About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with questions of identity, feeling like they have to hide parts of themselves to fit in, or navigating the transition into the higher expectations of middle school. It is particularly resonant for children who feel like outsiders or those who are beginning to understand that their circumstances do not define their worth. Set in the lush but rigid world of 1850s England, the story follows Scilla, a workhouse orphan who disguises herself as a boy to secure a job in an aristocratic garden. This atmospheric novel explores themes of resilience, the beauty of manual labor, and the courage required to be honest. While it addresses the harsh realities of Victorian poverty and food insecurity, it does so with a sense of wonder and hope. Parents will appreciate the way it models personal responsibility and the idea that growth takes time, much like a garden. It is an excellent choice for kids aged 8 to 12 who enjoy historical fiction with deep emotional stakes.
