Frances Hodgson Burnett

The English-American writer Frances Hodgson Burnett actually has two claims to Wordcandy fame. Not only did she write two classic YA novels, but one of the aforementioned classic novels (1909's A Little Princess) provides all the introductory quotes for Meg Cabot's series of Wordcandy books (the ongoing Princess Diaries series). If you haven't read A Little Princess or The Secret Garden, please do so immediately. They are both available online, as is Little Lord Fauntleroy and many of her novels for adults. (Including some really Victorian romances. You can safely skip those.)

Note: There is a really good film version of The Secret Garden. There is also a critically acclaimed version of A Little Princess, but I found the director's decision to set the film in New York to be very distracting.

Aftertaste:
None, so long as you avoid Little Lord Fauntleroy.

Availability:
See above.

(Availability Note: While we here at Wordcandy always encourage you to buy books (in fact, buy them through us! We're a very worthy cause!) we understand that sometimes, alas, one is flat broke. If that's the case, you can read copies of some or all of this author's books at this fine site for FREE.)

Other Recommendations:
The Princess Diaries, by Meg Cabot

Daddy-Long-Legs, by Jean Webster

The Girl of the Limberlost, by Gene Stratton-Porter