I have read many stories about orphans that were abused or in any way mistreated when they were very young, but they grew up to be the strongest, most successful and determined person you will have ever known. The book I am about to recommend is about Oliver Twist, an orphan who had been abused and mistreated in every way, but has grown up to be the most extraordinary boy.

Oliver Twist lost his mother after she had given birth to him and ever since then, he had been living in an orphanage. When he was a little older, he was sent to work at a workhouse in town where all the children there were always left starving due to lack of enough food. The filthy living environment also left them in bad health and hygiene. Oliver's hunger got the best of him and the cruel and harsh officials turned their back away from him and set Oliver as a bad example to the rest of the children working there. Soon enough, Oliver found a way to escape to London from his workhouse, but what happened beyond that? Did Oliver Twist live happily ever after? Or did more traumatic experiences await him?

You have to read to find out about the adventures that Oliver Twist bravely took upon as he struggled to be free from the pain and torment. Oliver Twist is represented as the oppressed in a society of class discriminations and he showed us all his strength and courage in gaining his deserved rights even though he was poor. I recommend this book to young adult readers looking for an enlightening read!

Note by editor: The most recent adapted movie of Oliver Twist was released in 2005, starring Barney Clark as Oliver Twist, whose performance was nominated for the Best Performance in an International Feature Film - Leading Young Performer in the Young Artist Award. The film was also nominated for the Best Film in European Film Awards.