Book cover of A Little Princess

Book description

HarperCollins is proud to present its new range of best-loved, essential classics.

'Whatever comes,' she said, 'cannot alter one thing. If I am a princess in rags and tatters, I can be a princess inside.'

'A Little Princess' tells the story of Sara Crewe, beloved daughter of the revered Captain…

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Why read it?

5 authors picked A Little Princess as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Not all princesses wait to be saved. Sara Crewe teaches us that strength, kindness, and imagination can carry us through even the darkest times.

This timeless novel is still relevant today. It proves that real royalty comes from within—something I deeply connected with while writing my memoir and the reason I opened the book with a quote from Burnett.

From Deb's list on modern-day warrior princesses.

I read A Little Princess when I was only ten, with no idea that it was a classic. All I knew was that I totally identified with Sarah, the protagonist, as she was buffeted by the vicissitudes of fortune. The issues of class portrayed in this book were already on my young mind, since I grew up in one of the poorest neighborhoods in the Bronx but also spent a lot of time in the wealthy environs of Manhattan and the contrast was immense. I was impressed by Sarah’s resilience and her ability to empathize with others in spite of…

From Joyce's list on coming of age with a cutting edge.

If there was one book I was obsessed with as a kid, it was A Little Princess. I actually used to dress up in Victorian outfits (or my version of a Victorian outfit, which included a party dress, tights, and snow boots…) and pretend to be Sara Crewe, the main character. The plot of the novel is a variation on Cinderella. Sara is sent away to boarding school by her wealthy father, and when he dies and loses all his money, the headmistress forces her to become a servant and live in the attic. Through it all, Sara…

If you love A Little Princess...

Book cover of The Real Boys of the Civil War

The Real Boys of the Civil War by J. Arthur Moore,

The Real Boys of the Civil War is a research about the real boys who served during the war, opening with a historiography research paper about their history along with its 7-page source document. It then evolves into a series of collections of their stories by topic, concluding with a…

This classic has been a childhood favorite and unique in that a pampered wealthy girl left at a boarding school by her father goes from riches to rags and her character grows with it. I love how kind she remains to all and uses her imagination to tell stories to herself and her attic mate to battle the brutal hardships they are enduring. Of course, she is at last rewarded in the end. It is such an inspiring story to use one’s imagination and fortitude to endure difficult times and to be generous and kind to others despite your own…

From Lauren's list on getting picked on for being different.

It was my favorite book when I was a child and it made a huge impression on me. A great book for every little girl. The seven-year-old girl, Sara went to Miss Minchin's boarding school. After some time, Miss Minchin learns of Sara’s father's unfortunate demise due to jungle fever and he had lost his entire fortune.  Miss Minchin takes away all of Sara's possessions, makes her live in a cold and poorly attic, and forces her to earn her keep by working as a servant. But finally, there is a happy ending. I think every child needs to know…

From Ennie's list on set in boarding schools for girls.

If you love A Little Princess...

Book cover of The Real Boys of the Civil War

The Real Boys of the Civil War by J. Arthur Moore,

The Real Boys of the Civil War is a research about the real boys who served during the war, opening with a historiography research paper about their history along with its 7-page source document. It then evolves into a series of collections of their stories by topic, concluding with a…

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