Little Women: A Retelling for Curious Readers

A look inside

The opening of Little Women: A Retelling for Curious Readers, free to read.

1. 

   Christmas Without Presents

   “Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,” grumbled Jo, lying on the rug. “It’s so dreadful to be poor!” sighed Meg, looking at her old dress. “Some girls have plenty of pretty things, and other girls have nothing at all,” said little Amy with a sniff. “We’ve got Father and Mother and each other,” said Beth from her corner. The fire crackled, and the four March sisters grew quiet.

2. 

   With Father away helping the soldiers in the war, Jo wished she were a boy so she could fight beside him. At fifteen she was all long arms and legs. Meg, a year older, was the pretty one and minded her shabby dresses most. Amy, the youngest, was proud of her golden curls and her best manners. Shy, gentle Beth was thirteen. Father called her Little Miss Tranquility, which means calm and peaceful.

3. 

   Each girl had one dollar to spend. Jo wanted a new book. Beth wanted new music, and Amy wanted drawing pencils. Then Beth noticed Marmee’s worn-out slippers warming by the fire. “Let’s each get her something for Christmas,” she said, “and not get anything for ourselves.” “That’s like you, Beth!” cried Jo. So they planned in whispers: gloves, new slippers, a handkerchief, and a small bottle of cologne.

4. 

   Then Marmee came home, and four girls rushed to meet her. Her cloak and bonnet were old, but to them no mother anywhere was finer. “I’ve got a treat for you,” she said, and drew out a letter from Father. He sent love to his “little women” and hoped they would be brave and good while he was gone. Amy hid her face. “I’m a selfish girl,” she sobbed, “but I’ll truly try to be better.”