A Little Princess: With original illustrations
on Goodreads (316,516)
What’s inside...
Sara Crewe, an exceptionally intelligent and imaginative student at Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Young Ladies, is devastated when her adored, indulgent father dies. Now penniless and banished to a room in the attic, Sara is demeaned, abused, and forced to work as a servant. How this resourceful girl's fortunes change again is at the center of A Little Princess, one of the best-loved stories in all of children's literature. This unique and fully annotated edition appends excerpts from Frances Hodgson Burnett's original 1888 novella Sara Crewe and the stage play that preceded the novel, as well as an early story, 'Behind the White Brick,' allowing readers to see how A Little Princess evolved. In his delightful introduction, U. C. Knoepflmacher considers the fairy-tale allusions and literary touchstones that place the book among the major works of Victorian literature, and shows it to be an exceptionally rich and resonant novel.
Age
8-12
Length
219 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sara Crewe
Lottie Legh
Ermengarde St. John
Becky
Ram Dass
Mr. Carrisford
Miss Minchin
Lavinia Herbert
Discussion points
How do you think Sara feels when she faces challenges and how does she overcome them?
What does friendship mean in this story, and why is it important?
Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like Sara? What happened?
How do the different settings in the book affect Sara's experiences and emotions?
What lesson did you learn from Sara's story that you can apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in Sara's shoes and explore her feelings across different situations.
Highlight the theme of resilience by discussing specific obstacles Sara faces and how she handles them.
Draw parallels between the story and your child's life to make the themes more relatable and tangible.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of friendship and support systems in overcoming difficulties.
Reinforce the moral lessons by discussing real-life applications of Sara's values and actions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Kindness
Explanation: In 'A Little Princess', the protagonist, Sara Crewe, consistently demonstrates empathy and kindness towards all, regardless of their social status. Despite facing harsh circumstances, she remains considerate and compassionate.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment at school and at home.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Sara's transformation from riches to rags and her unfaltering spirit throughout showcases the power of resilience. She uses her imagination and inner strength to cope with and overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: This story can inspire children to remain hopeful and persistent, even during tough times, helping them develop a robust approach to obstacles in life.
Example Lesson: Value of Education
Explanation: Sara's love for reading and learning remains strong regardless of her living conditions. She uses knowledge as a tool for empowerment and escapism.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to see education as a valuable asset that enriches their lives, propelling their personal growth and opening doors to new possibilities.
Example Lesson: Generosity and Sharing
Explanation: Despite her own hardships, Sara shows generosity by sharing what little she has with others who are in need, like when she shares her bread with another starving child.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of sharing, fostering a sense of community and helping those in need.