Frances Hodgson Burnett was born in 1849 in Manchester, England, the daughter of a prosperous store owner. The death of her father led to financial ruin and in 1865 her mother moved the family to Knoxville, USA, where Frances began a successful writing career to help the family income. Frances Burnett used her knowledge of loss and hard times to good advantage in 'A Little Princess'. Sara Crewe, a well-to-do soldier's daughter, suddenly hears of the death of her father, and that his unfortunate business dealings have left her penniless. From being the richest, most envied girl at boarding school Sara is now reduced to the life of a menial, losing her fine room and beautiful clothes, and living in a cold attic, grudgingly fed on scraps. Despite everything, Sara remains charitable and kind, feeling herself bound to act as a princess might in times of hardship and humiliation. Using her vibrant imagination she creates vivid stories that enthrall her fellow servant, Becky, and magically transforms her drab lodging into a warm, beautifully decorated room. Nor does this little princess forget her new friends when Fate smiles on her once more and her fortunes are restored.