 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Little Women
- By Louisa May Alcott
- Genre: Family Life
Common Sense Media says
Classic still charms despite outdated gender roles.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this novel, published in 1868, contains outdated (but time-period appropriate) gender roles and many religious references.
What's the story?
Alcott's semi-autobiographical classic, set in Boston during and just after the Civil War, follows the four March sisters as they struggle to overcome poverty and grow into proper young ladies. Meg, the oldest, is pretty but swayed by material temptations; Jo is a good-hearted tomboy and writer; Beth is a shy, sweet music lover; and Amy, the youngest, is a little selfish but very social and elegant. Even as the girls bicker like all siblings, they keep their loving home together as they wait for their father to return from the war.
Is it any good?
Like the Little House books, LITTLE WOMEN's appeal is its vivid depiction of its 19th-century time period. Though the writing style can be didactic, even contemporary girls who can't imagine wearing silk dresses or being too ladylike to run will identify with the March sisters' strong bonds and earnest efforts to overcome their faults. Jo, who romps with her best friend (a boy) and cuts her hair short, remains an enduring character who defied the era's gender conventions.
At nearly 800 pages (for some editions), the book might work better as a read-aloud so parents can skip the occasionally lengthy, boring passages of description, long letters, or the girls' plays. Young readers may struggle with the sometimes archaic language and unfamiliar references.
What 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?
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AGE
One of my Favorites
I totally disagree with CommenSense review that says this book has out-dated gender roles. The March family had an incredibly forward-thinking view on the roles of women for that time. They were very progressive. Not that I am a feminist, or that the book spends any amount of time on the subject. Guess you'll just have to read it for yourselves!
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AGE
A novel recomended for all girls 12+
I really enjoyed this book. It had very rich text and had an enthralling plot. The life style of the era was extremely enthralling; and I recomend it to all readers who can understand the style of writing Louisa May Alcott has provided us with. Younge children may be confused at reading it, one friend of mine tried reading it at a younge age making her confused, now she refuses to try and read it now that she is a better reader.
My mother enjoyed this book too, so both younge and old will enjoy.
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AGE
I have loved this book since forever and I also like all of the sequels. I would recommend this book to any girl.
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AGE
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.
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AGE
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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AGE
Amazing Book
I love the book! It really gives the moral of family and friends and how important they are.
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AGE
little women roxxxxxxx
it is a very nice book........
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AGE
I loved Little Women by Louisa May Alcott! It is such a great story about family and friends, and an especially great read for girls. I am in High school and I love it. I could see younger girls reading it, as long as they can understand the kind of formal and kind of slang dialect. The relationship between Teddy and Jo and the other sisters is the best, because you can see their friendship blossom and how close they are throughout the entire book. Although their dad goes off to fight in the war, there are no battle scenes. Readers will fall in love with the March family.
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AGE
It really is important that you stick to the age level on this!
I started reading this when I was only nine years old.
But I found it very boring!
I have read it recently and I can see now how it is a good book,
in this case its worth to wait.
But hey that's is just my opinion.
In one chapter one of the girls said that the music she had heard was very gae. Back in 1861, when the bookwritten, gae meant ful, happy ect.
A sign of immaturity is when the person who is reading this, points and laughs!
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AGE
Good book for young teen girls
I liked the book.but not that much.i thought it was very slow and boring in spots.And i dont think boys would like it.My younger brother read it.And hated it.so i say girl only.
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| Author: | Louisa May Alcott |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Family Life |
| Publisher: | Puffin |
| Publication date: | December 31, 1969 |
| Number of pages: | 798 |
| Paperback price: | $8.99 |
| Read aloud: | 8 |
| Read alone: | 10 |
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