Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849–1924) was born in Manchester,
England, but moved to America as a teenager. A gifted writer
from childhood, Burnett took to writing as a means of supporting
her family, creating stories for Lady’s Book, Harper’s
Bazaar, and other magazines. Though she began writing novels for
adults, she gained lasting success writing for children. She is
best known for Little Lord Fauntleroy (1855–1856), A
Little Princess (1905), and The Secret
Garden (1911).
Nancy Bond is the author of a number of books for young
readers, including The Voyage Begun, a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award
Honor Book; A Place to Come Back To, an American Library
Association Best Book for Young Adults and a Booklist Editor's
Choice; and Truth to Tell. She wrote after attending library school
in a Welsh town outside of Aberstwyth, the book's setting. She
lives in Concord, Massachusetts.
Gr 3-6-This recording of Frances Hodgson Burnett's children's classic provides an entertaining and atmospheric introduction to the original. The abridgement allows for all the characters and their interactions to develop believably, but on occasion large chunks of time are unaccounted for. Lucy Whybrow narrates this version, and her clear rendition of Sara Crewe is a pleasure to listen to. Classical music adds to the enjoyment. Whybrow portrays the gently determined attitude, the sweet and charming manners, and the intelligent seriousness of this timeless heroine very well. With her father in India, Sara begins her life in England as a very rich boarder at Miss Minchin's school. When her father's business reverses and fatal illness leaves her an orphan and a pauper, Sara is determined to act as a princess in every way no matter how demeaned her situation. Whybrow captures her spirit, making this version a worthwhile addition to a collection that includes abridged versions of classics, perhaps as an inducement to young readers to try the original.-Jane P. Fenn, Corning-Painted Post West High School, NY Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
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