A Secret Princess

Name: A Secret Princess
ISBN: 9781984812063

by Margaret Stohl, Melissa de la Cruz

Best friends Mary, Sara, and Cedric face an insufferable boarding school and a personal tragedy. A secret plan changes everything for the trio, blending classic tales with charm and romance.

About This Book

This young adult novel offers a clever and heartwarming retelling, mashing up the beloved stories of A Little Princess and The Secret Garden. It follows best friends Mary Lennox, Sara Crewe, and Cedric Erroll as they navigate the challenges of a difficult boarding school. When one of them experiences a profound personal tragedy, their bond is tested, leading to a secret plan that ultimately transforms their lives. The book explores themes of friendship, grief, resilience, and first love, making it a poignant and engaging read for teenagers aged 12-18. Parents will appreciate its sensitive handling of loss and its celebration of enduring friendships.

A surprising and romantic YA retelling-mashup of A Little Princess and The Secret Garden by bestselling authors Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz—now in paperback! Best friends Mary Lennox, Sara Crewe, and Cedric Erroll are best friends. And thank goodness, since their boarding school is basically insufferable. When one of the friends suffers a personal tragedy, a plan—and a secret—change everything for the trio . . . for good. Filled with charm and romance, and inspired by some of classic literature's most beloved characters, The Secret Princess is the perfect blend of A Little Princess and The Secret Garden—and the perfect companion to Jo & Laurie.

Concepts

Friendship & Loyalty Sadness & Grief Resilience & Perseverance Love & Family Loneliness & Belonging Empathy & Kindness Self-Confidence & Identity Curiosity & Wonder Teamwork & Collaboration Joy & Gratitude Freedom & Independence Death of a Loved One Making Friends Growing Up Friendship & Social

Discussion Prompts

How do Mary, Sara, and Cedric support each other through difficult times? What does their friendship teach us about loyalty?

This book combines elements from 'A Little Princess' and 'The Secret Garden.' What similarities and differences did you notice compared to the original stories?

The characters face a personal tragedy. How do they cope with grief, and what role does their secret play in their healing process?

What makes the boarding school 'insufferable,' and how do the friends find ways to make it more bearable?

How do the characters grow and change throughout the story, especially after the tragedy and the secret plan?

External Reviews

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