Alcott, L.M. (1989). Little Women. New York: Grosset and Dunlap. ISBN: 0448060191
· Plot Summary
The March family of Concord has, with the onset of the American Civil War, fallen on hard times. Mr.March is in battle, while his wife and four daughters are left to fend for themselves during possibly the most turbulent time in American history. Meg is the eldest daughter, and still remembering when the family knew better times, craves nice clothing and parties to attend. Jo (Josephine) is the budding author, a regular tomboy who keeps her sisters amused each night with her gothic writings. Beth is the quiet sister, kind-hearted, and quite content to remain at home. Amy is the youngest sister, fiery and artistic, but also petulant and possibly more pragmatic than her older siblings. The mother, Marmee, is the backbone of the family and yet constantly faced with the reality that she became a war widow with four children to raise alone.
· Critical Evaluation
A heartwarming novel that has endured the test of time, the situations faced by the March family are authentic, without being maudlin. The reader is able to share in their heartaches and joys on a personal level, losing the feeling of being separate from the novel's characters.
· Reader’s Annotation
The period of the American Civil War effected not just those on the battlefield, but also those at home, and no one on American soil was beyond its reach.
· Information about the author
The daughter of abolitionist parents, she included this aspect (as well as their town, home name, and sisters) in her novels. Hers was not a rich family, and Alcott worked at various professions appropriate to a woman of her standing at the time. Her youngest sister died, and Louisa took in May's daughter, who had been named after her aunt. Alcott would be a proponent of woman's suffrage, her death attributed to mercury poisoning brought on by a dose of medication she was given when she contracted typhoid fever. Today, it is believed she more likely died of complications as a result of lupus.
· Genre
Historical Fiction, Novels
· Curriculum Ties
History
English
· Booktalking Ideas
American Civil War and effects on daily life.
Early female authors and their literary subjects.
· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6-10/Ages 10-15
· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
Longtime favorite I wanted to reread, and believe all tween girls at least should read.
