Graphic Classics Volume 18: Louisa May Alcott
#18 in Graphic Classics Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (41)
What’s inside...
Graphic Classics: Louisa May Alcott features the adaptation of 'Little Women' for comics by Trina Robbins and illustrated by Anne Timmons. It also includes lesser-known gothic mysteries and horror stories such as 'A Whisper in the Dark' by Antonella Caputo and Arnold Arre, 'The Rival Prima Donnas' by Rod Lott and Molly Crabapple, and 'Lost in a Pyramid' by Alex Burrows and Pedro Lopez. Additionally, the collection contains two poems and two strange children's stories, 'Buzz' and 'The Piggy Girl', illustrated by Mary Fleener, Shary Flenniken, Toni Pawlowsky, and Lisa K. Weber.
Discussion points
How do the different characters show resilience and adapt to challenges in their lives?
What qualities do you admire in the main characters, and why?
How do the relationships between characters evolve throughout the stories?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and family from these tales?
If you could change one event in any of the stories, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the characters' experiences to their own life. This helps deepen their understanding and empathy.
Use examples from the book to discuss broader life lessons, such as the importance of perseverance and kindness.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to enhance their creative thinking skills.
Discuss the historical context of Alcott's stories to provide your child with a richer understanding of the setting and characters.
Highlight passages that showcase important values and discuss why these might be important in both the story and in real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family unity and support
Explanation: Louisa May Alcott's stories often highlight the strong bonds and support systems within families, particularly during challenging times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and lean on their family members, understanding the importance of family during personal challenges and celebrations.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and resilience
Explanation: Characters in Alcott's stories frequently face adversities but demonstrate resilience and determination to overcome them.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by not giving up easily in the face of difficulties, whether in schoolwork, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: The value of kindness and generosity
Explanation: Alcott's narratives often include acts of kindness and generosity, even when characters have little to give.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be kind and generous in their daily interactions with others, fostering a more empathetic and supportive community.
Example Lesson: The significance of personal integrity
Explanation: Many characters in Alcott’s works make choices that reflect their moral values, emphasizing honesty and integrity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of making ethical decisions and acting with integrity, even when faced with difficult choices.
Example Lesson: Pursuit of education and self-improvement
Explanation: Alcott often portrays her characters as striving for education and self-betterment, despite societal and personal obstacles.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value education and seek self-improvement through learning and personal development.