Jack and Jill: From the Original Publisher (Paperback)

by Louisa May Alcott (Author) "Clear the lulla!" was the general cry on a bright December afternoon, when all the boys and girls of Harmony Village were out enjoying the..." (more)
Key Phrases: bicycle boy, Miss Bat, Molly Loo, Bird Room (more...)

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--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Description
Two inseparable friends, Jack and Jill's bond is tested by a serious sledding accident. But with the encouragement of friends and family, they resolve not to let the misfortune ruin the holiday season.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown; Uniform ed edition (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316030848
• ISBN-13: 978-0316030847
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,250,828 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Quiet Pleaser, July 20, 2001

By	"librarybear" (Irving, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

I'm sorry to see that this book has been so poorly received by other reviewers. It is not a family book like Little Women or the Rose Duo, but this is a Louisa May Alcott classic that should not be ignored. If nothing else, the interaction between social classes in America, represented by the mothers of Jack and Jill is endlessly fascinating. Also, this book could appeal to both genders. Both boys and girls will be entranced with the train and mechanical images, and it's unusual to read a child's book and have such fresh descriptions...something perhaps owing to the newness of trains at the time. The three girls, Jill, Molly and Merry, and their plans for self-improvement can be seen in almost every young adult book marketed towards girls. What's refreshing about this one is that they're self-improvement is not for the benefit of their peers or to "get a boy", but rather, Louisa May Alcott has them develop for their own personal growth. In an age when self-help books are on the best seller list, this book shows how it was done before it was a science. In addition, it's novel for it's intrerest in health fads and regiments, new school ideas, and the imporance of an American youth culture. Give this book a chance.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A sweet, old-fashioned growing up story., November 15, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Jack and Jill (Hardcover)

This charming, old-fashioned children's story begins by mirroring the nursery rhyme. Two friends, Jack and Jill, go up a hill to go sledding. They come tumbling down, and Jack breaks his leg while Jill injures her back more seriously. The book tells the tale of their recuperation and also of their and their friends' journey into young adulthood. The book is slightly moralistic, in the way that Little Women is; the young people earnestly want to become "good" and to help their friends become "good". Although this style is not in fashion now, it still makes for a sweet, hope-filled story. Very enjoyable. Also recommended: An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A warm read for a cold day., November 2, 2004

By	C. Gilbert "frumiousb" (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Jack and Jill (Paperback)

While Jack and Jill might not rate as one of the best Alcott novels, it is not worth dismissing out of hand for that reason. As usual, she crafted a thought provoking and enlightened book that teaches as it entertains and comforts.

Jack and Jill are fast childhood friends who find their lives interrupted by a terrible sledding accident which leaves both of them invalids. As they recover and heal, they and their friends learn important lessons about responsibility, giving and friendship. Jack and Jill should be an immensely satisfying read for pre-teenagers. The sure Alcott hand with character keeps even the most obvious moral lessons from feeling overly preachy.

While the book is ideally suited for younger readers, grown ups will be interested in the larger issues raised here. Alcott firmly asserts the need for individual growth, gender equality, and personal responsbility. Historical discussions about temperance and higher education for women should additionally make this book a good read for history fans.