orphans

Olga, an orphan and thief, seeks to steal a valuable jewel from a secluded castle, but as she uncovers dark secrets and enigmatic enchantments, she finds herself torn between her ambitions, loyalty to her partner Pavel, and the truth behind the enchanted swans.

"After his parents are brutally murdered, Ahiahia is raised by his grandmother in a camp surrounded by enemies. His grandmother knows that eventually the camp will turn on Ahiahia, just as it did his parents, so she chants a protection chant over the clothing that she lovingly sews for him, over the amulet and necklace she gives him, even over the dog that is his companion. When he is attacked, Ahiahia must use his agility, hunting skills, and the protection imparted by his grandmother to stay alive"--Provided by publisher.

Nineteen-year-old orphan Signa Farrow confronts Death--and her own deathly powers--when she investigates the mysterious murder of a relative at the Thorn Grove estate.

Because married settlers could claim twice the land of a bachelor, orphaned Ginny was married when she was ten years old. Now fifteen, her husband comes to claim her.

Anne loves having pretend tea parties by herself. She even decorates her room with branches and colorful leaves for the occasion. Marilla Cuthbert, who adopted Anne in the last year, wishes Anne would act a little more sensibly. One day, Marilla comes up with a plan to keep Anne out of mischief--Anne can host her very own tea party and invite her kindred spirit, Diana Barry! Anne is thrilled, and sets out to host the most lovely and grown-uppish tea party she can muster. But when she makes Diana sick by accidentally giving her the wrong drink, Diana's mother is furious. Can Anne be forgiven? Will she ever be allowed to play with Diana again?.

Anne loves autumn in Avonlea, and she's been enjoying her first three weeks of school. It helps that she walks to school with and sits next to her kindred spirit, Diana Barry. However, one day, Gilbert Blythe joins the class. According to Diana, he's very handsome, and smart too. He's also very bold, and immediately rubs Anne the wrong way. Things come to a head when Gilbert pulls on Anne's braid and calls her "Carrots" because of her red hair. Anne vows never to talk to Gilbert again, and even stops going to school for a time when her teacher forces Anne to sit next to her rival. But later, when Anne has an accident on the pond and her wooden plank sinks, who should come to her rescue but her nemesis, Gilbert Blythe?.

Twin homeless orphans Elliot and Liza take part in the Raven Quests--magical tasks that when completed promise the victors untold riches--but when a quest goes terribly wrong and Liza is poisoned, Elliot sacrifices everything to find the cure.

After smallpox takes their parents, seventeen-year-old Camille supports herself and her sister by magically transforming herself into a baroness in the court at Versailles, then faces difficult choices as the French Revolution looms.

"It's 1880, and in the frigid city of Stockholm, death lurks around every corner. Twelve-year-old Mika knows that everyone in her orphanage will struggle to survive this winter. But at least the notorious serial killer the Night Raven is finally off the streets...or is he? Mika is shocked when a newborn baby is left at the orphanage in the middle of the night, by a boy with a cryptic message. Who is he? And who is this 'Dark Angel' he speaks of? When a detective shows up, Mika senses something even more sinister is going on. Drawn in by Mika's unique ability to notice small details--a skill Mika has always used to survive--the gruff Detective Hoff unwittingly recruits her to help him with his investigation into a gruesome murder. Mika knows she should stay far, far away, and yet...with such little hope for her future, could this be an opportunity? Maybe, just maybe, this is Mika's chance to be someone who matters"--From the publisher's web site.

Orphaned thirteen year-old Carlos learns what it truly means to be a teammate when he must help save his new wheelchair basketball team's gym from destruction.