Secret Garden on 81st Street: A Modern Graphic Retelling of the Secret Garden
Author: Ivy Noelle Weir Illustrator: Amber Padilla
Ages 8-12 or Grades 4th-6th
This is a wonderful retelling of a beloved classic. Written over 100 years ago by author Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden takes on a modern feel with The Secret Garden on 81st Street. It brings all the emotion, beauty, and magic to the 21st century as a graphic novel.
With a new setting and new takes on the characters, we are introduced to Mary, a young girl who thrives in a tech-supported world in Silicon Valley. After the untimely death of her parents, she is sent to live with her uncle in New York City — with no tech in sight. Looking for comfort in this strange, new reality, Mary discovers an abandoned rooftop garden and an even bigger secret. With the help of her new friends, Mary works to restore the garden to its former glory while learning to grieve, build real friendships, and grow.
Check it out today!