Books to read if you loved Little Women

Ok this is a personal one for me. I loved Little Women so much. I saw myself as Jo (I mean, who didn't?) She was captivating and empowering, probably the first character I really wanted to grow up to be.

So here I am, a mom in my 40s in the year of our lord 2025 and the lives and practices of Little Women seems so much further removed from today's reality than it did in the late 80s. Part of that is how much storytelling itself has shifted (waaaay more on that in a future post!), and part of that is how much I have moved away from the idea that all little girls want to grow up and get married.

Side note, but did you know that author Louisa May Alcott was extremely opposed ot the idea of Jo getting married in the end? She's a fascinating person who was ahead of her time when it came to women's rights and women's sense of purpose.

Our girls today can imagine so much more for themselves now, and while they may still want to grow up and get married, they also don't see that as the fulfillment of their destiny as a woman. If Little Women is your literary comfort food, equal parts nostalgia, sisterhood, and timeless wisdom, you’re in good company. So what is a mom to do when she wants to re-read this classic beloved tale?

Well of course do it, but do so understanding that part of our opportunity as parents is to read the hard parts and explain the context of the time.

And while you're at it, there’s a beautiful world of modern and classic middle grade reads that carry similar themes: family bonds, strong female characters, resilience, and heart. These titles are perfect for sharing with your children, or quietly reading yourself when they’re not looking.

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

This contemporary classic follows four sisters and their dog as they spend a summer exploring the grounds of a charming estate. The sisterly bonds, gentle humor, and small emotional stakes echo everything we love about the March sisters. It’s cozy, heartfelt, and full of old-fashioned charm with a modern sensibility.

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

When three sisters travel to Oakland to reconnect with their estranged mother in the summer of 1968, they find themselves caught up in both personal growth and political awakening. It’s smart, funny, and emotionally complex — the kind of story that respects kids’ intelligence and offers a nuanced look at family and identity.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser

This warm and whimsical series introduces a big, lovable family living in a Harlem brownstone. When their landlord threatens to evict them, the five siblings band together with charm, chaos, and creativity. It’s full of little triumphs, big feelings, and a deep sense of place and community.

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

Twelve-year-old Astrid dives into the world of roller derby while learning what it means to be brave — especially when friendships shift and the path forward isn’t always clear. It’s funny, real, and deeply relatable, especially for tweens trying to figure out who they are outside of the people they’ve always known.

 Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park

Hanna, a young half-Chinese girl, tries to forge a life for herself and her father in a Dakota frontier town. Inspired by Little House on the Prairie, this thoughtful reimagining tackles the racism often overlooked in pioneer narratives. It’s a moving, honest, and ultimately hopeful story about resilience and standing tall in the face of bias.

The Girl who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

It's hard to describe how beautiful this book is, but I will try. A cursed town believes they must give up a baby to the local witch in order to keep her evil touch away. But this evil witch turns out to be a loving caregiver It’s a gorgeous blend of fantasy, emotion, and wonder, with rich themes of love, sacrifice, and becoming who you’re meant to be.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

I'm a fan of anything Jacqueline Woodson, but this memoir, told in stunning verse, is a great place to start. It traces the author’s childhood growing up between South Carolina and Brooklyn. It’s a quiet powerhouse — full of hope, rhythm, and the beauty of finding your voice in a world that doesn’t always listen.

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

Set during the Great Depression, this novel follows spirited eleven-year-old Turtle as she’s sent to live with relatives in Key West. The cast of colorful cousins, the scrappy, funny tone, and the emphasis on grit and optimism in tough times make it a pitch-perfect companion to historical favorites like Little Women.

.The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln

When the eccentric Swift family gathers for their annual naming ceremony, young Shenanigan Swift stumbles onto a family mystery. With its gothic house, quirky characters, and celebration of wit and cleverness, this book channels the same mischievous spirit and fierce individuality that readers love in Jo March.

Sometimes the best books don't just ignite your imagination, they settle in your heart and make a home there.These stories offer something special for both generations — whether it’s a spark of nostalgia, a fresh perspective, or simply the joy of curling up together with a great book.

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