The Annotated Secret Garden (The Annotated Books) by Frances Hodgson Burnett

This classic children's novel about a lonely orphan discovering a hidden garden receives new life through thoughtful annotations and breathtaking artwork. Young readers will follow Mary Lennox as she uncovers the secrets of Misselthwaite Manor, befriends a local boy and her sickly cousin, and learns how friendship and nature can heal even the deepest sorrows. The annotations provide fascinating historical context about Victorian England, explaining customs, clothing, and class differences that modern children might find puzzling. More than 100 beautiful illustrations bring the Yorkshire moors and the garden's magical transformation vividly to life on every page.

This edition makes the timeless story particularly accessible for middle-grade readers encountering historical fiction for the first time, with notes that enrich without interrupting the narrative flow. Children who enjoy mysteries, strong-willed characters, and stories about friendship will find themselves completely absorbed in Mary's journey from spoiled child to compassionate friend. The combination of a beloved classic with visual splendor and educational insights creates an immersive reading experience that will likely become a treasured family keepsake, introducing a new generation to the enduring magic of this heartwarming adventure.