"I think who we pretend to be says a lot about who we are."

When I first read Little Women (sooooo long ago) I always liked Jo and Laurie together, but this has a queer spin for a new generation. Cute artwork and a simple plot. It’s a loose interpretation, so it doesn’t follow everything closely but manages to keep the same spirit.

Sn: sorry but the name Marmee was dumb. I get maybe one March girl saying it, but no way would the older ones join in. ( )

Representation: It's complicated...
Trigger warnings: Contagion
Score: Six points out of ten.
This review can also be found on The StoryGraph.

This book was OK but I didn't feel anything for any part of the book. There was almost no conflict within the plot rather it was just Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy documenting an entire school year and the problems that were there like rejection, cancer, music practice and chickenpox were solved without much trouble which I didn't like. The main characters' only characteristic was that they did the right thing all of the time, spoke sweetly but the author didn't really bother to develop or flesh them out; maybe the original novel this book was based on could be better but I really don't know and it could be like this novel except with more prose and less pictures. If you like a modern retelling pick this one up though you'd be better off reading another book. ( )

Just as wholesome a rendering as the classic "Little Women" but with a fully contemporary lens that today's youth will recognize and appreciate. Well done. ( )

This graphic novel is a retelling (sort of) of Little Women. Kathleen Gros brings Jo March straight into the modern age as she begins the eighth grade.

The mood is gentle, and warm reminding readers why the March family has been beloved for so long. The heroine here is a white 13-year-old blogger who faces mild challenges with the support of her sisters and Marmee; the girls chat on video with their deployed father. Another had a crush on classmate Freddie, a kind Black girl. Beth is recovering from leukemia and Jo comes out. Jo is concerned her family and friends would be disappointed in her, but quite the contrary. Marmee is instantly receptive to Jo’s news as is her father who simply want her happiness.

Although I read his adaptation in one sitting, I felt as if a whole school year had passed as we experience the holidays, events, and traditions that occur during a typical school year.

This is just a happy comforting novel where it’s impossible not to root for Jo and family, and to celebrate their victories, even though they are easily won.

A great choice for your gentle readers. ( )