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Louisa May Alcott's Little Women (Everyone Can Be a Reader
Bestselling author Laura Wood brings the adventures of Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy to even more readers in this beautiful retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s coming-of-age classic.
Little Women, the charming story of the brave and resilient March sisters, has been adored by generations of readers who have identified with the struggles of kind and pretty Meg; gentle, delicate Beth; precocious, artistic Amy; and of course wild, tomboyish Jo, determined to forge her own path and become a writer.
Follow the girls as they come of age during the American Civil War and fall in love with the story all over again in this retelling by award-winning writer Laura Wood.
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For ages 11+ / Edited to a reading age of 9
Note: Barrington Stoke publishes books are hi-lo (high interest, low ability), meaning the content is appropriate to the age of the reader but the text is edited to suit a lower reading age.
Little Women, the charming story of the brave and resilient March sisters, has been adored by generations of readers who have identified with the struggles of kind and pretty Meg; gentle, delicate Beth; precocious, artistic Amy; and of course wild, tomboyish Jo, determined to forge her own path and become a writer.
Follow the girls as they come of age during the American Civil War and fall in love with the story all over again in this retelling by award-winning writer Laura Wood.
-------------------------------------
For ages 11+ / Edited to a reading age of 9
Note: Barrington Stoke publishes books are hi-lo (high interest, low ability), meaning the content is appropriate to the age of the reader but the text is edited to suit a lower reading age.
- GenresClassics
128 pages, Paperback
Published January 14, 2025
14 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Laura Wood
22 books1,403 followersLaura Wood is the winner of the Montegrappa Scholastic Prize for New Children's Writing and the author of the 'Poppy Pym' and 'Vote for Effie' middle-grade series and YA novels, A Sky Painted Gold and Under a Dancing Star.
She loves Georgette Heyer novels, Fred Astaire films, travelling to far flung places, recipe books, Jilly Cooper, poetry, cosy woollen jumpers, Edith Nesbit, crisp autumn leaves, Jack Gilbert, new stationery, sensation fiction, salted caramel, feminism, Rufus Sewell's cheek-bones, dogs, and drinking lashings of ginger beer.
She loves Georgette Heyer novels, Fred Astaire films, travelling to far flung places, recipe books, Jilly Cooper, poetry, cosy woollen jumpers, Edith Nesbit, crisp autumn leaves, Jack Gilbert, new stationery, sensation fiction, salted caramel, feminism, Rufus Sewell's cheek-bones, dogs, and drinking lashings of ginger beer.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 2, 2024
A cute story but nothing special. This dyslexia friendly version is chefs kiss though! More dyslexia friendly versions of adult books please!
June 2, 2023
4.5 stars. Simplifies but captures the charm of the original. Let’s just thing the story ends at this point too shall we?!
June 25, 2025
I get that this is a retelling, but way too many things were left out.
MY CREDENTIALS:
I played Marmee March in my school’s production of Little Women
First off, what happened to Laurie asking Jo to marry him?? Where was that?? Secondly, why didn’t Beth die?? These are things important to the plot! You kept in the Picknick group or whatever but you cut the proposal and Beth’s death?? Cmon now. Ms Wood, I am a fan of your other retellings, but this one was not it.
MY CREDENTIALS:
I played Marmee March in my school’s production of Little Women
First off, what happened to Laurie asking Jo to marry him?? Where was that?? Secondly, why didn’t Beth die?? These are things important to the plot! You kept in the Picknick group or whatever but you cut the proposal and Beth’s death?? Cmon now. Ms Wood, I am a fan of your other retellings, but this one was not it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2023
I read this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review
In Laura Wood’s bibliography you can find two kinds of books. The books that she writes herself and the retellings. She is an excellent writer in both but it’s clear that she feels freer writing her own stories, she is more creative, more engaging and more dreamy. This is my favourite side of Ms Wood as a writer and these books are comfort reads for me.
Now, Laura Wood as a writer of retellings, and it is the case of this book and of “Pride and Prejudice” that was published last year, is correct. It’s undeniable that when an author is good at what they do, the quality can’t be hidden. The problem is that these books seem to have been written by commission, trusting that Laura Wood will do it well. But they are not retellings at all. Nothing in the story changes, it’s just shorter. It mustn’t be easy to make a brief version of a well known and well loved book by so many people in the whole world. But that’s precisely why Louisa May Alcott’s readers are unlikely to buy this book, most of them know the original story by heart, and if the new book is just an abridged version of that book, they’re not going to find anything new or any different interpretation of the story, which is what retellings are for. Nevertheless this version is ideal for those who don’t like reading classics or are too afraid of the size of Ms Alcott’s book, perhaps by reading the abridged version and thanks to the fact that Laura Wood manages to maintain the spirit and the soul of the original book, perhaps those readers will one day pick up Ms. Alcott’s book and read it.
But for readers like me, this is just a very well written school summarize. It’s certainly enjoyable, but it’s not a retelling.
In Laura Wood’s bibliography you can find two kinds of books. The books that she writes herself and the retellings. She is an excellent writer in both but it’s clear that she feels freer writing her own stories, she is more creative, more engaging and more dreamy. This is my favourite side of Ms Wood as a writer and these books are comfort reads for me.
Now, Laura Wood as a writer of retellings, and it is the case of this book and of “Pride and Prejudice” that was published last year, is correct. It’s undeniable that when an author is good at what they do, the quality can’t be hidden. The problem is that these books seem to have been written by commission, trusting that Laura Wood will do it well. But they are not retellings at all. Nothing in the story changes, it’s just shorter. It mustn’t be easy to make a brief version of a well known and well loved book by so many people in the whole world. But that’s precisely why Louisa May Alcott’s readers are unlikely to buy this book, most of them know the original story by heart, and if the new book is just an abridged version of that book, they’re not going to find anything new or any different interpretation of the story, which is what retellings are for. Nevertheless this version is ideal for those who don’t like reading classics or are too afraid of the size of Ms Alcott’s book, perhaps by reading the abridged version and thanks to the fact that Laura Wood manages to maintain the spirit and the soul of the original book, perhaps those readers will one day pick up Ms. Alcott’s book and read it.
But for readers like me, this is just a very well written school summarize. It’s certainly enjoyable, but it’s not a retelling.
October 24, 2022
It's a long time since I read Little Women but I love Barrington Stoke books and I get as many as I possibly can because they go really well in our primary school (not just with dyslexic children but with those who like a shorter book / have less resilience than a large book would take to read) so I wanted to read this.
Laura Wood has done an amazing job of recreating the original with seemingly a full story of the girls and their parents. Laurie, his Grandfather and Mr Brooke. Being poor doesn't stop them enjoying life and giving to others (perhaps something we should all be thinking of) nor does being ill.
I will happily get this for school, it is perfectly accessible for Y5/6 children and possibly younger. There is nothing within the story that will offend.
Anyone who has read the book or seen films will recognise the story anyway so the plot doesn't really need to be discussed. I like Jo the best I think. She's a strong independent woman who when faced with how to raise the money for her mother to travel to see her sick father takes a bold step, but is still overcome with the emotion of what she has done!
Loved it all.
Laura Wood has done an amazing job of recreating the original with seemingly a full story of the girls and their parents. Laurie, his Grandfather and Mr Brooke. Being poor doesn't stop them enjoying life and giving to others (perhaps something we should all be thinking of) nor does being ill.
I will happily get this for school, it is perfectly accessible for Y5/6 children and possibly younger. There is nothing within the story that will offend.
Anyone who has read the book or seen films will recognise the story anyway so the plot doesn't really need to be discussed. I like Jo the best I think. She's a strong independent woman who when faced with how to raise the money for her mother to travel to see her sick father takes a bold step, but is still overcome with the emotion of what she has done!
Loved it all.
January 1, 2025
"If you don't mind, I'd rather just talk," Laurie said.
"Not a bit. I'll talk all day if you let me. Beth says I never know when to stop."
You and me both, Jo. 🤝
"Not a bit. I'll talk all day if you let me. Beth says I never know when to stop."
You and me both, Jo. 🤝
April 12, 2023
I had never read Little Women before so was a bit nervous based on what I'd heard. This was written wonderfully, very touching and had me in tears many times.
December 30, 2024
This is a lovely telling of the story of Little Women. The four March sisters are facing a Christmas without their father while he is away in the war. But while the four sisters are very different they each come together to make their Christmas for their friends and mother the best it can be.
I’ve never read Little Women before and knew very little about the plot other than that it has the four sisters who are all different, so it was nice to read this story which takes place during the American civil war. I loved getting to know all of the sisters: Meg the oldest and most grown up, Jo the tomboy who loves writing and doesn’t want to be a grown-up lady too soon, Beth the quiet but very caring girl who loves to play the piano and Amy the youngest and sweetest.
Each chapter of the story almost feels like a separate tale in the March sisters’ lives and within each chapter something happens to the sisters which ultimately brings them closer together and shows the wonderful bond they have. The book begins just before Christmas with the girls discussing what presents they should get for Christmas. I love how they all decide in the end to get something for marmee, what they call their mother, and how later we see them doing something wonderful for others in their community, performing a play and more.
As the story moves through the months and ultimately over the course of a year, a lot happens to the sisters and they go through some problems. You see the flaws in the sisters as well as their strengths and I like how despite some darker things happening, like what Amy does with something of Jo’s, or what happens to Beth later on, the whole book, and most chapters, finish in a happy and very positive way.
The book is much shorter than the original Little Women, not too much over 100 pages long, and has text that is larger than usual, spaced out paragraphs and a special dyslexia-friendly font which makes it easier to read for both dyslexics and reluctant readers. The page sare also a creamy/yellow colour and are made of thick paper which makes it easier to look at visually too. There is a lovely chapter header flower at the beginning of each chapter and there are some author notes at the end too which explain that Louisa May Alcott originally wrote more than one book of Little Women (which I didn’t know), with the second book, published as ‘Good Wives’ in the UK, featuring the girls ‘stories as they grow older. However the notes clearly state that this book features just the first book Louisa May Alcott wrote and it’s a lovely ending.
Overall I have enjoyed this book. I haven’t read the original so I can’t comment on how close it is to that, but I have read Laura Wood’s Pride and Prejudice retelling and it was very good containing all the relevant story in a condensed way. For me this is a lovely retelling of Little Women and has made me curious to read the original. I do think this story felt a little overly happy at times, like, perhaps the darker moments were not explored in as much detail as in the original (if they are shown in more detail in the original) as the story felt mostly happy and heart-warming throughout, but for a lovely story featuring these four girls, and a chance to know the original story for teens who may not be able to face reading the full classic, this is a great retelling.
-Thanks to Barrington Stoke for a free copy.
I’ve never read Little Women before and knew very little about the plot other than that it has the four sisters who are all different, so it was nice to read this story which takes place during the American civil war. I loved getting to know all of the sisters: Meg the oldest and most grown up, Jo the tomboy who loves writing and doesn’t want to be a grown-up lady too soon, Beth the quiet but very caring girl who loves to play the piano and Amy the youngest and sweetest.
Each chapter of the story almost feels like a separate tale in the March sisters’ lives and within each chapter something happens to the sisters which ultimately brings them closer together and shows the wonderful bond they have. The book begins just before Christmas with the girls discussing what presents they should get for Christmas. I love how they all decide in the end to get something for marmee, what they call their mother, and how later we see them doing something wonderful for others in their community, performing a play and more.
As the story moves through the months and ultimately over the course of a year, a lot happens to the sisters and they go through some problems. You see the flaws in the sisters as well as their strengths and I like how despite some darker things happening, like what Amy does with something of Jo’s, or what happens to Beth later on, the whole book, and most chapters, finish in a happy and very positive way.
The book is much shorter than the original Little Women, not too much over 100 pages long, and has text that is larger than usual, spaced out paragraphs and a special dyslexia-friendly font which makes it easier to read for both dyslexics and reluctant readers. The page sare also a creamy/yellow colour and are made of thick paper which makes it easier to look at visually too. There is a lovely chapter header flower at the beginning of each chapter and there are some author notes at the end too which explain that Louisa May Alcott originally wrote more than one book of Little Women (which I didn’t know), with the second book, published as ‘Good Wives’ in the UK, featuring the girls ‘stories as they grow older. However the notes clearly state that this book features just the first book Louisa May Alcott wrote and it’s a lovely ending.
Overall I have enjoyed this book. I haven’t read the original so I can’t comment on how close it is to that, but I have read Laura Wood’s Pride and Prejudice retelling and it was very good containing all the relevant story in a condensed way. For me this is a lovely retelling of Little Women and has made me curious to read the original. I do think this story felt a little overly happy at times, like, perhaps the darker moments were not explored in as much detail as in the original (if they are shown in more detail in the original) as the story felt mostly happy and heart-warming throughout, but for a lovely story featuring these four girls, and a chance to know the original story for teens who may not be able to face reading the full classic, this is a great retelling.
-Thanks to Barrington Stoke for a free copy.
Read
March 11, 2023I received an eARC of the book from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
4.5 stars
LITTLE WOMEN is a classic that I've never read - nor seen a film of it. It's not a grim-and-depressing classic (the ones I really struggle with) and the subject matter makes me think I might have got on well with the original (like I did with WHAT KATY DID or ANNE OF GREEN GABLES as a tween.) Based on the author's note, it seems useful that I haven't seen any film as those (apparently) draw on two books, while this retelling only follows the events of the first book.
It is a delightful story about four sisters growing up with their father away and money tight but still finding friendship and fun, making do with what they have and each other. They are close but they clash from time to time, like any siblings do.
I really enjoyed how this was primarily a story about sisters. From what I'd heard about LITTLE WOMEN, I was expecting a lot of romance and misadventure in love and heartbreak, but instead was pleasantly surprised that there basically wasn't any. While a boy, Laurie, does find his way into their circles, he is a friend first and foremost.
In all, this was such a nice read - and I might even be tempted to try the original book at some point now!
4.5 stars
LITTLE WOMEN is a classic that I've never read - nor seen a film of it. It's not a grim-and-depressing classic (the ones I really struggle with) and the subject matter makes me think I might have got on well with the original (like I did with WHAT KATY DID or ANNE OF GREEN GABLES as a tween.) Based on the author's note, it seems useful that I haven't seen any film as those (apparently) draw on two books, while this retelling only follows the events of the first book.
It is a delightful story about four sisters growing up with their father away and money tight but still finding friendship and fun, making do with what they have and each other. They are close but they clash from time to time, like any siblings do.
I really enjoyed how this was primarily a story about sisters. From what I'd heard about LITTLE WOMEN, I was expecting a lot of romance and misadventure in love and heartbreak, but instead was pleasantly surprised that there basically wasn't any. While a boy, Laurie, does find his way into their circles, he is a friend first and foremost.
In all, this was such a nice read - and I might even be tempted to try the original book at some point now!
February 18, 2026
Let me start with this. I've never read the original Little Women. I thought this could be a good starting point before jumping into the 450 page book.
I'm glad I started here. Because boy, was it a bore.
We follow a group of sisters. Their father goes away for some time. They get news that he is very ill and his wife should visit him before he dies. She does. He gets better. They both come home.
One of the sisters gets sick. She miraculously gets better.
They're life is described as being pretty simple. A couple of the sisters routinely put on a play. They don't often have feasts or anything. They live next door to a man and a young boy. The girls befriend both of them.
One of the younger sisters annoys the older ones. They have an event go to and tell her she can't come. In return, she burns one of their notebooks. This is the most dramatic thing that happens.
I know this is a brief overview, so I'm sure it's missing the depth of the original. But I cannot imagine reading 400 more pages than I did about this story.
I'm glad I started here. Because boy, was it a bore.
We follow a group of sisters. Their father goes away for some time. They get news that he is very ill and his wife should visit him before he dies. She does. He gets better. They both come home.
One of the sisters gets sick. She miraculously gets better.
They're life is described as being pretty simple. A couple of the sisters routinely put on a play. They don't often have feasts or anything. They live next door to a man and a young boy. The girls befriend both of them.
One of the younger sisters annoys the older ones. They have an event go to and tell her she can't come. In return, she burns one of their notebooks. This is the most dramatic thing that happens.
I know this is a brief overview, so I'm sure it's missing the depth of the original. But I cannot imagine reading 400 more pages than I did about this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2022
✨ "It's important to forgive the people you love just as soon as you can."
I might be mildly obsessed with Little Women retellings and adaptations because it's simply such a timeless story of sisterhood, family and coming of age. This latest retelling by Laura Wood is yet another wonderful one and perfectly suited for younger audiences. I liked how the author has factored in some changes to make the book her own, while still retaining the essence of the original novel in terms of storyline, setting and characters.
A delightful novella and very engaging read overall! I'll be interested to see a retelling of the second half of Little Women though, where the themes are heavier and the stakes much higher.
Thank you to Barrington Stoke and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
I might be mildly obsessed with Little Women retellings and adaptations because it's simply such a timeless story of sisterhood, family and coming of age. This latest retelling by Laura Wood is yet another wonderful one and perfectly suited for younger audiences. I liked how the author has factored in some changes to make the book her own, while still retaining the essence of the original novel in terms of storyline, setting and characters.
A delightful novella and very engaging read overall! I'll be interested to see a retelling of the second half of Little Women though, where the themes are heavier and the stakes much higher.
Thank you to Barrington Stoke and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
October 29, 2022
This is a story that I have read the original version of many times. It is one of my favourite children’s classic.
This version is a simple retelling, which it is supposed to be. It contains all the main plot points and contains enough references to the original text to give a feel of what the original is like. It is very readable and would be a good introduction to the story.
My only quibble is why did the author give Jo red hair? Why change it when there was no reason to?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
This version is a simple retelling, which it is supposed to be. It contains all the main plot points and contains enough references to the original text to give a feel of what the original is like. It is very readable and would be a good introduction to the story.
My only quibble is why did the author give Jo red hair? Why change it when there was no reason to?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
November 22, 2022
Little Women has always been one of my favourite stories. As a child, I loved the books and frequently reread them, so I was delighted to see that Barrington Stokes has done a version of the story for readers who may not otherwise have tried reading this fantastic story.
Laura Wood has done a brilliant job of bringing the March girl's story to life in a simpler form. I didn't feel I had lost any of the magic of the story in reading this and I loved the touches she made to make it accessible to more readers.
Laura Wood has done a brilliant job of bringing the March girl's story to life in a simpler form. I didn't feel I had lost any of the magic of the story in reading this and I loved the touches she made to make it accessible to more readers.
February 8, 2024
Little Women, Laura Wood
I once tried getting through the audio of the original, but was put off by the narrator’s voice. However, my family appreciate the film adaptations.
This time I decided to read this retelling. I can understand why the original novel has a warm nostalgia. I still can’t believe that Marmee (mother) would insist that Jo forgive and forget Amy’s atrocious act of spite (on the same day!) ****
I once tried getting through the audio of the original, but was put off by the narrator’s voice. However, my family appreciate the film adaptations.
This time I decided to read this retelling. I can understand why the original novel has a warm nostalgia. I still can’t believe that Marmee (mother) would insist that Jo forgive and forget Amy’s atrocious act of spite (on the same day!) ****
November 25, 2022
Little women is my all time favorite book. I’ve always had a kinship to Jo (my beloved father called me his Jo) so when I saw this I jumped at the chance to read it.
I loved the stripped back retelling of this classic. I often stay away from classic’s because my mind wanders. I will definitely be checking out more books like this from this author and publishing house!
I loved the stripped back retelling of this classic. I often stay away from classic’s because my mind wanders. I will definitely be checking out more books like this from this author and publishing house!
December 14, 2022
This was such a wonderful re telling of little women. It’s quite a while since I read the book but I remember being intimidated by the story, as I am with many classics!
This version simplified the writing and definitely stayed true to the setting and the time, thoroughly enjoyable and very easy for a younger audience to enjoy from start to finish.
This version simplified the writing and definitely stayed true to the setting and the time, thoroughly enjoyable and very easy for a younger audience to enjoy from start to finish.
February 5, 2025
I love the original Little Women, but classics can sometimes be challenging to read. That’s why I really enjoyed this simplified version! I was pleasantly surprised that Beth’s fate was different in this version, and I actually liked that change. If you love the story of Little Women but find classic language difficult to get through, I highly recommend this adaptation.
October 12, 2024
I really liked this book and how I got the brief plot of what happens in the actual book but I loved all the characters in the book especially Laurie and I learnt that there is a sequel called good wives going to see if I can find it anywhere .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2023
Beautiful short retelling of Little Women. Perfect reading at Christmas time.
February 14, 2025
Stays pretty close to the story, but if you have already watched the movie it will not have a lot of the bits in it as it only follows the first novel which is in their earlier years.
March 1, 2025
I read this book within a day because its short and very easy to read. Please lets make the ending to this the ending to the actual story
July 22, 2025
I'm so glad I read this. I do definitely want to read the original Little Women but this retelling was beautiful and ended in such a sweet heart warming way.
February 8, 2026
3.5 rounded down. I enjoyed the retelling and readability of this but just struggle with caring enough about classics.
February 25, 2026
Short and sweet and nice story and I love the movie
February 21, 2025
Yes, let’s all pretend this is where the story ends. I think it’s better that way.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews