A dramatic reversal of the traditional 'rags to riches' formula, "A Little Princess", by the author of "The Secret Garden", Frances Hodgson Burnett, is a truly magical story about the power of optimism in the face of adversity, which continues to enchant readers of all ages.. First published as a book in 1905, "A Little Princess" has been listed by the U.S. National Education Association as one of its "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children.". . Synopsis. Sara Crewe, an exceptionally intelligent and imaginative student at Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Young Ladies, is devastated when her adored, indulgent father dies. Now penniless and banished to a room in the attic, Sara is demeaned, abused, and forced to work as a servant. How this resourceful girl's fortunes change again is at the center of "A Little Princess", one of the best-loved stories in all of children's literature.