Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott, the author of the beloved novel "Little Women," was born in 1832. Originally from Germantown, Pennsylvania, Alcott was born into a poor family that was rich in ideas and connections. A talent for writing led to her fame, most notably for the book “Little Women,” published in 1868. Set during the Civil War era, the book is a semi-autobiographical tale of the life she shared with her three sisters. The main character, Jo March, who was based off of Louisa herself, challenged the norms of her day with her defiant, opinionated nature.

Alcott was actively involved in both abolitionist and suffrage causes, and was the first woman to register to vote in Concord, Massachusetts. On the topic of women's rights, she once said: “I like to help women help themselves, as that is, in my opinion, the best way to settle the woman question. Whatever we can do and do well we have a right to, and I don't think anyone will deny us.”

To learn more about Alcott’s most famous work, “Little Women,” visithttp://www.amightygirl.com/little-women-book

There are two excellent picture book biographies for children about Alcott: "Louisa May's Battle: How the Civil War Led to Little Women" for ages 6 to 9 (http://www.amightygirl.com/louisa-may-s-battle) and "Louisa: The Life of Louisa May Alcott" for ages 6 to 10 (http://www.amightygirl.com/louisa-the-life-of-louisa-may-al…).

A Mighty Girl also features several related items, such as the 1994 film version of "Little Women" starring Winona Ryder as Jo March (http://www.amightygirl.com/little-women), a set of paper dolls featuring Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy (http://www.amightygirl.com/little-women-paper-dolls), and a Little Women Typography Poster featuring the text from the novel's first 17 chapters (http://www.amightygirl.com/little-women-typography-poster).

To inspire your children with the true stories of more women writers and poets, visit our "Writer & Poet Biography" section athttp://www.amightygirl.com/boo…/history-biography/biography…

Thanks to the National Women's History Museum for sharing this image!