Oliver Twist

Plot: In the Nineteenth Century, the orphan Oliver Twist is sent to a workhouse, where the children are barely fed and mistreated. He moves to the house of an undertaker, but after an unfair severe spank, he starts a seven day runaway to London. He arrives exhausted and starving, and is welcomed by a gang of pickpockets leaded by the old crook Fagin. When he is mistakenly taken as a thief, the wealthy victim Mr. Brownlow brings Oliver to his home and shelters him. But Fagin and the dangerous Bill Sykes decide to kidnap Oliver to burglarize Mr. Brownlow's fancy house. Oliver is wounded, while Mr. Brownlow tries to save Oliver.
Background: 1830s in England. The society is poor and children are treated poorly.
Comments: This book tells us not to give up easily when facing problems. Like Oliver in the book, he was poor and lack resources, but he finally solved many huge problems. The story also tells us not to underestimate ourselves.
By the way, here's a really good website for your reference: http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/oliver/context.html