Young Sara Crewe, the pampered daughter of a wealthy Englishman, is treated like a princess at her boarding school--but her privileged status comes to an abrupt end with her father's sudden death. Left penniless and at the mercy of a vindictive headmistress, Sara nonetheless maintains a positive outlook, and employs her lively imagination and generosity of spirit to make the best of the bleak reality of her life and losses. Her pluck and optimism attract the notice of a mysterious benefactor, and the former princess finds her self returned to riches after a heart-rending experience among the poor of Victorian London.
Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924) provides a memorable cast of supporting characters for this delightful novel, including the evil Miss Minchin, Becky the maid, and Sara's dull-witted but kind friend Ermengarde. A new audience" of young readers will share Sara's woes and her triumphs in this new and unabridged edition of an enduring favorite.