Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter

Pollyanna is a children's novel by American author Eleanor H. Porter, first published in 1913. Considered a children's classic, it tells the story of 11 year old Pollyanna Whittier, who is sent to live with her aunt, after becoming an orphan. Her aunt Polly doesn't really want her there, but feels she must fulfil her duty to her late sister. Despite the fact that her aunt is not a very pleasant woman, Pollyanna gets through her time with her, by adhering to a game that she learned from her father. Called 'The Glad Game', it consists of finding positive things and something to be glad about in every situation. As time goes on, she spreads this philosophy to those around her, including her stern aunt.