A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a beloved classic praised for its compelling narrative and strong moral lessons. Readers admire Sara Crewe's resilience and kindness. However, some find the plot predictable and the portrayal of class distinctions outdated. Overall, it is celebrated for its heartwarming tale and enduring timelessness.

A reader who enjoys A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett likely appreciates classic children's literature featuring themes of resilience, imagination, and kindness. They might also enjoy titles like Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery and The Secret Garden by Burnett herself, which cater to similar sensibilities.

In Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess, Sara Crewe, a wealthy and imaginative girl, is enrolled in a boarding school in England after being raised in India by her loving father. When her father dies and loses his fortune, Sara becomes impoverished and is mistreated by the schoolmistress, Miss Minchin, but her kindness and resilience help her through hardships until an unexpected benefactor changes her fate. The book includes themes of child labor and parental loss.

Heartwarming / Inspirational / Bittersweet / Nostalgic / Contemplative

- A Little Princess was first published in 1905 and was an expansion of Burnett's 1888 serialized novella Sara Crewe: or, What Happened at Miss Minchin's in St. Nicholas Magazine.
- Frances Hodgson Burnett drew inspiration from her own life experiences as a child who moved from England to America when writing the vivid cultural and emotional settings in A Little Princess.
- The book's popularity led to numerous adaptations, including several films, a 1995 musical, and a Japanese anime series titled Princess Sara.

**Sara Crewe**  
Sara Crewe is a young, imaginative, and empathetic girl who captures the affections of many with her strong spirit and storytelling ability. She is sent to Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Young Ladies in London to receive an education.

**Captain Ralph Crewe**  
Captain Ralph Crewe is Sara's young and wealthy father who adores and pampers her. He is a British army officer stationed in India and sends Sara to England for her schooling.

**Miss Minchin**  
Miss Maria Minchin is the schoolmistress of the seminary with a cold demeanor and a focus on wealth, often clashing with Sara's unique and intelligent nature.

**Miss Amelia Minchin**  
Miss Amelia Minchin is the timid and obedient younger sister of Miss Minchin, often overshadowed by her domineering sibling but eventually confronts her over mistreatment of Sara.

**Lavinia Herbert**  
Lavinia Herbert is a nearly 13-year-old student at the seminary who becomes envious of Sara’s clothing and leadership, often acting spitefully towards her.

**Ermengarde St. John**  
Ermengarde is a pupil at the seminary who struggles with academics but becomes one of Sara's close friends due to Sara's kindness and empathy.

**Lottie Legh**  
Lottie is the youngest pupil at the seminary, who often cries due to missing her mother, and finds comfort in Sara’s nurturing presence.

**Becky**  
Becky is the young scullery maid at the seminary, befriended by Sara, who helps her through her storytelling and kindness.

**The Large Family (The Carmichaels)**  
The Carmichaels are a warm and prosperous family noticed by Sara, who feels a connection to their joyful lifestyle.

**Ram Dass**  
Ram Dass is Mr. Carrisford's sensitive and courteous Indian man-servant who becomes a secret benefactor to Sara.

**Mr. Carrisford**  
Mr. Carrisford, also known as the "Indian Gentleman," lives next to the seminary and unknowingly becomes a friend and benefactor to Sara.

**Anne**  
Anne is a hungry child whom Sara meets outside a bakery, representing those less fortunate whom Sara tries to help despite her own struggles.

Frances Hodgson Burnett

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

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Overview

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Chapters 1-5

A Little Princess Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-9

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Chapters 10-14

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Chapters 15-19

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Introduction

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A Little Princess

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