The Secret Garden, Written by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The Secret Garden

Written by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Grades:2-4

Awards: Lewis Carroll Shelf Award 1958

Mary Lennox is a spoiled little girl who loses her parents while living in Colonial India. Her father was in the Army. Her Uncle Archibald does not care to have her underfoot so he sends her to his mansion in England. Martha the maid will not put up with her spoiled ways or tantrums. Martha tells Mary there is a secret garden on the property and that her little brother, Dickon is also on the property. Mary soon finds the key to the garden with the help of a blue bird. She and Dickon work on bringing the gardens back to life. Mary is confused at night in the mansion because she keeps hearing someone crying. After searching she finally finds a little boy but, not just any boy. It is her cousin Colin. He is even more spoiled than she ever was. Colin has been treated as an invalid and fragile child since the day he was born. His mother fell out of a tree in the secret garden, went into labor, and then died. This is why her Uncle Archibald locked the walled garden. Mary and Dickon convince Colin he is not on deaths door and take him outside. He soon feels great being outside and wants to walk. Meanwhile, Uncle Archibald has a dream and his wife is telling him to go home. When he arrives home, he barely recognizes his son. He has grown healthy and strong. The renewed garden and Mary help a father and son renew their relationship. Mary also finds her place in their family.