And then Maria finds a locked gate to an off-limits garden. Clayborne seems emotionally fraught, and inexplicable things keep happening in the Claybornes’ sprawling house. Clayborne has left on an extended business trip, Mrs. When Maria arrives on Long Island, things are not quite what she was expecting.

So when old friends of her parents offer to “give her a better life” in the United States, Maria is shipped to a host family across the world.

Maria has always been a difficult child, and it never takes long for her guardians to tire of her. Growing up in Pakistan, Maria Latif has been bounced between reluctant relatives for as long as she can remember-first because of her parents’ constant travel, and then because of their deaths. A Bit of Earth is a reimagining of the classic The Secret Garden, perfect for fans of Other Words for Home and The Bridge Home. But what happens when she feels the sudden urge to put down roots in the most unexpected of places? Karuna Riazi crafts a tender coming-of-age story about friendship, family, and new beginnings. Maria Latif is used to not having a space of her own. “A sweet and warm-hearted tale with unforgettable characters.”-Aisha Saeed, bestselling author of Amal Unbound “Beautiful! Simply beautiful! My heart needed this!”-Ellen Oh, author of Finding Junie Kim “An ambitious re-envisioning of a long beloved classic, this book is sure to be a big hit.”-Padma Venkatraman, award-winning author of The Bridge Home

Prickles and all, Maria Latif captured my whole heart.”-Jasmine Warga, author of Newbery Honor book Other Words for Home “As timeless as it is timely, A Bit of Earth is a rare gift.”-Laurel Snyder, author of National Book Award nominee Orphan Island This story will find its way into your heart.”-Tae Keller, Newbery Medalist for When You Trap a Tiger

A Bit of Earth by Karuna Riazi