Louisa May Alcott

In the March family, Little Women follows the lives of four sisters-tomboyish Jo, beautiful Meg, fragile Beth, and romantic Amy-as they come of age while their father is fighting in the Civil War. Since 1868, readers have rooted for Laurie in his pursuit of Jo's hand, cried over the family's tragedy, and dreamed of traveling through Europe with old Aunt March and Amy. In this simple, enthralling tale, Louisa May Alcott has created four of American literature's most beloved women.

With two young sons of her own, and twelve rescued orphan boys filling the unusual school at Plumfield, Jo March - now Mrs Jo Bhaer - couldn't be happier. But the boys have a habit of getting into scrapes, and their mischievous antics call for the warm and affectionate support of the whole March family to help avoid disaster...

This sequel to Louisa May Alcott's Little Women and Little Men chronicles the return of the classmates of Plumfield, Jo's school for boys. Readers reencounter Nat, the orphaned street musician, now a conservatory student; restless Dan, back from the gold mines of California; business-minded Tom; and other old friends. Treasured for their sensitive and sympathetic portrayals of young adults, Louisa May Alcott's novels have delighted generations of readers of all ages.

In one of Louisa May Alcott’s most charming but lesser known novels, Eight Cousins, 13-year-old Rose Campbell must move to Boston and live with her wealthy relatives and their large families after the death of her father. Lonely and timid, she is overwhelmed by the attention of her aunts and the energy of her eight male cousins who range in age from six to sixteen. But, under the compassionate care and guidance of her guardian, Uncle Alec, she begins to flourish and grow to love her eccentric, extended family. A classic coming-of-age story of a young American girl, Alcott weaves in lessons in morality and equality in an engaging, whimsical way. 288 pages, softcover. Ages 8 and up.

In this sequel to Louisa May Alcott’s classic, Eight Cousins, Rose and her friend Phebe navigate the excitement of glamorous society as young women: Rose as a wealthy heiress and Phebe who is always aware of her origins as a housemaid.  With new suitors and friends, Rose must learn to identify the people who like her from those who like her money. Phebe struggles to build a life that she is proud of without depending upon Rose’s generosity. But their new lives are hindered when loved ones are put in harm’s way by illness and reckless decisions. As Rose and Phebe rise to the occasion, they discover for themselves who they really are, who they want to become, and where their treasure truly is. 352 pages, softcover. Ages 8 and up.

Beautifully illustrated with vintage pen-and-ink illustrations, Alcott's Fairy Stories are a wonderful set of stories to introduce to fairy-loving children. A handy size with art nouveau cover, this will be a welcome addition to an adult or child's library. 210 pages, hardcover.

A first-person account of Little Women author Louisa May Alcott's experiences as an Army Nurse during the Civil War, Hospital Sketches sparkles with Alcott's wit and humor even as she confronts the results of war. 96 pages, softcover.

In this story of an 1820s Thanksgiving, a woman must leave her children to care for her ailing mother. She goes away on Thanksgiving Day, and the children decide to prepare their own Thanksgiving feast. Later that day, to the children's surprise, Mother returns to find a delightful dinner on the table.

Her first novel, The Inheritance was unpublished until found by Professors Myerson and Shealy. Greatly influenced by the gothic and sentimental novels of the time, Alcott's enchanting novel follows Edith Adelon, an Italian orphan who inherits the estate in which she is a paid companion. Explore the tenous signs of a burgeoning classic author as her virtuous and charming heroine goes about to win her inheritance through respect and loyalty. 147 pages, softcover.