This is a very interesting book! I particularly enjoyed reading aloud the Yorkshire Talk - It sounds so cool. Good readers from the age of 8 will love this book!

A classic tale of the transformative power of friendship and love. It's wonderful seeing these children flourish at last.

A timeless children's novel about the healing power of nature, having a life purpose, and positive thinking. The illustrations by Inga Moore are delightful and have a soft, watercolor quality. A great book for adults to revisit and hopefully pass along to the next generation. There are some teachable moments about how the people of India were treated while colonized by Great Britain.

The Secret Garden was a book I initially ignored due to its complex Yorkshire, but later on it was back in my hands and I flew by it in a breeze. There is no doubt as to why this is called a classic because the novel is in-depth yet precise alongside an original and complex plotline. Every character is touched by the author so lightly but it seems like they are springing out with emotion and feeling. Here it begins; the story of sour little Mary who has been spoiled to the brim by the servants in her palace in India. Used to getting what she wants and feeling devoid of emotion, Mary is neglected by her posh mother and busy father even up until a sickness spreads throughout the entire palace. Suddenly Mary is all alone and begins her journey in a world that such a sorrowful girl cannot comprehend nor adapt to. When she arrives at her guardian’s house, secrets unfold and Mary catches herself changing and brightening as she runs through the Meadow, the gardens and the meetings she has with characters. From the maid to Caleb, every character means so much and I find immense pleasure in reading through this story. I began to notice that everything that was added into this story, from the dialect to the sorrow and background of Mary all adds up and results to a significant brilliance. I recommend reading this anytime, but especially during jet lag because that’s when I most enjoyed my read! Rating 5/5
- @jewelreader of the Teen Review Board of the Hamilton Public Library

This is a great book for all ages about the power of renewal found in nature and in friendship. Highly recommended!

I like the mystery of it and helping someone learn to love again and see the beauty of how he sees the world! ~Rebecca, age 11

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.

love this classic novel, always a great read. Beautiful illustrations and an a wonderfully told story.

Heavy on the candy (which was just what I needed). I love the illustrations and the story line of emotional healing for children and adults.

There is humor in this also and animal and nature lovers will enjoy the journey.

amazing