FICTION

Littler Women: A Modern Retelling

by Laura SCHAEFER
224p. S. & S./Paula Wiseman Bks. Sept. 2017. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781481487610.
COPY ISBN
Gr 4–7—A contemporary retelling of Louisa May Alcott's beloved novel. Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy are tween sisters, ranging in age from nine to 13. On top of the worries facing these modern girls, their beloved father is away with the National Guard. While the March sisters do not have much and are not fashionable or trendy (much to Meg's dismay), they are resourceful. This is demonstrated by their recipes and crafting tricks that are liberally dispersed throughout the book. Like the characters of Little Women, the sisters learn valuable lessons through each adventure. Schaefer's March sisters are updated but will be recognizable to Alcott devotees. The writing is accessible, making this a good selection for younger middle grade readers perhaps not quite ready for the original tale.
VERDICT While Alcott's story will remain a classic go-to, this modern-day retelling is a fun addition for larger library collections and where young Little Women fans abound.
Reviewed by Morgan Brickey, Arlington Public Library, TX
Schaefer reimagines the first half of [cf2]Little Women[cf1] with the March sisters as contemporary girls ages nine to thirteen. She hews close to Alcott's novel but turns letters to emails, a marriage proposal to a youthful dating invitation, etc.; recipes and craft activities appear throughout. Though a pleasant enough middle-grade read, the novel is likely to mean most to readers familiar with the original.
 , Jul 01, 2017

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