The Locked Garden by Gloria Whelan
The year is 1900 and scientific advancement is everywhere. Verna and Carlie move to the grounds of a large asylum for the mentally ill where their father will help treat patients. He has new theories on how to make people better and spends hours holed up writing his book.
Since their mother died, cranky Aunt Maude has lived with them and Verna would like her to go back to her own home. But she moves with them and is just as cold and devoid of fun as ever. When the girls and their father become attached to one of the patients Aunt Maude becomes so jealous that a battle of wills begins where there is no clear winner, only losers.
The historical note gives the reader a quick peak into the history of mental illness in the United States and its treatments over the years. While the facility in this story was based on one of the nicest asylums, many in this country were not. This would be a good discussion book for children who know someone with a mental illness or just to bring aweness to a topic not often discussed.
Score: 4 out of 5
To suggest other titles to the committee, please email newberysuggestions@kcls.org.
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