Little Women Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal
4.1 out of 5, (126 ratings on Open Library)
Little Women has 47 chapters · 423 pages
Louisa May Alcotts classic novel, set during the Civil War, has always captivated even the most reluctant readers.
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Inside the journal: 47 chapter pages, one question each · 3 example answers · a cover for your reader’s name
Chapter by chapter Each question is about its own chapter.
In Chapter 1, the March sisters talk about their troubles and hear Father's letter. What do you learn about each sister from the way she reacts to having no Christmas presents?See all 47 questions ↓
About the book
Louisa May Alcotts classic novel, set during the Civil War, has always captivated even the most reluctant readers. Little girls, especially, love following the adventures of the four March sisters--Meg, Beth, Amy, and most of all, the tomboy Jo--as they experience the joys and disappointments, tragedies and triumphs, of growing up. This simpler version captures all the charm and warmth of the original.
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Little Women questions by chapter
We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. One question per chapter, across all 47 chapters, and every one is editable before you print. The example answers under 3 of the chapters are the ones printed at the front of the booklet.
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Chapter 1
In Chapter 1, the March sisters talk about their troubles and hear Father's letter. What do you learn about each sister from the way she reacts to having no Christmas presents?
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Chapter 2
In Chapter 2, the girls give their Christmas breakfast to the Hummel family. Why do you think this choice makes their own Christmas feel happier instead of worse?
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Chapter 3
In Chapter 3, Jo meets Laurie at the party. How does their first meeting show what Jo is like as a friend?
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Chapter 4
In Chapter 4, each sister has a burden, or hard job, to carry. Which sister's burden seems hardest to you, and why?
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Chapter 5
In Chapter 5, Jo visits Laurie and helps him feel less lonely. What details show that Laurie needs friendship as much as Jo does?
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Chapter 6
In Chapter 6, Beth discovers the beautiful piano at Mr. Laurence's house. How does music help Beth show feelings she has trouble saying out loud?
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Chapter 7
In Chapter 7, Amy gets in trouble at school because of the limes. What lesson does Amy learn about wanting to fit in with others?
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Chapter 8
In Chapter 8, Amy burns Jo's writing, and later Jo has to forgive her. What makes forgiveness difficult in this chapter, and what helps Jo forgive?
Example answer: I think forgiveness is difficult for Jo because her writing is very important to her. Amy did something cruel, and Jo feels like she lost a part of herself. Jo begins to forgive Amy after the skating accident because she realizes she still loves her sister more than the book. This chapter shows me that forgiveness can take time, but love can help.
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Chapter 9
In Chapter 9, Meg visits the Moffats and tries acting like a fancy young lady. What does Meg learn about vanity and being true to herself?
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Chapter 10
In Chapter 10, the Pickwick Club lets Laurie join and makes a newspaper. How does the club show the sisters' imagination and teamwork?
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Chapter 11
In Chapter 11, the girls try doing whatever they want during vacation. What do they discover about the balance between work and play?
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Chapter 12
In Chapter 12, the picnic at Camp Laurence brings different young people together. How do the games and conversations reveal the characters' manners and values?
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Chapter 13
In Chapter 13, the friends describe their castles in the air, or dreams for the future. Which dream tells you the most about a character, and what does it show?
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Chapter 14
In Chapter 14, Jo keeps the secret that she has published a story. Why is this success important to Jo, and how does she feel about sharing it?
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Chapter 15
In Chapter 15, the family receives a telegram saying Father is ill. How do the March girls and Marmee show courage during this frightening time?
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Chapter 16
In Chapter 16, letters help the family stay close while Marmee is away. What can letters do for people who are worried or separated?
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Chapter 17
In Chapter 17, Beth faithfully cares for the Hummels and becomes very sick. What does Beth's choice show about kindness and responsibility?
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Chapter 18
In Chapter 18, the family faces dark days while Beth is ill. How do different characters show fear, hope, or love in this chapter?
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Chapter 19
In Chapter 19, Amy makes a will while staying with Aunt March. What does this tell you about how Amy is changing?
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Chapter 20
In Chapter 20, Marmee talks honestly with Jo about anger. What advice does Marmee give, and how could it help Jo in the future?
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Chapter 21
In Chapter 21, Laurie's mischief causes trouble between Meg and Mr. Brooke. How do Laurie and Jo each help repair the hurt they caused?
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Chapter 22
In Chapter 22, Father comes home and Beth begins to recover. Why does this chapter feel like a reward after the family's hard times?
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Chapter 23
In Chapter 23, Aunt March disagrees with Meg's engagement to Mr. Brooke. What does Meg's choice show about her idea of happiness?
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Chapter 24
In Chapter 24, the story jumps ahead and shows changes in the March family. Which character seems to have changed the most, and what evidence supports your idea?
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Chapter 25
In Chapter 25, Meg and John have their first wedding. What makes their wedding simple, and why does that simplicity matter?
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Chapter 26
In Chapter 26, Amy has several artistic attempts that do not turn out perfectly. How does Amy respond to mistakes, and what does that show about her growth?
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Chapter 27
In Chapter 27, Jo learns lessons about writing and fame. What is Jo beginning to understand about the kind of writer she wants to be?
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Chapter 28
In Chapter 28, Meg struggles with housekeeping and married life. What does she learn about asking for help and being honest with John?
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Chapter 29
In Chapter 29, Amy and Jo make social calls in very different ways. How do their manners affect what others think of them?
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Chapter 30
In Chapter 30, Amy is chosen to travel to Europe instead of Jo. How do Jo and Amy react, and what do their reactions reveal?
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Chapter 31
In Chapter 31, Amy writes letters from Europe. What do her letters show about what she notices, values, and hopes for?
Example answer: Amy's letters show that she notices beautiful things like art, clothes, and places. She also cares about manners and about becoming a refined young lady. I think she hopes to improve herself and make something special of her life. Her letters make her seem more grown up than she was at the beginning of the book.
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Chapter 32
In Chapter 32, Jo begins to understand that Laurie may love her and that Beth is not well. Why are these troubles hard for Jo to face?
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Chapter 33
In Chapter 33, Jo writes a journal while she is away in New York. How does being away from home help Jo see herself in a new way?
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Chapter 34
In Chapter 34, Professor Bhaer becomes Jo's friend and challenges her writing choices. Why can honest criticism be a helpful kind of friendship?
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Chapter 35
In Chapter 35, Laurie tells Jo he loves her, but Jo says no. Why do you think Jo makes this choice, even though she cares about Laurie?
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Chapter 36
In Chapter 36, Beth shares her secret with Jo. How does Beth show bravery when she talks about her illness?
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Chapter 37
In Chapter 37, Amy and Laurie meet again in Europe. How does Amy influence Laurie to think about becoming a better person?
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Chapter 38
In Chapter 38, Meg feels left out while caring for the twins. What does this chapter show about the challenges and joys of family life?
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Chapter 39
In Chapter 39, Amy calls Laurie lazy and asks him to use his talents. Do you agree with Amy's words to Laurie? Why or why not?
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Chapter 40
In Chapter 40, the family goes through the valley of the shadow with Beth. How does the chapter show love during a very sad time?
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Chapter 41
In Chapter 41, Laurie tries to forget his heartache and spends more time with Amy. What signs show that both Laurie and Amy are growing wiser?
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Chapter 42
In Chapter 42, Jo feels all alone after Beth is gone. What helps Jo begin to heal from grief?
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Chapter 43
In Chapter 43, Amy and Laurie return with a surprising announcement. How do the March family members show acceptance and happiness?
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Chapter 44
In Chapter 44, Amy and Laurie think about how to use their money and position. What does this chapter suggest about using good fortune responsibly?
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Chapter 45
In Chapter 45, Daisy and Demi show the busy life of Meg's family. What do the twins' actions teach about patience, parenting, or growing up?
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Chapter 46
In Chapter 46, Professor Bhaer and Jo talk under the umbrella. How does this scene show that Jo has found someone who understands and respects her?
Example answer: This scene shows that Professor Bhaer understands Jo because he listens to her and cares about her dreams. He does not want to change her into someone different. Instead, he respects her strong mind and her wish to write and work. I think Jo feels safe with him because he loves her for who she really is.
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Chapter 47
In Chapter 47, the family gathers at Plumfield and looks back on their lives. What does the ending suggest about growing up and finding happiness?
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How to use this Little Women reading journal
At home, as a discussion guide
After each chapter your reader writes a few lines on that chapter’s question. Read the answer together at bedtime: it shows what they understood and gives you something real to talk about, without a quiz.
In class, as a novel study
Print a class set (booklets fold from plain letter paper) and use one question per chapter as the reading-response or literature-circle prompt. The example answers at the front show what a full answer looks like.
Homeschool
One booklet covers the whole book, 47 chapters, so it doubles as the reading log for Little Women. Reword any question before printing to match your reader.
Printing
The booklet PDF prints on ordinary 8.5 × 11 paper: print double-sided (flip on the short edge) at 100%, fold the stack in half and staple on the fold. There is also a one-page-per-sheet PDF and A5 binder pages.
Where the questions come from
Each question is about its own chapter. We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. The questions were drafted with AI from what is known about the book and checked before publishing; every one is editable before you print.