Good read with high values and moral lessons, but not Christian.
Plot
In this sequel to Little Women, Jo and her sisters have grown and started homes. Jo and Professor Bhaer begin an odd, harum-scarum school at Plumfield for young boys, who have as many or more adventures than did Jo as they learn to be young men.
Morality
There is a sense of right and wrong throughout the story. The boys all do bad things, but they are always punished and apologize. Lying, stealing, and other such behavior is definitely discouraged.
Spiritual Content
Like "Little Women," this book comes across as Christian at first glance. But it is in fact only Deistic, and Alcott does not ever mention accepting Christ, believing in Him, His sacrifice for us, and all the other things that go into salvation. It is generally accepted that everyone is good at heart and can be made to be "perfect." A picture of Christ drawing the little children to Him is mentioned; there's a lot of talk about souls.
Violence
None.
Drug and Alcohol Content
Beer is drunk at one point and cigarettes are smoked. Wine is used for medicinal purposes.
Sexual Content
None.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
In one chapter, one strong-minded boy convinces two others to break the rules and play poker, smoke cigarettes, drink beer, and swear a little. "The devil" is said a couple times, and Tommy (one of the boys) says "Thunderturtles" in place of other swearwords. "D-mn" is also used once.
Conclusion
Little Men, like Little Women, is a coming of age story. It shows the maturing process that boys go through while at the same time giving the tales a spice of humor. Though not specifically Christian, it does have good morals for tweens and teens.
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