The Secret Garden on 81st Street

By Olivia, Age 9

The book that made me feel finally seen is The Secret Garden on 81st Street by Ivy Noelle Weir, illustrated by Amber Padilla. This book made me feel finally seen because Mary (the main character) wanted to help the secret garden come back to life. I can relate to this because in my life, I have wanted to care for nature, so I think that’s very important and brave. In the book she also has to move away from her home and start a new life. I can relate to that because I have had to move away from a place that I really loved and I just had to be courageous. Also in the book, Mary and Colin have a really good relationship by communicating with each other in a really meaningful and caring way. Colin also stands up for himself in a powerful way that is really hard to do. I can relate to that because I have stood up for myself and I have wanted to show I had courage in a way. I’m not the exact same as all the characters but I can find some unique ways that me and the characters have in common.