This book is absolutely gorgeous! I am normally more of a fantasy girl, but I must say, everyone should read this book. It's genius. Louisa May Alcott is brilliant. Once you read Little Women, you'll have to read all the sequels and, like me, you'll go through a major Alcott stage and start crazily reading all her books. I am starting to tear up just thinking about it. This book is so sad it gave me fever for crying so much!
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Little Women
(1969, Fiction - Family Life, Written by Louisa May Alcott)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 10. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Classic still charms despite outdated gender roles.
Themes in this book include: dating/crushes, family relationships, friendship, gender issues, growing up, honesty, materialism
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
The good stuff
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Educational value:
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Role models:
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Language:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Little Women
Parents need to know that this novel, published in 1868, contains outdated (but time-period appropriate) gender roles and many religious references.
Read our full review by Stephanie Dunnewind
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the emphasis on "housewifely" duties for women. How are opportunities and expectations different/similar for women today?
- Would kids have liked living during the 1860s and '70s? Why or why not?
- The type of clothes and objects the girls desire are different than today, but can kids see similarities in their own lives? What lessons about consumerism do the girls learn?
- The writing style is more didactic than most literature written for children today. The author also breaks in with first-person comments. What do readers think of this style? How does it compare to contemporary novels?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
I have loved this book since forever and I also like all of the sequels. I would recommend this book to any girl.
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
Wonderful Role Model for Girls!
My eight-year-old daughter loved this book and would act out scenes, with her dolls acting as the March sisters. She especially identified with Jo and enjoyed comparing herself to her. It was good for her to see how Jo's temper got her into trouble sometimes and how Jo handled that. I especially appreciated how the March girls modeled love and respect for one's parents! I highly recommend this book.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
Wonderful, Positive, and Moving Read for Any Age or Gender...
Parents need to know that this book is a must-read for everyone. It is a very historical look on life during the Civil War, and all characters are great role models. Honesty, love, kindness, and tolerance pervade the book. Though the title is LITTLE WOMEN, the book is written equally for both sexes, and has plenty of material to please both boys and girls of any age.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
A must-read!
I first read this book when I was eight and LOVED IT!!! In my opinion, this is a must-read for anyone. It is the ULTIMATE chick read. (read: It's kinda a boy-meets-girl story, but it's written so well, you darn just don't notice!"
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Ratings at a Glance
| 50% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 50% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 50% | of parents say it's educational |
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