Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden
Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett
ISBN-13: 9780440977094
ISBN-10: 0440977096
Publication Date: 11/1/1989
Pages: 288
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Rating:
  • Currently 4.4/5 Stars.
 28

4.4 stars, based on 28 ratings
Publisher: Laurel Leaf
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

78 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

ophelia99 avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on + 2527 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I have seen plays of the Secret Garden but never gotten around to reading the actual book. I was excited to finally, finally get around to reading this. It was a sweet and well written book that is engaging and leaves the reader feeling happy and hopeful.

Mary Lennox is a spoiled and sickly child whose family died from sickness in India. Mary is suddenly transported to the cold and grey mansion of Misselthwaite Manor, to live with an Uncle she never sees and never hears anything about. Mary is mostly on her own and decides to hunt down the rumored garden that has been hidden for years. In her adventures, both inside and out, Mary hears the cries of a child and begins to unravel some of the mysteries surrounding Misselthwaite Manor. Along the way Mary gains both her health and a much less sour personality.

This was a well done and engaging historical fiction classic. This book was easy to read with some light humor and many heartfelt scenes. It's one of those classics that really stands the test of time (I know cliche' but true). It was surprisingly easy to read and very engaging.

The whole premise is about the transformation of two sour and sickly children into healthy happy kids; the secret garden that they find and work in is the main cause of their transformation. There are a ton of wonderful and quirky characters in here. There is some mystery as well.

This is a very feel good book. You can't help but smile as these kids learn the pleasures of making something on their own and learning how to live and have friends. This is one of the books that just makes you smile and feel good.

Overall a very well done historical fiction that leaves the reader feeling happy and hopeful. The book is an easy and engaging read that really stands the test of time. I ended up enjoying it a lot and am glad to have read it. It's a great book about growing up and friendship that I would recommend everyone read it at least once.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A beautiful story of love and frienship -- this is my favorite childhood story of all time. It's a great joy to reread it every now and then. I definetely recommend to any story lover!
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 506 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
One of the most beautiful tales of transformation in children's literature as 2 children strive to make the secret garden bloom once more. It is a moving expression of every child's need to nurture and be nurtured-a story that has captured for all time the rare and enchanted world of childhoo.d
ChrisHick avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on
Helpful Score: 1
A favorite to many! Mary was only ten when her parents died. She winds up moving to her Uncle's HUGE OLD home and her life takes many interesting turns!
dkhiggin avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on
Helpful Score: 1
This is a classic tale of a self-absorbed little girl learning to love and be loved.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I personally own a copy of the movie that was made from this book and loved watching it with my daughters. I love the book even more.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 34 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A great book for kids and some of us adults who are in the mood for a happy ending. If you are a gardener or nature lover, bonus secret garden in springtime action. I don't know how I missed this one as a child -- better late than never.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Mistress Mary is quite contrary until she helps her garden grow. Along the way, she manages to cure her sickly cousin Colin, who is every bit as imperious as she. These two are sullen little peas in a pod, closed up in a gloomy old manor on the Yorkshire moors of England, until a locked-up garden captures their imaginations and puts the blush of a wild rose in their cheeks; "It was the sweetest, most mysterious-looking place any one could imagine. The high walls which shut it in were covered with the leafless stems of roses which were so thick, that they matted together.... 'No wonder it is still,' Mary whispered. 'I am the first person who has spoken here for ten years.'" As new life sprouts from the earth, Mary and Colin's sour natures begin to sweeten. For anyone who has ever felt afraid to live and love, The Secret Garden's portrayal of reawakening spirits will thrill and rejuvenate. Frances Hodgson Burnett creates characters so strong and distinct, young readers continue to identify with them even 85 years after they were conceived.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I was very disappointed. This is not the full length version of the classic I remember reading as a child. This is a 48-page abridged version.
abbykt avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on + 113 more book reviews
This is such a wonderful story of healing both physically and emotionally. I love the comparisons of the garden growing and renewing as the children also improve in every way.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 159 more book reviews
This is truly a delightful book that I read as a child many years ago, and occasionally since. This tells how the finding and sharing of the secret garden would heal many parts of the two children who shared it.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 13 more book reviews
Classic book about a secret garden about a horrid spoiled girl sent to live with her uncle and stumbles upon a hidden garden and the miracles that unfold there with two friends.
TigerLily2004 avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on + 33 more book reviews
Classic story of a young girl alone in the world. Always a great story no matter how many times I have read it.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 101 more book reviews
Delightful! No more tape players at our house, so enjoy!
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 19 more book reviews
I've read it at least 10 times, and it's great every single time I revisit Mary and Dickon's time in the garden. Much better than the movie!
fancier avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on + 17 more book reviews
Characters in this book will keep you interseted through every page of this book. Great for reading to younger girls, it will be greatly enjoyed!
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 37 more book reviews
This is the Illustrated Classics Version.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 5 more book reviews
great book ! Every child should have a cpy of this book!!!
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 51 more book reviews
Orphan moves in with uncle and a fascinating tale unfolds...a must read.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 9 more book reviews
A great classic!
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 81 more book reviews
A classic children's book. Wonderful.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 44 more book reviews
wonderful story, should be read aloud to every child, any age.
hotbananamuffin avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on + 4 more book reviews
Classic.
reviewed The Secret Garden on
Wasn't very impressed by the narrator's reading. Sounded like a grade school teacher, not very skilled at reading aloud. (IE- everything was in one monotonish voice, only a few times did she vary to show accent or expression)
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 47 more book reviews
A wonderful abridged version of "The Secret Garden"! Wonderful for kids!
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 39 more book reviews
One of my favorite childhood books.
laurelb avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on + 2 more book reviews
I ordered this book to read to my daughter as my mother did..a timeless classic on its 100 year anniversary. Hopefully my daughter will share with her children.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 6 more book reviews
This is a great book. It took me back to my childhood.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 12 more book reviews
Girl finds secret garden near her uncle's house
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 203 more book reviews
A classic loved by all girls and many boys. Reading level ages 8-12.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 37 more book reviews
A classic for sure
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 29 more book reviews
I would read this book over and over again. It's a book that never grows old.
grammyteach avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on + 192 more book reviews
wonderful tale of a child's desire for a family's love and the garden that makes it happen
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 4 more book reviews
I love this book--the characters are engaging and lots of fun. Every time I read it I am inspired to go start a garden of my own. The emphasis on Magic being what makes the garden grow and the children get stronger is a little questionable, but it depends on how you interpret it.
Suzgot2 avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on + 82 more book reviews
One of my favorite Childhood books. I love Burnett's stories!
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 6 more book reviews
great read.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 62 more book reviews
awsome read my children and I could not put it down!
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 84 more book reviews
Wonderful!
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 10 more book reviews
When orphaned Mary Lennoz, lonley and sad, comes to live at her uncle's big house on the Yorkshire moors, she finds it full of secrets. At night, she hears the sound of crying down one of the long corridors. Outside, she meets Dickson, a magical boy who can charm and talk to animals. Then, one day, with the help of a friendly robin, Mary discovers hte most mysterious wonder of all-a secret garden, walled and locked, which has been completely forgotten for years and years. Is everything in the garden dead, or can Mary bring it back to life?
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 110 more book reviews
Wonderful book.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 55 more book reviews
A great classic! Experience the joys of childhood imagination and the overcoming of physical trials. It's a great book for kids and adults! Great condition.
short-angry14 avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on + 79 more book reviews
An absolute classic, and favorite of mine growing up. I hope this is required reading in schools, because it is truly enjoyable and has stayed with me for years. Must read.
re avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on
Fabulous book.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 9 more book reviews
Mary Lennox needs some magic in her life. Her parents have died in a faraway land, and Mary has been taken to a strange and mysterious mansion to live with her distant uncle. She has no friends and no happiness...unti she finds the key to a wonderful secret garden. Now Mary will discover that miracles can happen...and that magic is real.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 8 more book reviews
A wonderful book!!
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 14 more book reviews
Great book to read aloud or to yourself!
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 3 more book reviews
Mary must move to a huge estate and meet the master with a crooked back and his ailing son, Colin. She also must join the unit of the family help. She becomes friends with Dickon, and together they search for the secret garden on the grounds. In the process, they become great friends, and help Colin become willing to live and live well.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 41 more book reviews
This classic is great for kids of all ages.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 17 more book reviews
A great classic!
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 27 more book reviews
THE SECRET GARDEN has always been one of my favorite books. It was one of my favorites when I read it as a child, and it has remained one of my favorites despite many re-readings! Mary Lennox is "the most disagreeable-looking child ever seen." That's how the story starts. Mary is an orphan sent to live in the gloomy mansion of her uncle. Somehow, in the middle of loneliness she discovers joy in the new life in the Secret Garden. Mary, Colin, her spoiled, invalid cousin, and Dickon, the materially poor, but spiritually rich local boy become children you want to keep observing as they grow to adulthood. That's not possible in this book, but you wish it was!
laceylosh avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on + 53 more book reviews
I found this book as I was going through bins of my childhood things. Its been years since Ive read my copy, and I couldnt wait to relive the magic I felt while reading it as a child.

The story follows a recently orphaned child, Mary Lennox, from her home in India to her uncles home in England, Mistlewaith Manor. She is left in the care of her uncles servants, her time occupied by playing by herself in the gardens of the manor.

Mary becomes enchanted by the mystery of the secret garden, and with the help of a few friends, she eventually finds herself at home at Mistlewaith Manor.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 3 more book reviews
Loved this book when I was a young girl. A must read for a young girl.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 13 more book reviews
One of my childhood favorites! A lonely little girl realizes she is loved and learns to love others. Wonderfully imaginative!
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 2 more book reviews
My all-time favorite classic. The writing will make the garden come to life in your own mind. Beautiful story about growing up.
MyLikeIt avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on + 450 more book reviews
A lovely, timeless story of healing and friendship. Recommended!
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 30 more book reviews
A classic.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 160 more book reviews
The classic story
bookwormama avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on + 42 more book reviews
Mary is a lonely girl with no friends. Colin is a sick boy who can't get out of bed. But everything changes when they find each other and the magic of the Secret Garden!
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 6 more book reviews
Adapted - not original text
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 377 more book reviews
A picture book version of the children's classic, with photo illustrations from the 1990s movie starring Kate Maberly.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 157 more book reviews
Soft cover and short version based on the movie, not the book, but good read, lots of pictures.
reviewed The Secret Garden on
Childrens classic that I have read quite a few times in my life. Each time I get something new out of the book. Lots of insight into human nature.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 10 more book reviews
A classic children's book. Some might be thrown off at the pace, but if you make it through this book, you'll be pleased with the outcome.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 100 more book reviews
tasha tudor illustrations!
Tori3 avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on + 50 more book reviews
Great story for all ages. Classic!
reviewed The Secret Garden on
I read this book a few years ago and when I saw that it was available on PBS I just had to have my own copy. I love this little story.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 255 more book reviews
When orphaned Mary Lennox, lonely and sad, comes to live at her uncle\'s great house on the Yorkshire moors, she finds it full of secrets. At night, she hears the sound of crying down one of the long corridors. Outside, she meets Dickon, a magical boy who can charm and talk to animals. Then, one day, with the help of a friendly robin, Mary discovers the most mysterious wonder of all--a secret garden, walled and locked, which has been completely forgotten for years and years. Is everything in the graden dead, or can Mary bring it back to life?
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 350 more book reviews
I first read this book when I was about 9 years old. I now have read it again at 32 and it is just as good as it was the first time I read it.

The book starts out introducing Mary Lennox who has been raised in India receiving all she wants but not having special parental care. When plague breaks out in India, she who was always thought of as weak survives and is sent to live with her uncle in Yorkshire, England.

Mary starts to learn about herself and the selfishness she lived out daily. She starts to explore the land around her in her boredom and learns about a garden that has been kept hidden away for ten years. She wants to find the key so she can enter it. In the process she also learns about Dickon, a boy who can charm animals and Colin, her cousin who is as selfish as she was.

I really love this story and it remains a favorite of mine after all these years.
QMJudy avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on + 42 more book reviews
A lovely sweet book. About a child and with innocent themes, but probably not a children's book.
metipton avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on + 17 more book reviews
A wonderful story! So sweet.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 30 more book reviews
I liked it when I was a kid
JMZ avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on
This is a great one for kids. I read it to my girls and they loved it.
CraftyTJ avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on + 381 more book reviews
Mistress Mary is quite contrary until she helps her garden grow. Along the way, she manages to cure her sickly cousin Colin, who is every bit as imperious as she. These two are sullen little peas in a pod, closed up in a gloomy old manor on the Yorkshire moors of England, until a locked-up garden captures their imaginations and puts the blush of a wild rose in their cheeks; "It was the sweetest, most mysterious-looking place any one could imagine. The high walls which shut it in were covered with the leafless stems of roses which were so thick, that they matted together.... 'No wonder it is still,' Mary whispered. 'I am the first person who has spoken here for ten years.'" As new life sprouts from the earth, Mary and Colin's sour natures begin to sweeten. For anyone who has ever felt afraid to live and love, The Secret Garden's portrayal of reawakening spirits will thrill and rejuvenate. Frances Hodgson Burnett creates characters so strong and distinct, young readers continue to identify with them even 85 years after they were conceived.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 3 more book reviews
Very good, classic book. Pages in tp shape. Some wear on cover with small tear on lower right corner of cover.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 26 more book reviews
When orphaned Mary Lennox, lonely and sad, comes to live at her uncle's great house on the Yorkshire moors, she finds it full of secrets. At night, she hears the sound of crying down one of the long corridors. Ourside, she meets Dickon, a magical boy who can charm and talk to animals. Then, one day, with the help of a friendly robin, Mary discovers the most mysterious wonder of all...a secret garden, walled and locked, which has been completely forgotten for years and years. Is everything in the garden dead, or can Mary bring it back to life.
GrkMum avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on + 32 more book reviews
a true classic-not just for children.
reviewed The Secret Garden on + 10 more book reviews
This has a different(sweeter)cover and is illustrated by Tasha Tudor. It is light green with a rose border and has a picture of Mary opening the garden gate. Very good condition!
NannyShaw avatar reviewed The Secret Garden on + 15 more book reviews
Classic story...sorry, no charm