Content levels
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
This is a story about a different kind of princess than one might imagine; a princess that is an orphan - lonely, cold, hungry and abused. Sara Crewe begins life as the beloved, pampered daughter of a rich man. When he dies a pauper, she is thrown on the non-existent mercy of her small-minded, mercenary boarding school mistress. Stripped of all her belongings but for one set of clothes and a doll, Sara becomes a servant of the household. Hated by the schoolmistress for her independent spirit, Sara becomes a pariah in the household, with only a few secretly loyal friends. But through her inner integrity and strength of will, Sara Crewe maintains the deportment, inner nobility and generous spirit of a "real" princess.
Is A Little Princess appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 8 and up.
This classic story deals with child mistreatment and loss of a parent, but emphasizes inner nobility, resilience, and kindness. Sara faces emotional abuse and poverty but maintains her spirit and dignity throughout.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include child abuse, emotional abuse, and death of parent (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Readers will root for Sara as she faces hardship with courage and imagination, showing that being a true princess is about character, not wealth.