Beth Makes a Friend

Portraits of Little Women

by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Beth March would do just about anything to help someone in need. She's kind-hearted, loyal, and caring. So when she catches Sean O'Neill stealing apples from Aunt March's garden, Beth listens to the hungry boy's sad story. She's moved to hear that Sean's widowed mother and younger siblings are immigrants from poverty-stricken Ireland.



But times are hard in Massachusetts too. Sean's mother has been ill and out of work, and with sisters and brothers to care for, Sean has had to scrape up food for them any way he can. Promising to help, Beth gives him whatever food and old clothes her family can spare. It's not enough. Beth's big stealing from wealthy Aunt March. But Sean's own thieving forces Beth to question what being a true friend really means--and together they discover generosity in someone who seems the most cold-hearted.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Childrens

112 pages, Hardcover

First published March 9, 1998

About the author

Susan Beth Pfeffer was an American author best known for young adult and science fiction. After writing for 35 years, she received wider notice for her series of post-apocalyptic novels, officially titled "The Life as We Knew It Series", but often called "The Last Survivors" or "Moon Crash" series, some of which appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list.

Reviews

[Jenifer Dale]

I was really glad that Beth decided not to steal and that the family was able to find what they needed. Everyone should have a kind heart like Beth's.

[Dalaina Renee]

I have read all of these series! I collected & keep them on my book shelf at home! I love them!