Book Review: Little Women and Me by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Pages: 336

Genre: YA Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: November 8, 2011

Source: ARC from Teen Book Scene and The Book Butterfly

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Emily is sick and tired of being a middle sister. So when she gets an assignment to describe what she'd change about a classic novel, Emily pounces on Little Women. After all, if she can't change things in her own family, maybe she can bring a little justice to the March sisters. (Kill off Beth? Have cute Laurie wind up with Amy instead of Jo? What was Louisa May Alcott thinking?!) But when Emily gets mysteriously transported into the world of the book, she discovers that righting fictional wrongs won't be easy. And after being immersed in a time and place so different from her own, it may be Emily-not the four March sisters-who undergoes the most surprising change of all. Lauren Baratz-Logsted's winning confection will appeal to fans of Little Women as well as anyone who enjoys a modern twist on an old favorite."

Emily is the dreaded middle sister within her family and she is often overlooked.  One day at school, her English teacher gives her an assignment in which she has to change a classic novel by rewriting part of it that the students didn't really like.  Emily immediately thinks of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women and thinks of changing the part where Beth dies and the fact that Laurie doesn't end up with Jo.  As Emily is planning her rewrite, she is sucked into the world of Little Women and finds herself living as one of the March sisters.  Lauren Baratz-Logsted's Little Women and Me is a twist on the beloved story and a delightful read that will inspire young readers to read the classic.

Emily is a charming character that I feel many middle grade students will be able to relate to her.  She is completely a fish out of water living in Little Women. There's no cell phones, Facebook, or Internet and it takes Emily some time to adapt.  Readers will revisit many memorable scenes from the classic and in turn, Emily will learn about family and sisterly love.  I liked that aspect of the book, especially its message.

The character of Jo really came to life for me in Little Women and Me. I remember adoring Jo when I first encountered her in the classic and this book brought back many of my fond memories.  It was fun to read about Emily competing with her favorite literary character, Jo, as they are very alike and would vie for attention.

Although Little Women and Me isn't action packed, it's heartwarming.  Plus, it's extremely fun to imagine waking up one day in your favorite story and changing the parts that you didn't necessarily agree with.  I mean, who hasn't ever fantasized about ending up in their favorite novel?!?  I'm still waiting for Mr. Darcy to get the memo. ;)

*Buy Little Women and Me