Amy's Story

Portraits of Little Women

by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Beautiful Amy March, the youngest March sister, is a talented artist. Everyone praises her lifelike portraits. The one person she can’t draw is herself. So when a photographer’s studio opens in town, Amy is thrilled. Now her pretty blond curls and piercing blue eyes can be captured forever in a photograph. Except that a photograph costs quite a bit of money–more than she has, and more than her parents can give her. Amy thinks of a clever way to come up with the money . . . and soon she has enough. But she decides to spend her savings on a gift for her father–a gift that will warm his heart when he’s far away from home, and that ultimately gives Amy an unexpected gift in return.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Childrens, Classics, Fiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Susan Beth Pfeffer was an American author best known for young adult and science fiction. After writing for 35 years, she received wider notice for her series of post-apocalyptic novels, officially titled "The Life as We Knew It Series", but often called "The Last Survivors" or "Moon Crash" series, some of which appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list.

Reviews

[Tarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful little story, inviting young readers into the Civil War-era world of Little Women. This story focuses on Amy, the artistic sister, soon to be eleven. She enjoys sketching whenever she can. The idea of having a photographer come to town is very exciting to her, and she aims to somehow obtain the necessary $5 needed to have her very important photograph taken. Things don't always go to plan though...

In this story, you'll meet all four of the March sisters, their parents, and even crabby Aunt March. The dialogue doesn't shy away from important discussions about the oncoming war, but describes it very well for young kids to grasp. All of the sisters want to contribute towards the war effort for their family.

A charming little story.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy was always my least favorite of tue sisters

[Bender · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is very interesting to see different perspectives, especially Amy’s. I thought she was a selfish girl but now I understand that she is a caring individual. It isn’t one of my favorites out of the series but I definitely like the story. I would read it again and recommend it to other people.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well that was depressing. I guess it's nice to see Amy in a more positive, giving light. But this was just a depressing story overall.

[Stasia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amy is my least favorite March sister. She's so smug! 😂 This little story does a nice job of keeping to her character.

[My Hidden Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a cute story that is (I believe) about a year before the events of Little Women. Amy is a bit smug and prideful in this book, but she thinks of others toward the end of the story, and it's clear that she's trying to be a better person in some ways. I liked the interactions with her family members, and the book's hidden and not-so-hidden lessons were nicely done.

I can't wait to try the recipe at the back of the book!

[Enikő · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another one of my daughter's library books that I picked up and read in under an hour.

This is a very nice story, with a very engaging main character, Amy March. It is very well written, and exposes the plot and wraps it up very nicely, considering the short length of the book. It does end on a positive note, but doesn't have a fairy tale ending. Instead, the ending is very realistic. There is a positive message to it, but things are not perfect, as the story ends with the girls' father going off to war. (He is too old to be a soldier, but is volunteering as a chaplain.) I think this kind of ending is very appropriate for this book's audience. It is more mature than the fairy tale endings meant for younger readers. Even this seventy-six-year old reader approves. ;o)

[Brindi Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story is given for each of the March sisters at age 10. These are great and go well with Little Women...perfect for LW fans who want more. I wish I had known about these when I was little!

Now that I've finally finished all 4, my absolute favorite was Meg's Story and my least favorite (but still liked!) was Jo's Story. I felt hers was the least believable when compared to Alcott's personal writing style.

[Susana]

So you know when you read books when your little and then when your older you some how come in contact with them again? this book is one of those special case's. It's basically "little women" but for elementary kids. I strongly believe this book brought me to read the "little women" series.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was pretty good.

[Britt-goodie of newsieness · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun one, but all my books are fun. It was a good book. Yeah.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved these when I was in 4th/5th grade - a story is given for each of the March sisters at age 10. Jo was my favorite, of course :)

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of the 4 books in this little series, Amy's Story is the most in line with Alcott's original character.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 stars!