However, it's important to remember that reading levels can vary based on individual children and their reading abilities.
Here's why it's considered middle grade:
* Theme and Content: The book deals with themes of loss, grief, healing, and self-discovery, which are appropriate for older elementary and middle school children.
* Language and Complexity: The language is generally straightforward, but there are some more complex vocabulary words and sentence structures that may be challenging for younger readers.
* Length: The book is longer than most picture books, making it more suitable for children who have developed longer attention spans.
Ultimately, the best way to determine if "The Secret Garden" is appropriate for a particular child is to consider their reading level and maturity.