This paper examines two examples of
child orphans: Anne Shirley in Lucy Maud Montgomery's novel, "Anne of Green Gables", and Mary Lennox in Frances Hodgson Burnett's work, "The Secret Garden". It explains how, in these two children's classics, the orphan child is used to demonstrate an ability to make the best of an unfortunate situation in
life. With the help of other characters in their respective stories, these two young girls play vital roles in manifesting to readers that retaining a positive attitude, developing solid friendships, having a will to enjoy life and attaining strong self-confidence are essential to ensuring an enjoyable childhood.