Awesome Abandoned Children in Literature

In some of the best stories, abandoned children are left to fend for themselves in a world that is often cruel and unknown. The obstacles they face push them to their limits, and ultimately cause them to reach their true potential. In my new novel "Unbreakable," Kennedy Waters comes home one night and finds her mother dead. Within weeks, she learns that paranormal forces were responsible, and she is thrown into a dangerous and unknown world as she takes her mother's place in a secret society of ghost hunters. The loss of her only parent forces Kennedy to find the inner strength she needs to survive. As I made this list, I realized just how many of my favorite novels feature orphans--so it's probably not a coincidence that I ended up writing a book about one as well. Here are a few recommendations for great books featuring awesome abandoned children.