The Secret Garden
Children's Novel
2016
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 and renewal
- nature’s restorative power
- grief and loss
- self-discovery
- family
- resilience
- secrets
About this book
When orphaned Mary Lennox is sent from India to her uncle’s lonely Yorkshire estate, she discovers a locked, neglected garden—and the possibility of friendship and healing. As Mary explores the moors and learns to care for living things, she herself begins to change. This classic appeals to readers who enjoy character growth, nature, and a touch of mystery. Ideal for strong elementary and middle grade readers who like timeless stories with heart.
Setting: colonial India and the Yorkshire moors of 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 and renewal, 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.