Hi y’all! I am super excited to be here sharing a new book list with you!

I have recently read both A Little Princess and The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett. While these were both rereads for me, I was blown away by her beautiful writing, lovely characters, and magical storytelling. So I decided that I wanted to put together a list of books that are great for fans of Burnett’s beautiful stories. I hope you enjoy!

I’ve reviewed all but one of these on my blog and I have read them all. I will try to update with my last review when I publish it.

A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus // This is one of my favorite books I’ve read in the last few years. The story of 3 orphaned siblings who are sent to the country during WWII and find solace and hope in the local lending library. They experience a lot of hard things in this new home. But they also experience books. In books, they find hope, family, and even magic. The storytelling is exquisite and the powerful messages about family, home and healing are truly lovely.

Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan // Another favorite of recent years! This tells the story of two siblings and their first experiences reading the Narnia books. I love the magic of getting to know C. S. Lewis and his childhood. I was inspired by this story to visit certain castle ruins in Ireland and they are absolutely exquisite! I think this is a great one for moms to read and potentially with other kids.

The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman // This retelling of A Little Princess is so clever and beautifully told. In a magical New York City, girls come to Miss Posterity’s School to learn how to kindle their magic. When Emma comes as a special student, things seem to be perfect. But when she loses everything, she won’t be allowed to kindle anymore and her magic will disappear. Until she and the other maid, Izzy, decide to learn how to kindle together. The details are fantastic and it gives a whole new perspective on the classic tale.

Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards // This book is a delight! The story of an orphan who finds an abandoned cottage over the orphanage wall. She makes it her own and pretends she lives there with her family. But one night, things go wrong. And who will save her? The writing is so fun and the story reminds me a lot of Mary Lennox bringing the secret garden back to life.

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larsen // I love this Newbery Honor book about Hattie, an orphan who takes on the enormous challenge of running her late father’s plot of land in Montana. The stories are so clever and fun. And I love the magic of the countryside and how Hattie works hard and connects with her neighbors. Such a fun read!

The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis // Any list about childhood and magic and beauty needs Narnia to be included. The classic tales of children finding their ways into the magical land of Narnia where they battle evil, claim their royal titles, and interact with the mythical and magical lion, Aslan. I can’t say enough good things about these books. And I think they are great for those who enjoy Burnett’s novels because they show the power of magic, family, and hope regardless of circumstance.

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgrin // This classic about a girl who has a pet monkey, a horse on her porch and a pirate father is just so fun. Pippi is full of silly stories and hilarious adventures. We’ve listened to this one and it is just so much fun!

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery // If you haven’t read this one, I highly recommend it! The timeless and beautiful tale of an orphan who becomes family. I love Anne and all her misadventures. I love seeing her grow and make friends and make mistakes and try to be better. She is delightful and precocious and easily one of my favorite heroines in literature. I recommend the whole 8 book series!

Jane of Lantern Hill by L. M. Montgomery // I’ve read several other books by L. M. Montgomery in recent years and this is one of my favorites. Jane comes to live in the summers with her father at the house at Lantern Hill and I loved seeing how she creates a home for them. The storytelling is beautiful and the setting is lovely. I think Jane and Anne would be friends.

Wish by Barbara O’Connor // This is my first and so far only book by Barbara O’Connor but I hope to read more! The storytelling reminds me of Francis Hodgson Burnett as it focuses on the magic of childhood regardless of circumstances. Charlie has made the same wish for years and when she is sent to live with family she barely knows, adventures begin and wishes start coming true.

Esperanza Rising by Pam Nunoz Ryan // This book captures some of the same themes and experiences from Burnett’s books. Esperanza loses her father in a devastating way and must flee her home with her mother. They make a new life for themselves in a place far from their home. At first, she is unable to see any beauty or hope in her new life. But slowly she finds joy and belonging again. A beautiful story!

Heidi by Johanna Spyri // I love this classic set in the Swiss Alps. So much of Heidi’s story reminds me of Sara Crewe and Mary Lennox. She is able to see the good in so many situations like Sara. And she loves the wild and beautiful countryside she calls home like Mary. Another beautifully told tale about the power of home, friendship, and the beautiful world.

What books would you recommend to readers who enjoy Francis Hodgson Burnett?