The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

SYNOPSIS:  Mary has always been a sour, spoiled little girl whose parents ignored her.  Her life is changed forever, however, when she is sent to live at her uncle's estate in England.  There she meets Dicken, who can charm any wild animal; Colin, who is just as spoiled and sour as she is; and Martha, who states things plainly without sparing Mary's feelings.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This is a sweet and charming story about children, and the power of the mind.  It is a good reminder about how to be a healthful person.  I would recommend it to readers of any age, although I will caution that there is some racist language in the book, as one might expect from the time period.  I would recommend discussing this language and racism in general with younger readers before having them read it.

AUDIENCE:  Children and Pre-Teens

RATING:  PG (with some racist terms)

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  An Old-Fashioned Girl, The Story Girl