Frances Hodgson Burnett

  Having moved from India to Victorian England, Sara Crewe is sent to Miss Minchin's boarding school. As the daughter of a very wealthy army captain, Sara has every luxury lavished upon her.That is until news arrives that her father has lost all of his money in a bad business deal and died from the shock.

  As her mother has already died, Sara is left a penniless orphan in the hands of the cruel Miss Minchin and must endure a life of servitude. It is only with the help of a few close friends and a wonderful imagination that Sara is able to get through each day.

  One day Sara wakes up to find that a secret visitor has been into her room during the night, transforming her depressing atic room. The events that follow see Sara's life also transformed in the same way as her room.  But can she escape the evil Miss Minchin and resume her previous status and princess-like lifestyle?

  A Little Princess is a classic story that has stood the test of time. Despite being over a hundred years old, it is still just as delightful today.

 The character of Sara Crewe is beautifully created, as a reader it is hard not to love her generous spirit and kind hearted nature. The fact that she continues to be so considerate when faced with poverty and hatred as well as kindness and wealth only adds to her appeal. But what really makes her so special is her wonderful imagination. One of my favourite parts of the story is when the girls turn their dirty, cold attic into a beautiful party.

 The story is very moving and will have you feeling sorrow and joy in equal measures. This is another book that I have read many times over the years and still adore! I think that the tale is probably better suited to girls, aged 8 years and upwards.