Frances Hodgson Burnett

Frances Hodgson Burnett lived from 1849 to 1924. She was born in England, and her early years were spent in Manchester. Her father died when she was three, and she grew up with her mother and four younger siblings.

When she was fifteen her family moved to the United States. The family was quite poor, and when her mother died three years later, Frances had to look after herself and her four younger siblings. She chose writing as a way to make a living. At first she wrote short stories, then novels and plays as well. She is now best known for three children's stories, Little Lord Fauntleroy (1886), A Little Princess (1905) and The Secret Garden (1911).

During her adult life, Frances moved back and forth between England and America. She was always concerned for the happiness of others, and used her wealth to help those in need. She died at the age of seventy-five, at her home on Long Island, New York.

Works by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Currently available from Books for Learning is Burnett's famous story The Secret Garden, edited for children aged ten and above.