I really wanted to like this book. I thought it could be a unique take on one of my favorite children's books. I thought the author would use The Secret Garden as inspiration to tell a new and interesting story. But no, this book is, scene for scene, a perfect copy of The Secret Garden. The differences: it takes place in modern-day New York state, the character's names have changed, with the name changes the characters have become more one-dimensional, and finally instead of a moor we have the St. Lawrence River. CATEGORYTexas Bluebonnet Award/NominationBIBLIOGRAPHIC CITATIONPotter, E. (2012). The humming room. New York, NY: Feiwel and Friends.SUMMARYAt twelve years old, Roo Fanshaw has experienced more than most preteens. Her drug-dealing father and his latest girlfriend are killed, leaving Roo to foster care, until a previously unknown uncle sends for her. He lives on Cough Rock, a mysterious island where children with tuberculosis once were housed in a hospital he has renovated into a home. Eerily, rooms hum, squirrels speak, and secrets scream in walled-off rooms in this mystery inspired by The Secret Garden (1911) by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Watch as gardens, friendships, and even a little age-appropriate romance bloom in this mystic place.Genre: Juvenile FictionGrade Level: 5-8Awards: Texas Bluebonnet Award List – 2013-2014PERSONAL REFLECTION OR REVIEW The Humming Room is skillfully written but leaves many questions unanswered, which may frustrate some readers. The book is relatively short at 184 pages, and readers will hunger for more—more of Roo’s relationship with her family, more of the mysterious garden, and more of the mysticism in Roo’s ability to “hear” growth by listening to the dirt and the Faigne’s magic powers.
What do You think about The Humming Room (2012)?
Very good for younger readers. With a little more work it could be turned into a ya novel.
—Jeni
This book was very interesting, it keeps you guessing what's going to happen
—siphonealber
A modern day Secret Garden that 5th to 6th girls would like.
—Dirtysight
