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Gr 3-6 McDonough has captured the essence of Alcott's fascinating life story in this picture book. Her narrative is anecdotal, focusing on events that influenced the writer's life and work. For example, she explains that Alcott was once saved from drowning by a "kind black boy" and how that experience motivated her abolitionist efforts later in life. The writing is simple, straightforward, and well paced. The author gives a balanc...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

This visually inviting summary of the difficult and eventful life of the iconic author is targeted to a somewhat younger audience than most readers of Little Women. McDonough touches lightly on such tough issues as Bronson Alcott's improvidence and his family's resulting deprivations, but she's honest, overall, about the consequences of his uncompromising ideals as well as Louisa's own struggles with poverty, her grow...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

McDonough describes the Alcotts' uncompromising ideals, Louisa's struggles with poverty, her growing fame, and her loyal nurturing of a family sa...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

This beautifully illustrated biography of Louisa May Alcott introduces readers to Louisa’s parents; her sisters, Anna, Elizabeth, and May; and the times in which they lived. Yona Zeldis McDonough artfully depicts Louisa’s childhood in a way that allows the reader to watch her sensibilities develop and become rooted in a compassionate personality. Quotations from Louisa’s own journals pepper the narrative, giving a sampling ...Log In or Sign Up to Read More