Book: Little Men
Author: Louisa May Alcott
This is the third volume in a series of books starting with Little Women. Little Men follows the story of Jo March, now Jo Bhaer, her husband Fritz Bhaer and their life at Plumfield. In a setting modelled on Alcott’s father's radical ideas about education, Fritz and Jo home-school the boys admitted to their care.
The story begins with the arrival of Nat, a poor but talented orphan. The rules at Plumfield are a little different from conventional schools. For instance, the children are allowed to have grand pillow fights while going to bed every Saturday night if they tuck themselves in all other six nights. They are encouraged to start small businesses of their own and learn outdoor skills such as gardening and carpentry.
Little Men might describe a utopian school with dream teachers and guardians but it is a dream worth dreaming. Read the book to find out more.
We also recommend:
What Katy Did at School – Susan Coolidge
What happens when a proud, wilful girl meets with a terrible accident? Does she learn the lessons of life with grace or become engulfed by bitterness and frustration?
Stalky and Co. – Rudyard Kipling
The restrictions are many and the freedoms scarce. This book tells the story of a group of passionate young boys trying to engineer an escape from their strict British boarding school.
A Little Princess – Frances Hodgson Burnett
A young girl is unaware of her mysterious past and goes through the ups and downs of life with kindness and an indomitable sense of fun. Her adventures question convention: are you a princess only if you belong to a royal family?
