A Little Princess

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… show more.

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… show more.

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… show more.

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… show more.