A tale inspired by the life of Louisa May Alcott's youngest sister finds young May longing to study art outside of the confines of her Concord home before turning down a marriage proposal and pursuing an identity in contrast to the spoiled and worldly character of Amy in her sister's famed novel.
The mothers of four very different sixth-grade girls pressure them into forming a book club, and find, as they read the classic novel "Little Women," that they have more in common than they thought.
In Acton, Oregon, sisters Alex, Stevie, and Joey take turns telling about their lives, including auditioning for the same part in the school musical, baking contest-worthy cupcakes, and becoming obsessed with "Little Women.".
Louisa May Alcott has problems--her mother is taking a job over a hundred miles away to earn some money, leaving to it to Louisa to care for the family, her father refuses to work for money, a fugitive slave is seeking refuge in their house, and a slave catcher has been murdered, making the Underground Railroad much more dangerous.
Uses illustrations and text for elementary students to present the life of writer Louisa May Alcott. Describes her childhood, family, and parental encouragement toward her writing. Also provides details about her nursing injured soldiers during the Civil War.
Louisa May Alcott's experiences as a nurse for wounded Union soldiers during the Civil War influence her outlook and inspire her to write her successful novel "Little Women.".
