The Secret Garden Paperback - 1971
by Frances Hodgson Burnett
About this book
The Secret Garden, written by Frances Hodgson Burnett, has remained one of the most popular children’s books since its publication in The American Magazine in 1910. The story tells of childhood emotions and experiences while keeping the central theme - if something is cared for, it will thrive.
The Secret Garden introduces us to a sour little girl, Mary Lennox, who is NOT a pleasure to be around. In fact, she yells like a little princess, can't make friends, and simply despises everything.
She remains quite contrary until she helps her garden grow - and finds someone worse off than herself to bring along for the ride.
Burnett was a British American novelist and playwright, best known for her novels Little Lord Fauntleroy, A Little Princess, and The Secret Garden. She regularly found inspiration through her observations of nature and the walled gardens at Maytham Hall in Kent England.
The American Magazine published the first edition of The Secret Garden in 1910
Summary
Reader reviews for The Secret Garden
Review summary
Readers largely praised The Secret Garden for its vivid depictions of nature and the believable transformation of its child protagonists, calling it a comforting, often nostalgic read that works well aloud with kids. Many admired its gentle exploration of friendship, loneliness, and the restorative power of the outdoors, with some noting a springtime appeal and even gardening inspiration. Critiques centered on dated elements—colonial and racist attitudes, ableism, and class stereotypes—as well as an ending that shifts focus from Mary to Colin and his father; a few found the opening dry or Dickon’s animal feats implausible, and the Yorkshire dialect divisive. Overall, despite reservations, most found it an uplifting, character-driven classic that still resonates.
Readers say this book is:
nostalgic uplifting cozy wholesome lyrical nature writing character-driven restorative dated slow start colonialist undertonesWrite a review for this book
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From the publisher
First edition identification
The book was first published by Heinemann in London in 1911 with illustrations by Charles Heath Robinson as a British edition. The first American edition was published by Fredrick A Stokes and Company with illustration by Maria Louise Kirk.
The original British edition features green cloth with gilt titles & decoration to the upperboard and spine. This can be identified by a publication date on the front panel.
The First American released two editions simultaneously, one featuring the publisher’s green cloth with illustration only on the upper board and gilt lettering to the spine. The other in blue cloth without illustrations.
Details
- Title The Secret Garden
- Author Frances Hodgson Burnett
- Binding Paperback
- Edition Later Printing
- Volumes 1
- Language ENG
- Publisher Yearling Books, New York, New York, U.S.A.
- Publication date August 15, 1971
- ISBN 9780440477068 / 0440477069
- Weight 0.54 lbs (0.24 kg)
- Age range 09 to 12 years
- Grade levels 4 - 7
- Reading level 920
- Category Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction
- Dewey Decimal Code FIC
About the author
More Copies for Sale
The Secret Garden
by Frances Hodgson Burnett
- Used
- Paperback
- Condition
- Used
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780440477068 / 0440477069
- Quantity available
- 1
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A$4.24A$9.22 Delivery to USA
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The Secret Garden
by Burnett, Frances
- Used
- Paperback
- Condition
- Used
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780440477068 / 0440477069
- Quantity available
- 1
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A$4.96A$7.63 Delivery to USA
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The Secret Garden
by Frances Hodgson Burnett
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- Used
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780440477068 / 0440477069
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A$7.08A$5.66 Delivery to USA
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The Secret Garden
by Burnett
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- Good
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A$7.09A$42.54 Delivery to USA
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The Secret Garden
by Burnett, Frances Hodgson
- Used
- Good
- Paperback
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- Good
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- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780440477068 / 0440477069
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A$9.81Free Delivery to USA
Show details
The Secret Garden
by Burnett, Frances
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- 9780440477068 / 0440477069
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A$11.09Free Delivery to USA
Show details
The Secret Garden
by Burnett, Frances
- Used
- Condition
- Used
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780440477068 / 0440477069
- Quantity available
- 1
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- Item price
-
A$11.09Free Delivery to USA
Show details
The Secret Garden
by Frances Hodgson Burnett
- Used
- Good
- Paperback
- Condition
- Good
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780440477068 / 0440477069
- Quantity available
- 1
- Seller
- Item price
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A$44.71Free Delivery to USA
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The Secret Garden
by Burnett, Frances Hodgson
- Used
- Very good
- Paperback
- Condition
- Very good
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780440477068 / 0440477069
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A$56.65A$20.21 Delivery to USA
