The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Burnett, Frances Hodgson. (1912). The Secret Garden. New York: Lippincott Junior Books.

The Secret Garden is my favorite book of all time. If you never read another book, this is the one to read. You can find this novel in a print version or video version. The genre is historical fiction and some even say that it is traditional literature. This is the story of a young girl named Mary who was born in India to British parents. She is small and sickly and so her parents leave her with the care of a nurse. After an outbreak of cholera her parents die and she is sent to live in a manor with her widowed uncle. Upon arrival she discovers that she will also be left to fend for herself because her uncle is still mourning the death of his wife and is never at the manor. Mary lurks around the manor and stumbles upon a locked door outside of a gate. This door is the entrance to the secret garden. Through much conflict Mary is able to find a key to the garden. She, along with a friend, secretly begins to tend the garden, bringing it back to life. Mary has no idea the significance of the garden. Mary's curious nature leads to another discovery. The discovery of her uncle's son, Colin. Colin and Mary form an unlikely bond. Eventually, Mary's trespassing in the garden is revealed. This is a heartwarming book that teaches children about life and not giving up. This book is an easy read that most elementary children should be able to read without hesitation.