Little Women (A Stepping Stone Book) (Paperback)

~ Louisa May Alcott (Author)

Editorial Reviews

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"The American female myth."
?Madelon Bedell -- Review

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"The American female myth."
—Madelon Bedell

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (July 5, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679861750
• ISBN-13: 978-0679861751
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #112,244 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars BLEH!, July 27, 2004

By	librarylady61 (Northern Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews

Why give your child an adaptation of a classic?

The original book IS a classic because it's that good, but it's not intended to be an easy reader. There are lots of references to Dickens, 19th century schools of thought and people and places of the times.

You can read the real book young-- I read it in 6th grade, and it's still one of my faves.But your child will not get it until they are much older, not matter how gifted they are!!!!!!!!!!!!

An adaptation is not the answer. It's like feeding your child a pint of spaghetti sauce that has been drowned in a quart of water--the original is there, but the flavor is gone. And so it the nutrition!!!

There are plenty of books your child will enjoy and RELATE to. Wait to read the real thing. Or if you really insist on exposing them to the story before they can read it, let them see one of the film versions first--they were all pretty good.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Pass on this one, March 26, 2007

By	Sister Carrie "careful reader" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

First, this is only the first half of "Little Women." Yes, this is the book originally published under that title, but usually it is bundled with the sequel, "Good Wives." This volume only covers the period up to Meg's wedding.

Second, this adaptation has taken all the color out of the work. The descriptions of the girls and their friends are missing, as are descriptions of their clothes, home, etc. Alcott herself wrote (ch. 1), "...young readers like to know 'how people look.'" I question the decision to leave out the descriptive passages as they are some of the most interesting writing, especially to younger readers.