I never knew the book and the movie had such divergent stories! I kept waiting for the movie ending, but the book’s ending was dramatic and heart-warming in its own way. I’m sure that the movie’s ending would be shocking for someone who read the book first!

Having reread Burnett’s “The Secret Garden” last year, I was struck by the theme of The Magic that runs through both stories. I appreciate that Burnett names this thread that runs through the best children’s books, and makes her heroines the discoverer and introducer of the concept.

This book, like “The Secret Garden”, involves racist portrayals and concepts. “A Little Princess” may be a better starting point to discuss the problem and current views of cultural interactions because the character of color is generally treated respectfully (while in a servile position).