First published in 1911, this children’s classic tells the story of Mary Lennox, a spoiled and lonely girl sent to live with her uncle in a mysterious English manor. There, she discovers a hidden, neglected garden and begins restoring it—alongside her cousin Colin and friend Dickon. As the garden blooms, so do the characters, who undergo emotional and physical transformations. The Secret Garden celebrates the healing power of nature, friendship, and hope. Rich with symbolism and Victorian charm, it remains a timeless tale of personal growth and rejuvenation that continues to captivate readers of all ages.
Frances Hodgson Burnett was a British-American author best known for her beloved children’s novels, including The Secret Garden, A Little Princess, and Little Lord Fauntleroy. Born in England and later moving to the United States, she wrote across genres, from romantic fiction to plays. Her children’s books, known for their emotional depth and moral clarity, have become timeless classics. Burnett often explored themes of resilience, transformation, and the healing power of nature and kindness. Her vivid characters and richly imagined settings continue to enchant readers, and her work has been adapted into numerous films, stage productions, and television series.
by J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter (#2)
In the second installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry returns to Hogwarts only to find the school plagued by mysterious attacks. As he unravels the legend of the Chamber of Secrets and the heir of Slytherin, he faces danger and prejudice while uncovering secrets of the wizarding world. The book deepens the series’ mythology and themes of bravery, loyalty, and the power of choice. Filled with magical creatures, clever puzzles, and growing tension, it cements Harry's role as a true hero.
by J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter (#6)
In the sixth installment of the Harry Potter series, Voldemort’s power grows stronger, threatening the wizarding and Muggle worlds alike. As Dumbledore reveals memories critical to understanding Voldemort’s past, Harry discovers a mysterious potions book once owned by the “Half-Blood Prince.” Romance, jealousy, and betrayal swirl at Hogwarts, culminating in a devastating loss that changes the course of the war. Rowling deepens her exploration of identity, destiny, and sacrifice, setting the stage for the series’ emotional and epic conclusion.
by Leo Tolstoy
At a glittering society party in St Petersburg in 1805, conversations are dominated by the prospect of war. Terror swiftly engulfs the country as Napoleon's army marches on Russia, and the lives of three young people are changed forever. The stories of quixotic Pierre, cynical Andrey and impetuous Natasha interweave with a huge cast, from aristocrats and peasants, to soldiers and Napoleon himself. In War and Peace (1868-9), Tolstoy entwines grand themes - conflict and love, birth and death, free will and fate - with unforgettable scenes of nineteenth-century Russia, to create a magnificent epic of human life in all its imperfection and grandeur.
by J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter (#1)
J.K. Rowling’s debut novel introduces Harry Potter, an orphan who discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard. Taken to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry learns about magic, makes lifelong friends, and uncovers secrets about his past—including the dark wizard who killed his parents. As he navigates this new world, he confronts danger and mystery surrounding a magical artifact called the Philosopher’s Stone. Blending fantasy, adventure, and themes of friendship, courage, and identity, the book launched one of the most beloved and influential series in modern literature.