A classic piece of children’s literature first published as a novel in 1911, Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden is a story of transformation and renewal. Unwanted by her parents, Mary Lennox, a spoiled, selfish young girl is raised in India by servants. When cholera breaks out killing her parents and most of the servants, Mary is sent to live with a mostly absent uncle in England. It seems as though no one cares for Mary, and that Mary will never care for anyoneuntil she steps into the secret garden, and her life begins to change.Lexile score: 970L
About the author
Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849–1924) was an English playwright and author. She is best known for her children’s stories, in particular The Secret Garden (published in 1911), A Little Princess (published in 1905), and Little Lord Fauntleroy (published in 1885-6). She was born in Cheetham, England and in 1865 emigrated to the United States, settling near Knoxville, Tennessee.