Editors’ Pick
Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feelby Peter Burchardt — on emotions, evolution & the science of feeling
View on Amazon →
Cover of The Secret Garden
Children's Books· United Kingdom

The Secret Garden

by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Aggregate Editorial Score41/100
BBC Big Read
Published 1911256 pagesEnglish
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

Published in 1911, The Secret Garden established Frances Hodgson Burnett as one of the defining voices in children's books. Orphan Mary Lennox, sent to a gloomy Yorkshire manor, discovers a locked garden that transforms both her and the sickly boy who lives in the house. Burnett's beloved novel is a celebration of the healing power of nature and the possibility of renewal. Themes of garden, healing, nature run through the work. The book has received recognition from BBC Big Read 1911.

Book Details

AuthorFrances Hodgson Burnett
Published1911
Country of Origin🇬🇧 United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Pages256
Category🧸 Children's Books
ISBN9780141321066
Editorial Score41/100
About the Category

🧸 Children's Books

Picture books, middle-grade fiction, and early readers.

Explore all Children's Books books →
Country of Origin

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

This book is part of United Kingdom's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United Kingdom →

Editorial Assessment

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett sits within the tradition of children's books that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1911 in United Kingdom, it engages with garden, healing, nature, childhood in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Among its recognitions: BBC Big Read 1911. Its aggregate editorial score of 41/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. The appeal of The Secret Garden lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of garden, healing, nature, childhood is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Within United Kingdom's literary landscape, Frances Hodgson Burnett occupies a significant position. The Secret Garden is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

BBC Big Read
list · national
191117
✍️
About the Author
Frances Hodgson Burnett
United Kingdom
View Author →

Frances Hodgson Burnett is a celebrated author from United Kingdom known for influential works of childrens.

Designed to Feel
Bestseller by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feel
Why Evolution Built Your Emotions, and How to Make Them Work for You
“The most eye-opening book on emotions I’ve ever read.”
Get It on Amazon →Paperback & Kindle

What to Read Next

Cover of The One and Only Bob
childrens

The One and Only Bob

Katherine Applegate· 2020
★Newbery Medal
Editorial Score83/100
Cover of Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha
literary-fiction

Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha

Roddy Doyle· 1994
★Booker Prize
Editorial Score72/100
Cover of The Graveyard Book
fantasy

The Graveyard Book

Neil Gaiman· 2009
★Hugo Award
Editorial Score68/100
Cover of The Ghost of Thomas Kempe
childrens

The Ghost of Thomas Kempe

Penelope Lively· 1973
★Carnegie Medal
Editorial Score61/100
Cover of The Wonderful Adventures of Nils
childrens

The Wonderful Adventures of Nils

Selma Lagerlöf· 1906
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Editorial Score60/100
Cover of Anne of Green Gables
childrens

Anne of Green Gables

Lucy Maud Montgomery· 1908
Editorial Score50/100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Secret Garden about?

Orphan Mary Lennox, sent to a gloomy Yorkshire manor, discovers a locked garden that transforms both her and the sickly boy who lives in the house. Burnett's beloved novel is a celebration of the healing power of nature and the possibility of renewal.

Who wrote The Secret Garden?

The Secret Garden was written by Frances Hodgson Burnett, from United Kingdom. First published in 1911.

What awards has The Secret Garden won?

The Secret Garden has received the following awards and honours: BBC Big Read 1911.

Is The Secret Garden worth reading?

The Secret Garden is a book that has earned critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 17/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in garden, healing, nature.

Where can I buy The Secret Garden?

You can buy The Secret Garden on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Secret Garden?

The Secret Garden is classified as Children's Books. Picture books, middle-grade fiction, and early readers.

What country is The Secret Garden from?

The Secret Garden originates from United Kingdom's literary tradition. Explore more books from United Kingdom on our country page.

Popular on 50 Best Books

Best Science Fiction Books of All TimeScience FictionBooker Prize Winners — Complete List & GuideLiterary PrizesNobel Prize in Literature — Every Winner Since 1901Literary PrizesClassic Literature Reading List — 50 Essential BooksReading GuidesBest Books for Beginners — 20 Easy Reads for New BookloversReading Guides

Explore More

🧸More Children's BooksBrowse all Children's Books books🇬🇧Books from United Kingdom🇬🇧 United Kingdom literature📅1910s BooksPublished in the 1910s🏆Top 50 RankingsThe greatest books of all time