LITTLE WOMEN is one of my favorite books of all time. I've read it numerous times, but I've never known much about its author's real life. I was thrilled, then, to get SCRIBBLES, SORROWS, AND RUSSET LEATHER BOOTS from the publisher. With its charming middle-grade cover, I figured it would offer a good overview of Alcott's life, written at a level appropriate for junior high school kids and younger. I was right about the overview. Rosenberg offers an in-depth and intimate look at Alcott's experiences as a daughter, a sister, an author, a breadwinner, a suffragette, and more. Much of the material is bleak and dark. Rosenberg doesn't shy away from or gloss over these elements, making the book feel like it's most suited to an older audience, despite its juvenile appearance. The author doesn't talk down to her audience (although certain information is repeated more than necessary), but the text is still very readable. Despite its hefty 405 pages, it reads pretty fast. I found it fascinating. Also, quite sad and depressing. I came away from the book with new knowledge about Louisa May Alcott and with a new appreciation for her genius, duty, generosity, humility, and perserverance. I'll gladly read more about her very interesting life.

If I could, I would give this book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.