The Secret Garden
BoD – Books on Demand 2019
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- healing and hope
- nature’s restorative power
- grief and loss
- independence
- empathy
- secrets
- personal growth
About this book
After being sent from India to live with her reclusive uncle on the Yorkshire moors, sour and lonely Mary Lennox discovers a locked, neglected garden—and a chance to change herself. With the help of new friends, she learns to care for something beyond herself and finds wonder in nature’s quiet magic. This classic appeals to readers who enjoy character growth, mysteries tucked inside old houses, and the restorative power of the outdoors. Ideal for independent readers ready for rich language and timeless themes.
Setting: Yorkshire moors and Misselthwaite Manor, England, early 1900s
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Secret Garden right for my child?
Yes — The Secret Garden is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.3, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include friendship, healing and hope, nature’s restorative power.
How long does it take to read The Secret Garden?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Secret Garden takes around 7.6h to finish. The book has 80,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Secret Garden have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Secret Garden has an AR quiz available, worth 13 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is The Secret Garden?
The Secret Garden has an AR reading level of 6.3, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.