About This Book
Louisa May Alcott's 'Little Women' is a beloved coming-of-age novel that introduces readers to the four March sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, the story follows their journey from childhood to womanhood, exploring themes of domesticity, work, true love, and individual identity. Parents will appreciate how the book delves into the sisters' unique personalities, their struggles with character flaws, and their unwavering family bonds. It offers a rich historical context of 19th-century American life, particularly for women, and provides a gentle yet profound exploration of grief, ambition, and the meaning of happiness. While the language reflects its historical period, it remains accessible, making it an excellent read-aloud for younger children and a deeply immersive independent read for older elementary students.
Includes notes and brief author biography.
Concepts
Love & FamilySelf-Confidence & IdentityResilience & PerseveranceFriendship & LoyaltyCreativity & ImaginationEmpathy & KindnessJustice & FairnessHonesty & IntegritySadness & GriefFear & BraveryLoneliness & BelongingAnger & FrustrationJealousy & ComparisonCuriosity & WonderFreedom & IndependenceGrowing UpSibling RivalryDeath of a Loved OneMaking FriendsBeing DifferentFamily & SiblingsSchool LifeFriendship & Social
illness
Character Death
peril_danger
financial_hardship
Discussion Prompts
1
Which March sister do you relate to the most and why?
2
How do the March sisters try to improve their characters throughout the story? What challenges do they face?
3
What does 'domesticity' mean to the March sisters, and how do their views on it change as they grow up?
4
How does the absence of their father during the Civil War affect the family?
5
What lessons do the sisters learn about friendship and loyalty through their relationships with each other and with Laurie?
6
How does the book show the different ways women could live and find purpose in the 19th century?
7
Beth's death is a very sad part of the story. How do the other sisters cope with their grief, and how does it change them?
8
What does the book teach us about the importance of individuality versus conforming to societal expectations?
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