Drum roll please...here's her first book review!
Title: The Secret Garden
Author: retold from the Frances Hodgson Burnett original by Martha Hailey
Illustrator: Lucy Corvino
Describe the book in a couple of sentences (without giving away the ending!):
A girl named Mary had to move to London to stay with her uncle after her parents died. While there she uncovers a secret garden and makes new friends. She tries to find out how to bring the secret garden back to life.
What did you enjoy most about this book?
A character named Dickon. He loves all animals and even has a pet fox named Captain. Dickon is like a pet whisperer.
What do you think the author was trying to accomplish with this book?
I think she was trying to capture the beauty and feelings of the garden but most of all she is trying to send you a message that you can do anything if you put your mind to it.
What was your favorite character and why? Tell us something about them.
My favorite character is Mary because she is so brave and confident in herself. She's so daring and willing to try new things.
What scene do you remember best? Why is it your favorite?
I remember when Mary was trying to find out where a noise was coming from. She came face to face with Mrs. Medlock who said, "You didn't hear anything of the sort. You come along back to your own nursery or I'll box your ears."
Did any parts make you LOL? Describe one.
I thought it was funny when Colin thought there was a lump on his back but really he was just imagining that it was there.
If there are illustrations, how did they help tell the story?
They help you visualize the story better but when I read the book, I saw it like a movie in my head.
Were you satisfied with the ending? Why or why not?
Yes, because it was a complete surprise how it ended.
How long is the book?
145 short pages since the words are in big type.
Did you find the book a quick read? Why or why not?
Yes, it was very easy. It took me three days counting breaks.
Did you like the book? Why or why not?
Yes, I loved how Mary found the garden.
Would you change anything about this book?
No, I wouldn't change a single word.
Who would you recommend to read this book? Boys, girls, tweens, etc.
I would say 3rd grade and up.
[I looked up the book and it's recommended for ages 11-13.]
Is this book part of a series?
No, it is not part of a series but I wish it was!
What is one thing you would ask the author if you could talk to him or her?
I would ask her how she found inspiration to write this book.
And...now for my favorite part! Here's Holden's overall rating of The Secret Garden...
Thank you, Holden, for a fabulous book review! I can't wait till you finish your next book!
If you have any questions or recommendations for Holden please leave them in the comments! She's really hoping she can answer a question or two! ;)
We hope you have a fabulous day! Gig 'em and God bless!
Holly & Holden
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on the link(s) and purchase an item we receive a small commission.
I would love to have you link up with the Waiting on...Wednesday link-up - a place where you can link up what you are waiting on, going through, making, anything - as long as it's family-friendly! :) It's open weekly Wednesday through Saturday!
One of my favorite books Holden. I read it to my girls too when they were your age. You have to watch the movie now if you haven't already. I loved your answers and feel free to link this to Tuesday Talk tomorrow and Party at My Place on Thursday. There are a lot of mommas out there that would like a review on good books for their kiddos. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I did not know there was a movie. I might have to watch it some time soon! I am reading Wonder and hope to have a review soon! Thanks for commenting! Holden
DeleteOh...my...gosh! I absolutely love it. Good lord now my child is going to expect to be a contributor. haha
ReplyDeleteHaha! Think of all the good things they could write about! ;)
DeleteThis comment made me laugh out loud! I was thinking that exact same thing Shelly! Now Carly will want to have a blog post! Good job mama's!! And Holden, you did a fabulous book review! I have never read that book but both of my girls (now adult women!) loved it! Thank you for sharing!
DeleteHaha! These girls are hilarious! We should get them to write posts together - they would LOVE that!!!
DeleteHey Holden! Nice work! Might have to steal this idea for class. I read this book a couple years ago, does your copy have the dialogue that makes you talk with an accent? Mine did, and it reminded me of how my family grandparents and cousins talk who are from the part of England the story takes place. I love this!
ReplyDeleteI did not notice a dialogue in the book. I might have to read it again. Thanks for reading my review. If you think of other questions for my next review that I could answer, would you share them with me? Thanks for reading my review! Holden
DeleteThat's a great book review -- of a great book. I enjoyed reading that book, too, when I was about Holden's age. I look forward to see what other books she'll write about!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I've started reading a book called Wonder and I'll be finished with it in about a week. I will write a book review on it soon! Thanks for reading! :) -Holden
DeleteAbsolutely precious! She should start a podcast for children where she discusses the books she reads. I just love this. If I had girls they would certainly be reading this book, based solely upon her recommendation. Way to go Holden!
ReplyDeleteAh! Thank you so much, Jennifer! You guys have been so amazing to her! She has been blown away by the responses and she's more encouraged than ever to finish books and post reviews!
DeleteI have never read this book before, but it sounds like I would love it! Thanks for a great review, Holden! And if you're looking for more books to read, my fave when I was 5th/6th grade was The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. It's a fun mystery book! I'm looking forward to reading more of your reviews. I always need good new books to read (and you're never too old to read these kinds of books! :) Great job! Jessica, Sweet Little Ones
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your sweet words, Jessica! Holden has been amazed at how nice everyone is! I think I've hooked her on blogging! :) I've written down your recommendation! She's currently reading Wonder but she's almost done with it! Fun mysteries are the best! Thanks again!
DeleteHolden, what a wonderful review. I wish you could meet my granddaughter, Marissa, who is the same age as you. She wrote a book review for my website last year. I need to encourage her to write another one. I know what she would like to ask you. Have you read any of the "Dear America" books. They are some of her favorites! Keep reading and writing! I loved your post! Donna @ Soul Survival
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your sweet words, Donna! She was hoping for one of two comments and has been wowed by how many people would take the time and comment on her post! You guys have been amazing for her confidence! She can't wait to write her next review! I've added the Dear America books to her reading list based on your recommendation! Thanks so much!
DeleteGreat review! It's so cool that you have an interest in writing, Holden! Keep doing it! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Alyssa! Keep checking back for her next review!
DeleteHolly I am so proud of Holden, she did an excellent job with this post! Tell her she is an inspiration to me. I love how you have encouraged her with her writing and her art. Tell her to keep it coming! ~Lowanda
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Lowanda! You guys have done more for her confidence than I ever could! She was hoping for one or two people to comment and every day there were more and more! It's been amazing what it's done for her reading! She can't wait to post her next review!
DeleteHolden you did AMAZING. Such a great review. I can't wait and hope that some day my little girl will show an interest in blogging too! I bet your mama is so proud of you. Great job, I can't wait for your next review!
ReplyDeleteYou are right! I'm absolutely so, so proud! She really enjoyed putting it together and it was great for her to see that posts just don't go up. You have to spend time on them, editing, adding photos, etc. But, she's been blown away with all the comments and can't wait to share her next review! It's coming soon!
DeleteHolden, you did such a thorough job of telling about this book, and you expressed your thoughts so well! I am very impressed! My daughters, ages 9 and 11, do video book reviews over at our blog, DesperateHomeschoolers.com. I know they'd love for you to check them out if your mom says it's okay! We live in Malaysia, so if you ever want a penpal, let us know!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a part of Booknificent Thursday this week on Mommynificent.com! Always great to have you!
Tina
Wow! She can't believe that someone in Malaysia read her post! How fun is that?! Thank you so much for hosting and she's hoping to link up with you again soon!
DeleteI loved the Secret Garden. I read it in junior high!
ReplyDeleteIt's a little embarrassing for me to admit, but I didn't even realize it was a classic! She's currently reading Wonder and looks forward to sharing her review soon!
DeleteHolden sounds like such a smart young lady! What a fantastic review. This is one of my favorite books and it's interesting to see how an 11 year old perceives it. Thanks so much for sharing this on #shinebloghop, Holly! It's always a pleasure to read through your pieces.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Maria! We think she's pretty awesome! ;) Come back soon for her review of Wonder!
DeleteDear Holden,
ReplyDeleteYou did an incredible job of reviewing The Secret Garden - I hope that you will share your perspective on many more books with us and your beautiful Mom Holly will continue to share them with us over at The Book Nook at Create With Joy!
Hope you'll check out this month's featured book, Project Inspired, during your visit! :-)
Have an amazing month!
Thank you so much for hosting! Holden has learned so much after posting her first review and the confidence that she has gained has been immeasurable! She'll definitely link up again soon!
Deleteoh this is good great!! a 11 year old's review of her fave book! give a hug from me will you :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at Practical Mondays!!
Will do! It's been a great experience for her! So proud of her and can't wait to share her next review!
DeleteHow fun! I recently had my daughter review a book with me, and she really benefited from the project, too. It's fun for kids to see their work in the blogosphere. Our blogging community would be blessed if you shared this at the Literacy Musing Mondays Linkup. #LMMLinkup http://www.foreverjoyful.net/?p=1007
ReplyDeleteHolden benefited immensely from writing this review! She has had so much fun seeing her post published and has been blown away by all the sweet and encouraging comments! Thank you so much for letting me know about your link-up! I just shared Holden's post there!
DeleteWhat a wonderful way to include your daughter in your blogging. I love the Secret Garden and still have the illustrated hardcover version I read in middle school lying around somewhere.
ReplyDeleteWe've been talking about her doing something with me since last summer. It was so fun to finally see it completed! Thanks so much for stopping by! Come back soon for her next review!
DeleteHolden, that is fine review on a fine book! I love that book and could read it again. I read it for the first time when I was about 55 (and I am 68 now!). I missed some real good books when I was young because I read slow and just couldn't read for fun and get my school work done too. The interesting part, Holden, is that I went on to become a teacher who taught (and still do) primary-aged children how to read! I read a lot faster now too!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, ~ linda @ The Reader and the Book
Linda, that's an amazing story! Thank you so much for sharing that with Holden! It's always amazing to see someone turn what could have been a negative into a positive! Thank you so much for stopping by! Come back soon for her next review!
Deletethis is so awesome! it has been a looooong time since i read the secret garden, might have to re-read it one of these days.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Kristen! She had so much fun putting it together! Thanks so much for stopping by and for your sweet words!
DeleteThanks for linking up!
ReplyDeleteSteph and I have a books podcast and we had my 9 year old daughter on as a guest. I love listening to kids review and talk about their books. It's so fun.
Thanks so much for hosting, Jana! It's so fun to see the next generation sharing information with others! We would love for you to stop by again soon for her next review!
DeleteThis is awesome! What a great review. The Secret Garden was one of my favorites growing up.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! She really loved the book!
DeleteI love that your daughter did a review! I LOVED The Secret Garden as a kid!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! She loved writing it!
DeleteFirst time here (through Show Us Your Books link-up), and my heart explodes. The Secret Garden is the one and only book that I've read front to back four times. I'm not a re-reader. But, I love this book so much, I read it as a child, I read it in college, I read it in my 20s, and I read it last year. Thank you for introducing it to Holden and sharing her thoughts with us.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, you ended with a gig 'em...and when I read The Secret Garden in college, it was for a Children's Literature class at (you guessed it) Texas A&M!
Ah! How fun is that?! Love that you loved The Secret Garden and love that you are an Aggie! Whoop! :)
DeleteWhat a sweet idea! Holden did a great job describing The Secret Garden! I loved that book when I was younger and have been wanting to read it again as an adult, so now I am even more excited to read it soon!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! It's been a great experience for her and she can't wait to review her next book - Wonder. Should be coming soon!
DeleteWhat a great idea! Holden, I think you did a fantastic job with this book review. I love the Classic Starts and have found quite a few in our local library for my kids to enjoy. I have two questions for you? 1) Have you read any of the other Classic Starts books and if so, which one/s? 2) Would you recommend this book to a sensitive 8 -yr old? Does it have sad parts that will stay with her long after?
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking my questions, Holden. I look forward to your answers!
Just wanted to let you know that I featured your post at the Literacy Musing Mondays Linkup! Thanks for inspiring writers by encouraging your daughter at such a young age!
ReplyDeleteHuge apologizes for not replying to your message sooner! May got the best of me! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for featuring Holden's post! She was so excited when I told her!!!
DeleteI commented on this a few months ago and have since read The Secret Garden. I love Holden's review even more now! I hope she continues reviewing books. Such a fun treat to hear her perspective on fun classic books!
ReplyDeleteAh! Thank you so much! She actually has one finished and is just waiting on me to get the post ready! I'll share soon so check back! I can't wait to share your comment with her! It's going to make her day!
Delete