I have for you today 29 Little Women retellings and more..

So, first, a little about the Little Women retellings themselves. To be honest, I have not read all of them though so they are all (or rather have been) on my TBR. Some, I have been meaning to read ever since the first time I laid eyes on them. The others, I read and liked to varying degrees, and then I almost always either read the original (at least some of it) again or watch one of the Little Women movies!

But, for each of them, I have done due diligence before adding them to this list. I have either read each of the books enough (fully or quite a bit of it) or at least previewed it.

There are many others that I know of and also am thinking of reading later that I did not include here. Simply for the reasons of keeping the number to 29 (Alcott’s birthdate!), I left it there, and it is a big enough number by itself, don’t you think? I did not include Alcott’s many biographies or the Little Women cookbooks I mentioned in yesterday’s post. Nor did I include a few of the Little Women monster-mashups (except for Little Witches here). And 👍🏻, I also excluded the Manga adaptation of Little Women.

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Little Women Retellings and More

The Nonfiction Little Women Retelling, Well, Inspired Reads

Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy: The Story of Little Women and Why It Still Matters

by Anne Boyd Rioux (Books & Literary Criticism)

Anne Boyd Rioux looks at how and why Little Women came into being, and how this book still continues to impact audiences over time and around the world. I wanted to read this book since I first saw the ARC what seems like ages ago. I have had it on hold a couple of times at the local library but never ended up picking it up on time due to various commitments. Now once again, I have put it on hold and hope I get it soon. I have had a sneak preview of the book though and know I am really going to love it!

March Sisters: On Life, Death, and Little Women

by Kate Bolick, Jenny Zhang, Carmen Maria Machado, and Jane Smiley (Books & Literary Criticism)

Another book that explores Little Women, approaching it as life-long readers and self-declared fans of the book. Each picks one of the four sisters, reflecting on their stories and what they can teach us about life. I am seeing mixed reviews about this but am still going to try getting it to read soon.

Do let me know if you have read this book and your thoughts on it?

Little Women Retellings For the Littler Women

Little Women: A BabyLit Storybook

adapted by Mandy Archer with illustrations by Ela Smietanka (for 3 – 5 years, and up). The BabyLit series is wonderful and I have read a few of them (including this one) and each one is delightful. This book introduces young readers to the world of “Little Women” through a sweetly simplified and illustrated version.

Littler Women: A Modern Retelling

by Laura Schaefer (8 – 12 years, and up). I got a head start on this contemporary take on this cherished classic, and will get back to it soon. I am loving how each chapter starts off with a quote from other authors and includes a little something extra somewhere in the chapter relevant to it but also serves as a fun Little Women activity to do (like a recipe/a craft/etc).

Little Women: A Retelling

by Laura Wood (11 years and up). From what little I have read within the pages of this retelling, it is a sweet, sweet take on the original. A great way to have reluctant or less-confident readers get into this wonderful classic and the habit of reading too!

Note(taken from Goodreads): 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.

Jo’s Troubled Heart

(Madame Alexander Little Women Journals series) by Charlotte Emerson and Louisa May Alcott with illustrations by Kevin Wasden (9 – 12 years, and up)

A different take on the book from the previous ones here. Once again, loving what I have read so far. Plus, for those of you who might know of the Madame Alexander dolls, this series of books is related to the same company. And the Jo doll looks so cute! Great gifting idea to give either this copy or any other Little Women book (original or retelling) with the dolls of one or all Little Women characters)

This is the synopsis of the book from Amazon: Desperately trying to become a published author, Jo, in the heat of anger and frustration, makes her sisters the villainesses in her book but experiences second thoughts about her actions when her book finally has a chance to be published.

Little Women: The March Sisters

by Dani Jones (8 years and up)

I read this graphic adaptation of the book (the first part in hopefully a series) a while ago but realize now I have not reviewed it on my blog. Suffice to say, I recall finding it endearing and charming – in both the narrative and the artwork.

A Little Women Christmas

by Heather Vogel Frederick and illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline (4 – 8 years, and up)  

This is a charming, charming depiction of a tender and sweet Christmas chapter of the original. And totally worth getting a copy for yourself or to gift to a loved one this holiday season – simply for the gorgeous artwork and beautiful narrative.

More to the Story

by Hena Khan (8 – 12 years, and up)

Oh well, I realize I included this book in a post of one-word reviews earlier. However, the word does sum up this multicultural Little Women retelling: Wholesome!

Little Witches: Magic in Concord

by Leigh Dragoon (8 years and up)

A charming and magical graphic novel based on Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women! Read my thoughts on the book here.

Jo: An Adaptation of Little Women (Sort of)

by Kathleen Gros (8 – 12 years, and up)

The Amazon synopsis starts off with these words: A modern-day graphic novel adaptation of Little Women that explores identity, friendships, and new experiences through the eyes of thirteen-year-old Jo March. A must-read for fans of Raina Telgemeier.

Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy: A Modern Graphic Retelling of Little Women

by Rey Terciero and illustrated by Bre Indigo (9 – 12 years, and up)

My review of this delightful modern and graphic-novel adaptation of Little Women is here.

Geronimo Stilton Classic Tales: Little Women

If you loved Geronimo Stilton books, then you might have already come across this book. If not, check it out! You are sure to enjoy this mousecapade adaptation of Little Women!

Teen and YA Reads

The Courtship of Jo March: A Variation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women

by Trix Wilkin (15+)

Jo & Laurie

by Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz (12 years and up)

Two bestselling authors pair up to bring a romantic Little Women retelling starring Jo March and Laurie! Now, doesn’t that make you want to go read it? This is a book for all those rooting for the Jo-Laurie ship, and get this, it is written like a continuation of the original. The authors even managed to stay true to the voice and spirit of Alcott (at least so far as I have read, and in my opinion) so it feels like reading the OG Little Women with just a different ending!

Subscribing to the Enemy

(A March Sisters Sweet Romance)(Teen & YA)

This is, as the series name says, a sweet romance indeed. If you are looking for a quick, light, sweet YA romantic read, and are a Little Women fan, then this book is for you. I am now looking forward to reading the rest of the series after finishing this one in a matter of hours. Plus, you will enjoy the modern setting and the YouTube theme.

Great or Nothing

by Joy McCullough, Caroline Tung Richmond, Tess Sharpe, Jessica Spotswood (12 years and up)

Excerpted from Amazon: A reimagining of Little Women set in 1942, when the United States is suddenly embroiled in the second World War, this story, told from each March sister’s point of view, is one of grief, love, and self-discovery.

I am reading this one right now, and love the concept of the book – not just the Little Women retelling aspect, but also the multiple authors part of it where each one voices one sister. Plus, Beth’s story is in verse (so another cool plus for me!).

Belittled Women

by Amanda Sellet (Teen & YA)

One more current read for me .. though I think I will get to it after finishing up Marmee and Great or Nothing. And watch one

So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix

by Bethany Morrorw (Teen & YA)

Description: Four young Black sisters come of age during the American Civil War in So Many Beginnings, a warm and powerful YA remix of the classic novel Little Women by national bestselling author Bethany C. Morrow.

I have added this to my TBR, and put it on hold at the local library now. So look forward to reading this take on the book.

The Boy Next Story: A Bookish Boyfriends Novel

by Tiffani Schmidt (Teen & YA)

Description: The second book in a series where your favorite literary characters come to life, inspired by the timeless classic, Little Women!

Another one on my TBR

And then the Rest

The Other Alcott

The Other Alcott by Elise Hooper (Historical Biographical Fiction)

Book description: Elise Hooper’s debut novel delves into the untold story of May Alcott, the youngest sister of Louisa, portrayed in “Little Women.” The Alcotts’ financial struggles ease with the success of Louisa’s novel, but May is stuck to the core by the character “Amy March.” In search of her true identity as an artist and woman, May embarks on a journey from Boston to Rome, London, and Paris, crafting a remarkable life beyond being just “The Other Alcott.”

Little Woman in Blue: A Novel of May Alcott

Little Woman in Blue by Jeanine Atkins (Historical Biographical Fiction)

Book description: May Alcott, while sewing shirts for Union soldiers, yearns to create a masterpiece as a woman in a male-dominated field. Hurt by her sister Louisa’s portrayal of her as “Amy” in “Little Women,” May is determined to prove her artistic talent and find love beyond traditional roles. Planning to move from Massachusetts, she seeks a life where she can pursue both her art and romance. The question looms: Can she succeed, and at what cost?

My Thoughts: I am definitely curious to read both the books above and learn more about the sister who inspired Amy, albeit through fictional reads.

March

by Geraldine Brooks (Classic Historical Fiction)

Description: Winner of the Pulitzer Prize–a powerful love story set against the backdrop of the Civil War, from the author of The Secret Chord. It is a Little Women retelling from the point of view of the March sisters’ absent father.

My Thoughts: A book I have on hold now. The March dad always held a special place in my heart given his relationship with his daughters. And now I want to read this book that looks at who he might be. Plus, it is a Pulitzer Prize winner!

Marmee: A Novel of Little Women

by Sarah Miller (Classic Historical Fiction)

Description: A stunning portrait of the paragon of virtue known as Marmee, a wife left behind, a mother pushed to the brink, a woman with secrets.

Totally savoring each word of this current read<3

Where Grace Appears

(The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast #1) by Heidi Chiavaroli (Contemporary Romance) 

Description: A contemporary twist on the well-loved classic, Little Women, readers will fall in love with the Martin family—Maggie, Josie, Lizzie, Bronson, Amie, and their mother Hannah—each trying to find their own way in the world and each discovering that love, home, and hope are closer than they appear.

My Quick Thoughts: Just sped through this sweet romance. Though it does mention God and praying/faith a few times throughout, I would not deem it preachy at all!

Hello Beautiful

by Ann Napolitano (Women’s Literary Fiction)

Description: An exquisite homage to Louisa May Alcott’s timeless classic, Little Women, Hello Beautiful is a profoundly moving portrait of what is possible when we choose to love someone not in spite of who they are, but because of it.

My Thoughts: I am seeing this book everywhere now, and needed to read it even without the Little Women connections! But the holds in all the local libraries is .. well, I will only be reading this next year.

The Spring Girls: A Modern-Day Retelling of Little Women

by Anna Todd (New Adult Romance)

Description: Set in the contemporary world, where the Spring Girls are on the New Orleans military base, this Little Women retelling brings its themes of love, war, class, adolescence, and family into the language of the twenty-first century, along with plenty of sass, romance, and drama

My Thoughts: Looking forward to this one for both its modern-day retelling and the locale.

The Little Women Letters

by Gabrielle Donelly (Women’s Fiction)

Description: Vibrant, fresh, and intelligent, The Little Women Letters explores the imagined lives of Jo March’s descendants—three sisters who are both thoroughly modern and thoroughly March. As uplifting and essential as Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, Gabrielle Donnelly’s novel will speak to anyone who’s ever fought with a sister, fallen in love with a fabulous pair of shoes, or wondered what on earth life had in store for her. 

My Thoughts: I love books with dual timelines, letters, and ties to other beloved books. This one checks all those checkboxes for me..

Meg & Jo

by Virginia Kantra (Author) 

The timeless classic Little Women inspired this heartwarming modern tale of four sisters from New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra.

And Now, the End of This Post

Dear reader, have you read any of the books here? I would love to hear your thoughts on the ones you have read as well as hear about which ones would be your first choices (or not!)