined to uncover the identity of his father. Raised in a foundling hospital, Japhet embarks on a quest filled with various encounters and challenges, driven by his desire for belonging and identity. Along the way, he meets a colorful cast of characters, experiences both fortune and misfortune, and learns valuable life lessons. His journey is not just a physical one but also a path of self-discovery, as he navigates the complexities of society and human relationships in his pursuit of truth and family.

In a narrative that blends fantasy with a touch of the macabre, the story unfolds in a boarding school for children who have returned from magical worlds where they felt they truly belonged. These wayward souls struggle to adapt to their mundane lives, yearning to find their way back to the fantastical realms from which they were expelled. The protagonist, a girl who once wandered a land of the dead, must navigate the complex dynamics of her fellow students while the school becomes the setting of a mysterious and sinister series of events. As she delves into the investigation, the school's purpose and the students' stories intertwine, revealing the painful reality that not all doors to magical worlds can or should be reopened.

Set in 18th-century Venice, this evocative novel follows the life of Cecilia, a young orphan living in the Ospedale della Pietà, a convent renowned for its music. Through her letters to a mother she never knew, Cecilia reveals her inner turmoil, longing, and the oppressive atmosphere of the institution. Her life takes a transformative turn when the enigmatic composer Antonio Vivaldi becomes her music teacher, igniting her passion for music and offering a glimpse of freedom and self-discovery amidst the constraints of her cloistered existence.

The story follows the life of a young orphan named Willie who is taken in and raised by Eben Holden, a kind and resourceful farmhand. Set in the rural landscapes of 19th-century America, the narrative explores themes of family, perseverance, and the pursuit of the American Dream. As Willie grows up, he navigates various challenges and adventures, all while being guided by Eben's wisdom and unwavering support. The novel paints a vivid picture of the era's hardships and triumphs, highlighting the enduring bonds that shape one's character and destiny.

The story follows four orphaned siblings, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny, who, fearing they will be separated, run away and make a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar in the forest. They live independently, using their resourcefulness and resilience to create a comfortable life together. Their adventures involve solving various mysteries and eventually, they are discovered by their wealthy grandfather, who brings them into his home, providing them with a permanent family while allowing them to keep the boxcar as a special part of their lives.

The story follows the journey of a young orphan named Chad, who is taken in by a kind-hearted family in the Kentucky mountains. As he grows up, Chad faces numerous challenges and adventures, including the tumultuous events of the Civil War. Throughout his experiences, he grapples with questions of loyalty, identity, and belonging, ultimately striving to find his place in a divided world. The narrative is rich with themes of courage, love, and the enduring human spirit amidst the backdrop of a nation in conflict.

The book follows the tale of a cunning young thief, raised among a band of con artists and pickpockets, as he navigates the perilous underworld of a Venice-like city. Gifted in the art of deception and driven by a love for adventure and riches, he orchestrates elaborate heists, outwitting the wealthy nobility and rival gangs. However, when a mysterious and powerful adversary threatens the fragile peace of the criminal world, the protagonist must use all his wits and bravery to protect his friends, challenge the status quo, and survive the escalating dangers of his chosen life of crime.

Set in 1930s Paris, this enchanting tale follows a young orphan boy who lives in the walls of a bustling train station, secretly maintaining the clocks. Driven by a mysterious notebook left by his late father, he embarks on a quest to repair a broken automaton, believing it holds a message from beyond. Along the way, he befriends an adventurous girl and uncovers a hidden connection to a pioneering filmmaker, leading to a heartwarming journey of discovery, redemption, and the magic of cinema.