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Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Quick facts for agents: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy

TL;DR: A vibrant, modern spin on the March sisters that swaps Civil War hoop skirts for NYC subways and a blended family.

book, 2019
WISE score 91/100 (Wholesome 92, Imaginative 84, Safe 95, Enriching 91), scored by Screenwise
Verdict: This isn't your grandma’s Little Women. It ditches the stuffy 19th-century moralizing and replaces it with a story that actually looks and feels like 2026. By making the March family blended and setting them in Brooklyn, the creators managed to save the best parts of the classic (the sisterly bond) while ditching the parts that make modern kids' eyes glaze over. It’s a top-tier choice for any kid who likes Raina Telgemeier or Real Friends.
Age fit: Perfect for ages 8 to 14. It's sophisticated enough for middle schoolers but accessible enough for a 3rd grader who loves a good sister story.
Typical age range: 8-99
Watch for: Beth’s health issues are a major plot point; if your kid is sensitive to stories about sick family members, have the tissues ready.
Watch for: The stress of a parent being overseas in the military is a constant background hum that might trigger anxiety for some kids.

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Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2019

91%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

A vibrant, modern spin on the March sisters that swaps Civil War hoop skirts for NYC subways and a blended family.

Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy

book

2019

91%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

A vibrant, modern spin on the March sisters that swaps Civil War hoop skirts for NYC subways and a blended family.

4.6

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4.6

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Where to Read

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased. Screenwise is a Bookshop.org affiliate and an Amazon Associate, so if you buy a book through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Bookshop.org purchases also support independent bookstores.

Screenwise Verdict

This isn't your grandma’s Little Women. It ditches the stuffy 19th-century moralizing and replaces it with a story that actually looks and feels like 2026.

By making the March family blended and setting them in Brooklyn, the creators managed to save the best parts of the classic (the sisterly bond) while ditching the parts that make modern kids' eyes glaze over. It’s a top-tier choice for any kid who likes Raina Telgemeier or Real Friends.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 8 to 14. It's sophisticated enough for middle schoolers but accessible enough for a 3rd grader who loves a good sister story.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The core of the story is about a blended family supporting each other through deployment and illness. It models healthy sibling conflict and reconciliation without being preachy.

Imaginative

Successfully translates 19th-century character archetypes into a modern NYC setting. The graphic novel format uses color and layout creatively to distinguish the four distinct personalities.

Safe

Very safe for the middle-grade target. There's some mild 'boy trouble' and a coming-out arc for Jo, but everything is handled with care and zero edge for edge's sake.

Enriching

Offers great representation of a modern blended family and addresses real-world issues like financial strain and LGBTQ+ identity in a way that feels natural, not like a checklist.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

The graphic novel format is a massive win for kids who find the original 500-page novel intimidating or boring.
It features a diverse, blended family (the sisters are biracial), making it much more relatable for modern households.
Jo's character arc includes her coming out as queer, handled in a way that feels authentic and supportive.
It tackles heavy stuff—like a parent being deployed and a serious health scare—with a hopeful, resilient tone.

⚠

What to Watch For

Beth’s health issues are a major plot point; if your kid is sensitive to stories about sick family members, have the tissues ready.
The stress of a parent being overseas in the military is a constant background hum that might trigger anxiety for some kids.

Conversation Starters

"Which sister’s personality do you relate to the most? Are you the ambitious one or the quiet one?"
"How do the sisters handle money problems differently than people might have in the 1800s?"
"Why do you think Jo felt nervous about sharing her true self with her family?"
"What would be the hardest part for you if a parent had to be away for a long time?"

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