The Secret Garden
Paperback - 1987
An enchanting story of transformation and compassion, Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden is widely considered to be one of the most important works of children's literature. After her parents die of cholera, Mary Lennox, a difficult and sickly little girl, is brought from India to her mysterious uncle's sprawling estate on the Yorkshire moors. Mary continues in her self-absorbed ways until one day she discovers a hidden and neglected garden adjoining her uncle's mansion. When she meets Ben Weatherstaff, a curt but gentle gardener, and discovers her hidden-away invalid cousin, Colin Craven, the three come together to tend the garden, and Mary's life--as well as the lives of those around her--begins to change in unforeseen ways.
This Modern Library Paperback Classic is set from the text of the first American edition published in 1911.
Praise for The Secret Garden
"It is only the exceptional author who can write a book about children with sufficient skill, charm, simplicity, and significance to make it acceptable to both young and old. Mrs. Burnett is one of the few thus gifted." -- The New York Times
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Age Suitability
Add Age Suitabilityred_leopard_636 thinks this title is suitable for between the ages of 11 and 99
burgundy_baboon_330 thinks this title is suitable for between the ages of 8 and 14
violet_cat_1889 thinks this title is suitable for between the ages of 9 and 18
violet_butterfly_3225 thinks this title is suitable for 10 years and over
Quotes
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Laura_X
Feb 22, 2019
"Is the spring coming?" he said. "What is it like?"...
"It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine..."
“At first people refuse to believe that a strange new thing can be done, then they begin to hope it can be done, then they see it can be done--then it is done and all the world wonders why it was not done centuries ago.”
That night Colin slept without once awakening, and when he opened his eyes in the morning he lay still and smiled without knowing it-smiled because he felt so curiosly comfortable. It was actually nice to be awake, and he turned over and stretched his limbs luxuriously."
That night Colin slept without once awakening, and when he opened his eyes in the morning he lay still and smiled without knowing it-smiled because he felt so curiosly comfortable. It was actually nice to be awake, and he turned over and stretched his limbs luxuriously."
Summary
Add a SummaryThis book takes you through a beautiful story of a girl learning to love and care.
This book explains when Mary goes to a new home, she is spoiled and later on she finds a friend and a place where she hides.
Comment
Add a CommentOverall, lovely story and message to read to 6 year old. Cautionary note, beginning may be a bit rough for young ones. Parents can simply adjust as needed. Yet don't give up and miss out on an inspirational story of will power, benefits of positive thinking, having faith in oneself and knowing that there is magic/faith greater than any of us... even during the darkest of times.
Amazing, fresh story, about hope, joy, and the wonders of living!
The Secret Garden is a cheerful story about the power of hope, joy, and family. Readers will be intrigued by the obvious and drastic character development that takes place in this book. The author manages to tell the story of a young girl who learns to become appreciative of the world around her. While The Secret Garden is an older story, it does carry certain elements and themes that are relevant in this day. There are many elements of the story that align with various genres, which allows it to be a favourite of many. Overall, this novel is very comprehensive, intriguing, and informative… a great read! @avidreader16 of the Teen Review Board at the Hamilton Public Library
A classic book appealing to adults as much as children, with themes of hope, growth, magic, and possibility as a young girl finds new life for herself in the remote home of a reclusive uncle.
anyone looking for a lexile # its 970L great for 6th graders
I grew up with this classic story. My mom used to read it to my sister and I every winter in front of the fireplace. I love the story even now. It is something I think every child should read or have read to them.
While this book has garnered widespread praise for many years, even by trying to see it through the eyes of a 12-year-old, I didn't get much out of it. I've recently read several books that fall into the YA or juvenile category such as The Hunting of the Snark and Ms. Bixby's Last Day, both of which I found more satisfying. There's no denying this book has a good deal of charm, but it's very dated, very "English" and lacks both the realism and wonderful character portrayals of Ms Bixby and the infectious silliness of The Snark. I found it overly sweet and at times simply boring. I suspect a 12-year-old today would feel the same. Modern writers such as John Green are able to produce books that feature children and young adults or are largely aimed at YA readers and still appeal to mature readers. I'm afraid that our world has left books like The Secret Garden behind.
This book is one of my favourites of all time. I love the story it's beautiful/sad it gives all the emotions. I love how Mary grows and becomes a happier child while staying in England. I love the details of the gardens and everything. It really makes you feel like your there. Also how the relationships of the characters in the story come together.
Entertaining, engaging, and wholesome. I somehow missed this classic of children's literature (and have never seen any of the movie versions either!). I liked it, but Burnett's A Little Princess is her masterpiece.
Our daughter started with the Little Golden Book version of this when she was two years old and loved it, and moved to a slightly abridged version by three and then soon to the full librivox audiobook version before she was four. It was her first "real" book ever, and she has listened to it dozens of times by now.