Yes - Heidi has elements of that theme, especially in the rehabilitation of Clara at the end. Heidi is tough and jolly to begin with, and it is she who brings joy to the people around her rather than needing any character building herself. That's another sub-genre, I think - jolly girl brightens up the place. cf Pollyanna, Rebecca of Sunnybrook farm (?maybe? I'm not as familiar with it)et al. The Wide Wide World sounds dreadful!
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