A lovely story by one of the most beloved authors of classic children's literature.
Plot
Sara Crewe was born in India, but is now being sent to London to school. Her father is rich and loves to lavish anything his little girl desires upon her, and this makes everyone think she is a princess.
One day, her father invests all his money in some diamond mines an old friend tells him about. When the diamond mines don't come through, Sara's father dies from worry and illness, leaving his daughter penniless. She is forced by the head mistress of the school to become a scullery maid, but determines to conduct herself like a princess even in these new circumstances.
Morality
Morals are high in this story. Some of the characters are greedy, but they are shown to be wrong; and love and kindness are held in the highest regard.
Spiritual Content
As far as I can recall, the only spiritual references in this book are Sarah telling another girl about Heaven, and mentioning the girls at the school going to church.
Violence
At one point Sara is teaching another girl about history, and talks about the beheadings of the French Revolution and the mounting of royalties' heads on pikes. Scullery maids have their ears boxed, and Sara is kept underfed by the headmistress.
Drug and Alcohol Content
A mention of "red-currant wine," which may or may not be alcoholic.
Sexual Content
None.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
None.
Conclusion
This has always been one of my favorite books. Who doesn't like a good riches to rags story? Sara Crewe shows anyone who reads this story that a girl doesn't have to be born royal to be a princess; it all depends on what she thinks of herself and how she treats others through whatever life brings her. The book is wonderfully written, and the reader connects with Sara and her friends and learns to love them.
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