Excellent read with valuable lessons; some spiritual content
Plot
When her parents die, Mary Lennox is sent to live in England with her uncle, Mr. Archibald Craven. There in the moors she makes friends for the first time and discovers a secret garden - a garden locked by Mr. Craven and into which no one has set foot for ten years.
Morality
Mary is extremely sour and content to order people about at the beginning of the tale, throwing tantrums if she doesn't get what she wants. Colin Craven, Mr. Archibald Craven's son, also has a habit of throwing temper tantrums. Both children shape up, however, and their behavior shown as wrong.
Mary also does a good bit of sneaking so as not to let any one know that she has gotten into the garden.
Spiritual Content
The children believe that there is good magic in the garden, and in the whole world. They chant in an attempt to call the Magic to help cure Colin's back.
Violence
When Weatherstaff mentions the man getting drunk, he also says that he beats his wife.
Drug and Alcohol Content
Ben Weatherstaff, the gardener, mentions a man getting drunk.
Sexual Content
None.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
None.
Conclusion
The Secret Garden is a sweet tale of friendship, love, and gentleness. The lessons it teaches are valuable for many ages.
The spiritual content should probably be explained to younger children, but does not detract from the quality of the tale.
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