The four March sisters – Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth – live in financial hardship in New England with their mother, while their father has been drafted to fight in the Civil War. As the four come of age and their distinct personalities develop, destiny has contrasting fortunes in store for them – in the form of marriage, career, European travel or fatal illness – but the bonds holding together the March family remain intact. Illustrated by Ella Bailey, this edition contains extra material and activities for young readers.