Imagine coming home after a long day, where literally everything went wrong, and you find this book on your bed.  A warm embrace to soothe you.  It’s one of my favourite books that gave me hope, renewed my courage and I’m so excited to share why you’ll love it too! It’s called A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett.  You’ll get to know Sara Crewe who faces huge challenges after her beloved father’s death.  Her story is all about remaining strong, and not losing your inner light, no matter what life throws at you.  The book was written in 1905, and it has an old-timey feel to it, but does that make it less inspiring for girls in 2025?  Let me tell you why this book will grab you from the first page and why you’ll want to start reading it right away!

Sara was way ahead of her time.  In 1905, girls were expected to be quiet and focus on getting married, but seven-year-old Sara is different.  She’s smart and stands tall no matter what.  You will be touched by her warm heart where her stories would lift up Becky, a maid who’s treated poorly.  She’s called a “princess” because of her inner strength, not her wealth, unlike typical fairy-tale heroines.  When she’s so poor, she still shares her food with others that were left with less.  It’s this kind of selflessness that will draw you in.

In 2025, Sara’s story feels relevant.  Her courage is what girls need today, whether they’re facing tough times in places like Ukraine or Ethiopia, dealing with war, or even hunger.  She treats everyone equal, from wealthy to beggars—matches our current values of making everyone feel included.   Also, if you’re dealing with mean comments online, Sara’s example of staying dignified despite her cruel headmistress, Miss Minchin, can help you to remain confident.  Her hope, even when everything’s falling apart, shows you to find strength inside yourself, no matter where you are.

Now, I’ll be honest—the book at first may feel a bit distant and old fashioned.  Back then, girls were expected to do things like sewing instead of reaching for their dreams, and might not reason with us today.  Also, Sara’s almost too perfect.  You might connect more with characters who openly struggle with things like social media pressure, who make mistakes and grow from it. 

But trust me, this book is still an amazing read.  Read it with your mum or a close friend, and you’ll see why.   It will provide a plaster with a soft touch on real everyday struggles—bullying, tough times, feeling lost—and shows you how to keep going with compassion and strength.  She may not be as flawed as some modern heroines, but her courage and heart will inspire you to be stronger and truer to yourself.   A Little Princess shows you that you’re powerful and special, no matter what challenges you face.  Pick it up today, and let Sara’s journey remind you of your own inner royalty.

-Helen Barnard
Intern, Curatorial
Girl Museum