Louisa: The Life of Louisa May Alcott

Yona Zeldis McDonough, Bethanne Andersen (Illustrator)

$7.99

Publication Date: November 11th, 2014

Publisher:

Square Fish

ISBN:

9781250050472

Pages:

Description

When Louisa May Alcott's Little Women was published in 1868, it was an instant success. Louisa drew on her experiences in writing the novel, but there's a lot more to her rags-to-riches story. Louisa came from a family that was poor but freethinking, and she started teaching when she was only seventeen years old. But writing was her passion. This informative biography captures the life of a compassionate woman who left an indelible mark on literature for all ages.

About the Author

Yona Zeldis McDonough and her mother, Malcah Zeldis, have collaborated on several children’s books, including Anne Frank. McDonough lives in Brooklyn.

Bethanne Andersen has illustrated several acclaimed books for children, including Seven Brave Women. She lives in Boise, Idaho.

Praise for Louisa: The Life of Louisa May Alcott

“Enchanting gouache and pastel paintings adorn this thorough biography of Little Women author Alcott. …McDonough's (The Doll with the Yellow Star) plainspoken narrative, confined to filmy, rectangular canvases on each page, provides numerous anecdotes to keep the story paced and interesting.” —Publishers Weekly

“McDonough clearly lays out the essentials of Alcott's life story...Andersen's gouache-and-pastel illustrations use strong shapes and rich colors to create iconic images. Textured gold backgrounds, dynamic and luminous, isolate the people portrayed from their everyday surroundings and intensify the pictures' emotional content.” —Booklist

“Middle-graders will be charmed by this first look at one of America's most beloved authors.” —Kirkus Reviews

“McDonough has captured the essence of Alcott's fascinating life story in this picture book… McDonough's title is for those looking for a short, accessible introduction to an amazing life.” —School Library Journal

“The result is an introductory biography that offers primary as well as secondary appeal; evincing some of the same charm as the subject's famous works.” —BCCB