There are many types of faith, faith in ourselves, faith in others. These stories explore living lives of hope and faith.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, by Lewis Carroll, with classic illustrations by John Tenniel
Alice's adventures are classic and still fresh to the reader. As she encounters the Mad Hatter, Mock Turtle, Cheshire Cat, and Queen of Hearts Alice has to remain true to herself even as she gains wisdom.

Fourth Grade Rats, by Jerry Spinelli
The transition from third to fourth grade is especially hard. Friendships shift and new cliques form as peer pressure becomes harsher. Suds battles against a "community" that encourages him to mistreat others and "grow up." The importance for standing up for what is right is reinforced, even in the little things of life.

The Last Dog on Earth, by Daniel Ehrenhaft
Logan is a young teen who feels separated from all around him. His mother and step-father see him as constantly falling short of expectations. He has no friends until he reluctantly begins to care for a stray dog. What happens when a modern plague begins to kill dogs leads the reader through anger and dispair. This is an excellent story for those who are too "sophisticated" for Old Yeller.

A Little Princess, by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The stuff of young girls' dreams. Sara Crewe was once the pampered child of a rich man, but through misfortune now lives as an orphan, scoffed at, scolded, and maltreated. Sara's spirit remains strong, but with a tender heart towards her friends. It is built upon the love of her father. This love and faith in a better life allows her to ultimately rise above her surroundings even before her fortunes are reversed.