The Year of the Garden

J Intermediate, 2017. 128 p.

Anna Wang's family has just moved from one side of Cincinnati to the other, which means Anna has to get used to a new school, a new house, and new neighbors. Amidst the changes Anna inherits some flower and vegetable seeds from her friend, Mrs. Shepherd, and she becomes dedicated to the idea of planting a garden like the one in The Secret Garden. Complications arise when Anna's new friend Laura isn't quite as excited about the garden as Anna is.

This chapter book is an excellent realistic fiction for Intermediate readers. Anna is a perceptive narrator. Readers will relate to her hopes and struggles as she cultivates both the plot of ground in her backyard as well as her relationship with Laura.

Anna learns that friendships and gardens take a lot of patience, commitment, and flexibility. Even imperfect things are worth the hard work when you experience growth.

The Year of the Garden is a prequel to four other Anna Wang books which can be found in the J Fiction section.

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