The Secret Garden
the Classic Children's Book by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Xist Publishing 2017
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- healing
- nature and renewal
- grief and loss
- self-discovery
- independence
- hope
- family
About this book
After being sent from India to live with her distant uncle in a lonely Yorkshire manor, sour and solitary Mary Lennox stumbles upon a locked, neglected garden. As she uncovers its secrets, new friendships and fresh air begin to change her heart. This classic is perfect for middle grade readers who enjoy character growth, nature, and a touch of mystery. Kids love watching Mary, Colin, and Dickon bring a hidden place—and themselves—back to life.
Setting: a secluded manor on the Yorkshire moors, England, early 1900s
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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, nature and renewal.
How long does it take to read The Secret Garden?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Secret Garden takes around 7.7h to finish. The book has 80,800 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.