A Little Princess
by Frances Hodgson Burnett (1905)
19 chapters · 19 chapter quizzes · 920 vocabulary words
📖 Read the full book onlineOpen the Interactive Guide →About This Book
On a foggy winter day in London, a very small girl named Sara Crewe rides through the gray streets beside her father, Captain Crewe, looking out at a city that feels nothing like the warm, bright India she has always known. Sara is seven years old, unusually observant, and full of stories she tells herself when no one is listening. Her father is rich, funny, and completely devoted to her — and he is about to leave her behind at a boarding school while he returns to his work overseas. The school is Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Young Ladies, a tall brick house on a quiet square. Because Captain Crewe is wealthy, Sara arrives with a private sitting room, a French maid, and a wardrobe so fine that the other pupils whisper about it. Miss Minchin treats her like a prize to be shown off. The girls, meanwhile, are not sure what to make of her: some are jealous, some are curious, and one or two decide almost at once that they do not like her at all. Sara has an idea she thinks about often — that a person can choose to behave like a princess no matter what is happening around her, simply by being kind, brave, and truthful. That idea is easy to hold on to when life is comfortable. Frances Hodgson Burnett's story asks a harder question: what happens to that idea when everything comfortable disappears?
A Little Princess is one of those rare classics that fifth graders read quickly and then argue about for weeks. Sara is not a perfect heroine — she has a temper she has to fight, and she says so — which makes her far more interesting than a character who is simply good. The novel gives young readers a vivid, concrete way to think about questions they are already asking: Does how people treat you decide who you are? What does real kindness cost when you have almost nothing left to give? Because Burnett writes in rich, image-filled language, the book also stretches vocabulary and rewards close reading, while the fast-moving plot keeps even reluctant readers turning pages.
Pre-Reading Discussion Questions
- What do you think it means to 'act like a princess'? Does the phrase describe wealth, behavior, or something else entirely?
- Sara is sent to live at a school far from her only parent. How do you think being separated from family might change the way a person acts around strangers?
- Think of a time you had to be polite to someone who was not being fair to you. What made that hard, and what helped?
- The story is set in London more than a hundred years ago, when children of the same age could live completely different lives depending on their families' money. What differences would you expect to see between a rich pupil and a servant in the same house?
- Sara comforts herself by imagining and pretending. Do you think imagination is a real kind of strength, or just an escape? Be ready to defend your answer.
- If you suddenly had to prove what kind of person you are without any of your possessions, what would people learn about you?
Themes & Big Ideas to Track
- Dignity: watch how Sara decides who she is going to be, rather than letting other people decide it for her.
- Imagination as survival: notice each time Sara 'supposes' something and ask what that pretending actually does for her.
- Kindness that costs something: pay attention to characters who give away what they can barely spare.
- Wealth and class: track how quickly adults' behavior toward a child changes when money is involved.
- Friendship across differences: notice who becomes Sara's friend and what those friends have in common.
- Storytelling itself: Sara is a teller of tales inside a tale, so consider what Burnett is saying about the power of stories.
Chapter-by-Chapter Study Guide
Chapter 1: Sara
Before you read — think about:
- The book opens on a foggy winter day in London. What mood do you expect a story to have when it begins in fog and darkness?
- Sara has grown up in India and is arriving in England for the first time. What might feel strange to her about a cold, gray city?
- How do you think a seven-year-old would feel about being left at a boarding school by the only parent she has?
- Before you read, predict what kind of person runs a school called a 'Select Seminary for Young Ladies.' What does the word 'select' suggest?
- Sara loves books and makes up stories in her head. How might that habit help a person who is about to be lonely?
Watch for these while reading:
- The way Burnett describes buildings and furniture — notice how the house is described, and whether it tells you something about its owner.
- Sara's habit of thinking one thing privately while saying something polite out loud.
- Every mention of money: who brings it up, and how adults behave once it is mentioned.
- The doll Emily — pay attention to exactly what Sara says she wants a doll to do.
- The word 'princess,' which shows up in this chapter in more than one mouth and in more than one tone.
Vocabulary to know:
thoroughfares (noun) — wide, busy main streets that traffic passes through; queer (adjective) — strange or odd in an interesting way (an older use of the word); voyage (noun) — a long journey made by ship across the sea; principally (adverb) — mainly; more than anything else; bungalow (noun) — a low house with a wide veranda, common in India at the time; salaams (noun) — respectful greetings made by bowing with a hand touched to the forehead; ayah (noun) — an Indian nursemaid hired to care for a child; obliged (verb) — forced or required to do something; attain (verb) — to reach or achieve something you have worked toward; console (verb) — to comfort someone who is sad or disappointed; resigned (adjective) — willing to accept something unpleasant that cannot be changed; quaint (adjective) — charmingly odd or old-fashioned; seminary (noun) — an old-fashioned word for a private school, especially for girls; engraved (verb) — cut or carved letters into a hard surface such as metal; ushered (verb) — led or shown into a room by someone; mantel (noun) — the shelf above a fireplace; mahogany (noun) — a hard, dark reddish-brown wood used for fine furniture; solemn (adjective) — very serious and grave in manner; inquired (verb) — asked a question; privilege (noun) — a special honor or advantage given to some people and not others; establishment (noun) — a business or institution, such as a school or shop; regiment (noun) — a large group of soldiers who serve together under one commander; supple (adjective) — bending and moving easily; graceful and slim; elated (adjective) — thrilled and lifted up with happiness; flattery (noun) — praise that is not sincere, usually said to get something; intimate (adjective) — very close and personal, the way true friends are; rash (adjective) — acting quickly without thinking about what may happen later; wardrobe (noun) — all the clothes a person owns; embroidered (adjective) — decorated with designs stitched in colored thread; ermine (noun) — a costly white winter fur, traditionally worn by royalty; muffs (noun) — soft fur tubes that a person slips both hands inside to keep warm; abundant (adjective) — existing in very large amounts; more than enough; rajah (noun) — an Indian prince or ruler; reflected (verb) — thought carefully about something; frocks (noun) — dresses, especially for girls or women; clutched (verb) — grabbed and held on to something tightly and suddenly; mantle (noun) — a loose cloak; here, hair falling around the shoulders like a cloak; muslin (noun) — a light, thin cotton cloth; comrade (noun) — a close companion who shares your life or work; solicitors (noun) — British lawyers who handle a person's legal and money matters; lapels (noun) — the folded flaps of cloth at the front collar of a coat; dumpy (adjective) — short and round in shape; awe (noun) — a feeling of fear mixed with deep respect; particle (noun) — a tiny bit or trace of something; uproar (noun) — a loud outburst of noise and confusion; sable (noun) — a rich, dark, very expensive fur; varnished (adjective) — coated with a hard, shiny finish; timepiece (noun) — a clock or watch; destination (noun) — the place a journey is meant to end; dimples (noun) — small hollows that appear in the cheeks when a person smiles.
Chapter 2: A French Lesson
Before you read — think about:
- It is Sara's first morning in a new classroom. What do you think the other pupils will have heard about her before she walks in?
- Sara arrives with far more expensive clothes than the other girls. How can having more than everyone else make a person's life harder, not easier?
- Have you ever known the answer but not been allowed to explain? How does that feel, and what do you usually do?
- Miss Minchin has decided in advance what Sara is like. Why do adults sometimes stop listening once they think they already know?
- This chapter is called 'A French Lesson.' Besides French, what other kind of lesson might get taught in it?
Watch for these while reading:
- Lavinia's and Jessie's whispered comments — notice which one is genuinely curious and which one is looking for something to criticize.
- How carefully Sara chooses politeness even when politeness works against her.
- Anything Miss Minchin does to protect her own reputation.
- The exact moment Miss Minchin's opinion of Sara changes, and what causes it.
- The way Sara talks to Emily when she thinks no one important is listening.
Vocabulary to know:
petticoats (noun) — underskirts worn beneath a dress; frills (noun) — gathered strips of cloth sewn on as decoration; spitefully (adverb) — in a way meant to hurt someone's feelings; abashed (adjective) — embarrassed or made to feel uncomfortable in front of others; whimsical (adjective) — playfully odd and imaginative; fancies (noun) — imagined ideas that a person enjoys believing; appreciative (adjective) — showing that you notice and are grateful for what someone does; mistress (noun) — a woman or girl who employs servants; the person a servant works for; ceremoniously (adverb) — in a formal way that follows polite rules; courtesy (noun) — a small bow made by bending the knees, done by girls as a greeting; conclude (verb) — to decide something is true after thinking it over; punctilious (adjective) — extremely careful about correct behavior and small details; imposing (adjective) — large and impressive in a way that makes people feel small; desirous (adjective) — wanting something very much; concealing (verb) — hiding something so others will not find out; tartness (noun) — a sharp, sour edge in the way someone speaks; grave (adjective) — serious and unsmiling; scrutinizingly (adverb) — in a way that examines someone closely and suspiciously; prejudice (noun) — an opinion formed against something before you know anything about it; absorbed (adjective) — completely taken up by something; deep in attention; fluent (adjective) — able to speak a language smoothly and easily; exquisite (adjective) — extremely fine and beautifully done; mortified (adjective) — deeply embarrassed and ashamed; infuriated (adjective) — extremely angry; indignantly (adverb) — in a way that shows anger at something felt to be unfair; grudge (noun) — a lasting bad feeling toward someone for something they did; glimpse (noun) — a very quick look at something; rapping (verb) — knocking sharply and quickly on something; agreeable (adjective) — pleasant and easy to get along with; acquaintance (noun) — a person you know a little, but not well; tremendously (adverb) — extremely; very greatly; severe (adjective) — strict and harsh, without warmth.
Chapter 3: Ermengarde
Before you read — think about:
- This chapter is named after a character we have only glimpsed. What does it mean when an author gives a chapter a person's name?
- Think about the pupil who struggles most in a class. How do classmates usually treat that person, and why?
- Sara has been described as clever. What responsibilities, if any, come with being the clever one in a room?
- What makes two very different people become close friends? Predict what Sara and a slow, shy pupil could possibly have in common.
- Sara promised her father she would bear being left behind. What does 'bearing' something look like from the outside?
Watch for these while reading:
- Sara's temper — she has one, and Burnett shows exactly what sets it off.
- Ermengarde's father and how he talks about his own daughter.
- The moment Sara's face changes while she is telling a happy story.
- What Sara offers Ermengarde at the very end of the chapter, and who benefits from it.
- How pretending is described — as escape, as game, or as something more useful.
Vocabulary to know:
flaxen (adjective) — very pale yellow, like the color of dried flax; used of hair; pigtail (noun) — a braid of hair hanging down from the head; awed (adjective) — filled with wonder and a little fear; trifles (noun) — things of little importance; small, easy matters; pounced (verb) — jumped on suddenly, the way a cat lands on something; conduct (noun) — the way a person behaves; tittered (verb) — laughed quietly in a mean, nervous little way; fray (noun) — a fight or quarrel; distress (noun) — great trouble, pain, or unhappiness; disdain (noun) — a feeling that someone is beneath your respect; savage (adjective) — fierce and angry; disconsolately (adverb) — in a way that shows misery that will not be comforted; calamity (noun) — a disaster; a terrible misfortune; volumes (noun) — books, especially large or serious ones; improbable (adjective) — not likely to be true or to happen; notably (adverb) — in a way that is easy to notice; strikingly; unmistakably (adverb) — so clearly that there can be no doubt; dunce (noun) — an unkind old word for a pupil who learns slowly; monumental (adjective) — enormous; impossible to overlook; disgrace (noun) — the state of being in trouble and looked down on; profound (adjective) — very deep and strongly felt; admiration (noun) — a feeling of great respect and approval for someone; respectfully (adverb) — in a way that shows honor or high regard; dingy (adjective) — dull, dirty, and dim-looking; twittering (verb) — making short, light chirping sounds, as birds do; sooty (adjective) — covered with black powder from coal smoke; mournful (adjective) — very sad; full of sorrow; chubby (adjective) — pleasantly plump and round; remotest (adjective) — the very slightest or faintest; fascinated (verb) — held someone's complete interest; expectation (noun) — the feeling of waiting for something exciting to happen; bewitched (adjective) — charmed as though by magic; notwithstanding (conjunction) — in spite of the fact that; hearth-rug (noun) — a rug laid on the floor in front of a fireplace; huddled (adjective) — curled up tightly, as if for warmth or comfort; ventured (verb) — dared to say or do something risky; stammered (verb) — spoke with nervous pauses and repeated sounds; scarcely (adverb) — hardly; almost not at all; adore (verb) — to love and admire someone deeply; huskily (adverb) — in a rough, low voice, often from strong feeling; pathetic (adjective) — so sad and helpless that it makes you feel pity; pronunciation (noun) — the way a word is said out loud.
Chapter 4: Lottie
Before you read — think about:
- Sara is praised for everything she does at this school. What could go wrong for a child who is never corrected?
- This chapter is named for the four-year-old we met briefly in the schoolroom. What do you already know about Lottie?
- When a small child screams to get what they want, adults usually beg, bribe, or threaten. Why do those three things often fail?
- Sara says a lot of 'nice accidents' have happened to her. What does she mean by calling her good fortune an accident?
- Both Sara and Lottie lost their mothers. Do you expect that to bring them together or push them apart?
Watch for these while reading:
- Sara's own theory about why she seems good-tempered — she is unusually honest about it.
- Lavinia's reasons for disliking Sara, which Burnett spells out plainly in this chapter.
- How Sara treats the youngest children compared with how the older girls treat them.
- The moment Sara does something no adult in the room has thought to try.
- The story Sara invents about heaven, and how differently she describes it from the pictures Lottie has been shown.
Vocabulary to know:
distinguished (adjective) — important and worthy of great respect; domineering (adjective) — bossy; always trying to control other people; indolent (adjective) — lazy; unwilling to work; indulged (verb) — given whatever one wants, without limits; worldly (adjective) — shrewd about money and social advantage; accordingly (adverb) — for that reason; in a way that fits the situation; amiability (noun) — friendliness and good nature toward others; sixpence (noun) — a small British silver coin worth six old pennies; virtue (noun) — a good quality in a person's character; disposition (noun) — a person's usual mood and nature; circumstances (noun) — the conditions and facts of a person's situation; stolidly (adverb) — in a calm, dull way that shows no emotion; charitable (adjective) — generous in judging other people kindly; recollection (noun) — something remembered; inordinately (adverb) — far more than is reasonable; procession (noun) — a line of people walking together in order; drooping (adjective) — hanging or bending downward; apparent (adjective) — clear and easy to see; enraged (verb) — made someone extremely angry; mimicked (verb) — copied someone's voice or manner to make fun of them; imitation (noun) — a copy of the way someone speaks or behaves; eccentric (adjective) — strange and different from ordinary people; mature (adjective) — grown-up; older and more developed; envied (adjective) — wanted by others because of what one has; motherly (adjective) — caring for others the way a mother would; bonbon (noun) — a small sweet or piece of candy; soothing (adjective) — calming; making pain or upset feelings easier; alluded (verb) — mentioned something indirectly; humiliation (noun) — the feeling of being shamed in front of others; despised (adjective) — looked down on; treated as worthless; goddess (noun) — a female god; here, someone treated with worshipful admiration; worshipped (verb) — adored someone with total devotion; tiresome (adjective) — annoying because it goes on too long; flighty (adjective) — not serious or steady; changing one's mind constantly; appalling (adjective) — shocking and dreadful; shrill (adjective) — high, sharp, and piercing in sound; wails (noun) — long, loud cries of grief or complaint; suppress (verb) — to stop or hold something down by force; strenuously (adverb) — with great force and effort; stately (adjective) — grand and dignified in manner; impotent (adjective) — powerless; unable to do anything about it; flounced (verb) — moved away suddenly with sharp, angry movements; endeavoring (verb) — trying hard to do something; asperity (noun) — harshness or sharpness in someone's tone; consternation (noun) — alarm and confusion about what to do; detestable (adjective) — deserving to be hated; conviction (noun) — a strong belief that something is true; whimpered (verb) — made small, weak crying sounds; implore (verb) — to beg desperately; shriek (verb) — to scream in a high, piercing voice; grievance (noun) — a complaint about being treated unfairly; sulky (adjective) — silently bad-tempered and resentful; astounding (adjective) — so surprising it is hard to believe; wafts (verb) — carries something gently through the air; ominously (adverb) — in a way that warns something bad is coming; coaxing (adjective) — gently persuading someone in a warm, patient way; majestic (adjective) — grand and impressive, like a king or queen.
Chapter 5: Becky
Before you read — think about:
- Sara's greatest power in the school is not her money — predict what it is, based on what you have seen her do so far.
- A servant girl in a house like this was expected to be invisible. What does it cost a person to be invisible all day?
- Have you ever been drawn into a story so completely that you forgot where you were? What was that like?
- Sara says stories belong to everybody. Do you agree, and what would it mean if that were true?
- The chapter is named after a character we have not met yet. What kind of person might be important enough to name a chapter for?
Watch for these while reading:
- What Sara does with her voice when she notices someone listening from the edge of the room.
- Lavinia's exact objection to who is allowed to hear a story.
- The difference between what Sara gives Becky and what Becky says she has been given.
- Becky's account of seeing a real princess, and how Sara uses it afterward.
- The last word of the chapter — Sara invents a private meaning for it.
Vocabulary to know:
possessed (verb) — had as one's own; luxuries (noun) — expensive comforts that are not necessary; envious (adjective) — wanting what someone else has; besought (verb) — begged (an old past-tense form of beseech); romances (noun) — adventure tales full of wonder and marvels; outskirts (noun) — the outer edges of a group or place; narrating (verb) — telling a story aloud; timidity (noun) — shyness caused by fear; smudgy (adjective) — marked with smears of dirt or soot; forlorn (adjective) — lonely, unhappy, and uncared for; scurried (verb) — moved quickly with short, hurried steps; replenish (verb) — to fill something up again; cautiously (adverb) — carefully, so as not to cause trouble; drudge (noun) — someone who does hard, dull work for very little; lured (verb) — attracted or drew someone in; grottos (noun) — caves, especially beautiful or magical ones; culprit (noun) — the person who has done something wrong; scuttled (verb) — ran away quickly with small, scrambling steps; elegance (noun) — graceful, refined style; retorted (verb) — replied quickly and sharply; stern (adjective) — firm and serious in a way that warns others; recital (noun) — a detailed account of something told aloud; scullery-maid (noun) — the lowest kitchen servant, who scrubbed pots, floors, and grates; stunted (adjective) — prevented from growing to full size; endurance (noun) — the ability to keep going through hardship; necessaries (noun) — the plain basic things a person needs, and nothing more; bower (noun) — a shady, pleasant retreat; a place of comfort; presiding (adjective) — in charge; watching over everything; sensation (noun) — a physical feeling; slumbering (verb) — sleeping deeply; diaphanous (adjective) — light and delicate enough to be almost see-through; attired (verb) — dressed, especially in fine clothes; wreath (noun) — a ring of flowers or leaves worn or hung as decoration; skimming (verb) — moving lightly and quickly over a surface; perplexity (noun) — the state of not knowing what to do; fender (noun) — a low metal guard around a fireplace to catch falling coals; dangling (verb) — hanging loosely and swinging; impudently (adverb) — in a rude, disrespectful way; vengeance (noun) — punishment in return for a wrong; here, 'with a vengeance' means very badly indeed; wages (noun) — money paid to a worker for the work they do; stuttered (verb) — spoke in a broken, repeating way from fear or nerves; splendor (noun) — magnificent beauty and richness; grasp (verb) — to understand something fully; delirium (noun) — a wild, dreamlike state in which nothing feels real; devoured (verb) — ate up quickly and hungrily; boldness (noun) — courage to do something daring; longingly (adverb) — with a strong wish for something; speechless (adjective) — unable to speak because of strong feeling; devoutly (adverb) — with deep, sincere feeling; staggered (verb) — walked unsteadily under a heavy load; perch (noun) — a high place to sit; largess (noun) — generous gifts scattered by a ruler to ordinary people; populace (noun) — the ordinary people of a place.
Chapter 6: The Diamond Mines
Before you read — think about:
- A letter from India brings exciting news about diamond mines. Why might a business deal thousands of miles away matter to everyone in a London schoolroom?
- Sara says pretending she is a princess helps her behave better. Can imagining yourself as someone else really change how you act?
- What is the difference between a secret you keep because it is shameful and one you keep because it is precious?
- Sara's eleventh birthday is coming. What do you expect a rich, generous father to send from India?
- Becky has almost nothing. If she wanted to give Sara a present, what could she possibly give?
Watch for these while reading:
- Exactly how the diamond-mine story reaches the school, and how much of it anyone actually understands.
- The one thing that Sara admits she finds hardest to control.
- What happens to Sara's private 'pretend' when Lavinia says it out loud in front of everyone.
- The tone of Captain Crewe's letter compared with his earlier ones.
- Becky's birthday present — and the card pinned to it.
Vocabulary to know:
tract (noun) — a large stretch of land; confidently (adverb) — with certainty that things will turn out well; opportunity (noun) — a chance to gain something; scheme (noun) — a plan for making money; magnificent (adjective) — grand and impressive; indifferent (adjective) — not interested; not caring one way or the other; enchanting (adjective) — delightful in a magical way; labyrinthine (adjective) — like a maze; full of winding, confusing passages; bowels (noun) — the deep inside parts of something, especially the earth; studded (verb) — covered with small decorations set into a surface; everlasting (adjective) — going on forever; here used impatiently to mean endless; squabble (verb) — to argue noisily about small things; festivities (noun) — celebrations and fun activities; harrowing (adjective) — deeply disturbing and painful to read or see; dungeons (noun) — dark underground prison cells; irritation (noun) — a feeling of annoyance; temptation (noun) — a strong urge to do something you know you should not; unreasonable (adjective) — not fair or sensible; snappish (adjective) — quick to speak sharply and crossly; alternately (adverb) — first one way and then the other, over and over; restraining (verb) — holding oneself back from doing something; gutter (noun) — the drain at the edge of a street; used to describe the poorest street children; deriding (verb) — making fun of something to show contempt for it; tingle (verb) — to prickle with a sharp, stinging feeling; sensitive (adjective) — easily hurt about something that matters deeply; satisfactory (adjective) — good enough to serve its purpose; vaguely (adverb) — in an unclear way that is hard to define; sympathy (noun) — shared feeling or support for someone; opponent (noun) — the person you are arguing or competing against; ascend (verb) — to climb or rise up to something; throne (noun) — the seat a king or queen sits on; the power of ruling; picturesqueness (noun) — the quality of being charming, like a picture; grandeur (noun) — impressive greatness and splendor; appropriate (adjective) — exactly right or suitable; ripened (verb) — grew and developed over time; perilously (adverb) — in a way full of danger or risk; rapidity (noun) — great speed; instalments (noun) — parts of a story given out a little at a time; cockroaches (noun) — large brown insects that live in dirty or neglected buildings; compass (noun) — the amount of space something takes up; exhibited (verb) — showed something to someone; benefactor (noun) — someone who gives help or money to another person; unconsciously (adverb) — without being aware of it; overweighted (adjective) — loaded down with more than one can carry; feverish (adjective) — hot and restless, as if ill with a fever; troublesome (adjective) — causing worry or difficulty; marvel (noun) — something wonderful and amazing; acceptable (adjective) — welcome; good enough to be gladly received; dread (noun) — a heavy feeling of fear about what is coming; glittering (adjective) — sparkling with light; garlands (noun) — ropes of flowers or leaves hung as decoration; arrayed (verb) — arranged in order; pincushion (noun) — a small stuffed cushion for holding sewing pins; flannel (noun) — a soft woven cloth, usually of wool; mystified (adjective) — puzzled and unable to explain something; hysteric (adjective) — wildly emotional, from excitement or nerves; sorrowful (adjective) — full of sadness.
Chapter 7: The Diamond Mines Again
Before you read — think about:
- Miss Minchin insists that this birthday is 'not an ordinary occasion.' Whose benefit do you think the ceremony is really for?
- Sara wants Becky allowed into the party. What might it cost Sara to ask for that in front of everyone?
- Lavinia asks whether a person could still pretend if she were a beggar living in a garret. How would you answer her?
- This chapter's title repeats one you have already seen. Why might an author return to the same title?
- Sara has always kept her hardest feelings private. If terrible news arrived, how do you expect her to behave?
Watch for these while reading:
- Every mention of money in Miss Minchin's speech, and what she thinks a fortune is for.
- Where Becky is standing during the party, and where she ends up hiding.
- The exact question Lavinia asks Sara just before Miss Amelia interrupts.
- The one thing Sara refuses to give up when she is told everything she owns belongs to someone else.
- Who is the first person to come and find Sara after everything changes.
Vocabulary to know:
rapturous (adjective) — full of overwhelming delight; disapproving (adjective) — showing that you think something is wrong; superior (adjective) — higher in rank or position; satin (noun) — a smooth, glossy cloth; betrayed (verb) — accidentally revealed a feeling one meant to hide; scandalized (adjective) — shocked by something thought improper; dignity (noun) — calm, serious behavior that commands respect; liberty (noun) — an action that goes beyond what one is allowed; suspense (noun) — the anxious excitement of waiting to find out; gleam (noun) — a brief flash of light or feeling; scullery (noun) — the back kitchen where pots and dirty work are done; heiress (noun) — a girl or woman who will inherit money or property; meritorious (adjective) — deserving praise; worthy; disrespectful (adjective) — rude toward someone who should be honored; jesting (adjective) — joking; not serious; adorn (verb) — to add beauty or distinction to something; accomplished (adjective) — highly skilled in many things; scathingly (adverb) — in a way that is bitingly critical; ladylike (adjective) — behaving in the polite way expected of a lady; deserting (verb) — abandoning a place or person; rueful (adjective) — showing quiet disappointment; aghast (adjective) — filled with shock and horror; coverlet (noun) — a decorative top cover for a bed; clamoring (adjective) — crowding around noisily and eagerly; revealed (verb) — showed something that had been hidden; tiara (noun) — a small jeweled crown worn on the head; sealskin (noun) — fur made from a seal, used for expensive coats; impassively (adverb) — without showing any feeling; exclamations (noun) — sudden cries of surprise or delight; undisturbedly (adverb) — calmly, without being upset; garret (noun) — a small, bare room just under the roof of a house; plumes (noun) — large decorative feathers; refreshments (noun) — food and drinks served at a party; decorum (noun) — proper, orderly behavior; partake (verb) — to share in something, especially food; indiscretion (noun) — an unwise act that could get one into trouble; linger (verb) — to stay longer than one should; reverently (adverb) — with deep respect, as if handling something sacred; threshold (noun) — the doorway or entrance of a room; smitten (verb) — struck suddenly by a strong feeling; elderly (adjective) — old; here used jokingly of girls who think themselves too grown up; succinctly (adverb) — in very few words; lavishly (adverb) — in a very generous, extravagant way; disparagement (noun) — criticism that makes something seem less worthy; patron (noun) — someone who supports a business with their money; rigidly (adverb) — stiffly and without bending; extravagance (noun) — spending far more money than is sensible; ejaculated (verb) — said something suddenly and sharply (an older use); brusqueness (noun) — blunt, abrupt manner; stricken (adjective) — struck down by illness or grief; ruin (noun) — the complete loss of one's money and position; shrewd (adjective) — clever at judging situations to one's own advantage; pauper (noun) — a person with no money at all; monstrous (adjective) — shockingly wrong or outrageous; gauze (noun) — a very thin, light, see-through fabric; irate (adjective) — very angry; farthing (noun) — a coin of tiny value; used to mean almost nothing at all; desolate (adjective) — bleak, empty, and utterly alone; grotesque (adjective) — strangely and unpleasantly odd in appearance; steadfast (adjective) — firm and unwavering.
Chapter 8: In the Attic
Before you read — think about:
- What is the hardest part of losing everything: the missing comforts, the work, or the way people start treating you?
- Sara once said she did not know whether she was a nice child, because she had never had any trials. She is about to find out. What do you predict?
- When someone we love is suddenly in trouble, why is it sometimes hard to know what to say to them?
- Sara has told herself that soldiers do not complain. What are the advantages and the dangers of that rule?
- Which of the people Sara has been kind to would you expect to stand by her now?
Watch for these while reading:
- How quickly the change is made, and Miss Minchin's stated reason for making it all at once.
- What Sara does at night after her working day is finished, and why.
- The exact misunderstanding that opens up between Sara and Ermengarde, and who is actually at fault.
- The three people Burnett names as the reason Sara's heart does not break.
- The new 'pretend' Sara invents at the end, and where she gets the idea for it.
Vocabulary to know:
woe (noun) — very deep sorrow; forcibly (adverb) — strongly and unavoidably; anguish (noun) — severe mental pain; scufflings (noun) — the sounds of small scrambling movements; gradually (adverb) — slowly, over a period of time; ornaments (noun) — decorative objects kept for their beauty; transform (verb) — to change something completely; neglected (verb) — failed to do something that should have been done; reproof (noun) — a scolding for doing something wrong; exacting (adjective) — demanding a great deal from others; instructress (noun) — a woman employed to teach; commissions (noun) — tasks or errands someone is trusted to carry out; grudgingly (adverb) — unwillingly; with resentment; personage (noun) — an important or distinguished person; intimacies (noun) — close friendships; ill-used (adjective) — badly or unfairly treated; impression (noun) — the idea or opinion people form about something; matter-of-fact (adjective) — plain and unimaginative; established (adjective) — accepted as a settled fact; mischief (noun) — trouble deliberately stirred up; interfered (verb) — got involved in other people's business; tramped (verb) — walked heavily over a long distance; parcels (noun) — wrapped packages; inattention (noun) — failure to pay attention; loiter (verb) — to linger idly instead of working; handmaid (noun) — a female servant who attends someone personally; stupefied (adjective) — too dazed by shock to think or speak; comforters (noun) — people who bring comfort to someone in trouble; contested (verb) — argued against; disputed; clung (verb) — held on tightly; besieged (verb) — surrounded someone with constant requests; loathed (verb) — hated intensely; corridor (noun) — a long passage inside a building; garments (noun) — pieces of clothing; hysterical (adjective) — out of control from nerves or emotion; aimlessly (adverb) — without purpose or direction; spasmodically (adverb) — in a sudden, jerky burst; injustice (noun) — an unfair act toward someone; wretchedness (noun) — a state of deep misery; over-sensitive (adjective) — too easily hurt by what others do; barrier (noun) — something that keeps people apart; listless (adjective) — without energy or interest in anything; muffled (adjective) — made quieter or less clear; glimmer (noun) — a faint, unsteady light; shawl (noun) — a large piece of cloth worn wrapped around the shoulders; reproachful (adjective) — showing hurt disappointment in someone; dismay (noun) — a feeling of upset discouragement; stoutly (adverb) — firmly and stubbornly; fearsome (adjective) — causing fear; stunned (adjective) — knocked senseless; unable to work; jailer (noun) — the person who guards prisoners; adversity (noun) — hardship and misfortune.
Chapter 9: Melchisedec
Before you read — think about:
- Lottie is seven and does not understand what has happened to Sara. How do you explain a disaster to someone much younger than you?
- Sara is good at showing other people how to see things differently. Can she do that for herself when she is alone?
- What is the difference between describing a room as it is and describing it as it could be?
- Most people dislike rats. What would it take to change your mind about a creature you were taught to fear?
- Sara says everything is a story. What might she mean by that?
Watch for these while reading:
- The reason Sara cannot answer Lottie's questions in the schoolroom.
- What Sara shows Lottie through the skylight, and what happens to Lottie's opinion of the attic.
- How the room looks to Sara after Lottie has gone home again.
- The way Sara talks herself into sympathy for a creature everyone else screams at.
- The knocking code between the two attics, and what each number of knocks means.
Vocabulary to know:
alteration (noun) — a change in something; rumored (verb) — talked about without anyone being sure it is true; confidentially (adverb) — in a private, secret-sharing way; thrust (verb) — pushed something firmly and suddenly; persisted (verb) — kept on asking or trying despite discouragement; accountable (adjective) — held responsible for something; reproved (verb) — scolded or corrected; gossiping (verb) — chatting about other people's private business; implored (verb) — begged urgently; existence (noun) — the fact of being real or being there; slates (noun) — flat gray stones used to cover a roof; slanted (verb) — sloped at an angle; quarrelled (verb) — argued angrily; pecked (verb) — struck quickly with a beak; unreal (adjective) — seeming imaginary rather than actual; adjacent (adjective) — next to or nearby; hospitality (noun) — generous welcome given to a guest; twinkling (adjective) — bright and quickly flickering; seized (verb) — grabbed suddenly and firmly; hearty (adjective) — large and satisfying; chattered (verb) — made quick, continuous noises; suspected (verb) — guessed at the existence of something; gestures (noun) — movements of the hands that express meaning; whitewash (noun) — a cheap white coating painted onto walls; quilt (noun) — a padded bed covering; tilted (adjective) — leaning to one side; hind (adjective) — at the back; rear; sniffing (verb) — smelling in short, quick breaths; scent (noun) — a smell; dwarf (noun) — a tiny imaginary person from old stories; gnome (noun) — a small underground creature in fairy tales; mused (verb) — thought something over quietly; frightfully (adverb) — extremely; dreadfully; bitterly (adverb) — with sharp, painful feeling; apologetic (adjective) — looking sorry for causing trouble; stir (verb) — to move even slightly; delicately (adverb) — in a careful, dainty way; possession (noun) — the state of having hold of something; crack (noun) — a narrow gap or split; inclined (adjective) — feeling a strong urge to do something; quaked (verb) — trembled with fear; tame (adjective) — no longer wild or afraid of people; scraps (noun) — small leftover pieces of food; composed (adjective) — calm and in control of oneself; countenance (noun) — a person's face or expression; rouse (verb) — to stir up or awaken a feeling; stillness (noun) — complete quiet and lack of movement; businesslike (adjective) — practical and efficient; attitude (noun) — the position in which a body is held; fellow-sufferer (noun) — someone going through the same hardship as you; beamed (verb) — smiled widely with delight; noiselessly (adverb) — without making any sound.
Chapter 10: The Indian Gentleman
Before you read — think about:
- Sara passes lighted windows on her errands and imagines the lives inside. Why might that be comforting and painful at the same time?
- What is the difference between being poor and being seen as poor?
- If a stranger offered you money because they thought you needed it, how would you feel, and why?
- Sara still has Emily, the doll her father gave her. What might a person expect from an object like that, and what can it never give?
- The empty house next door is about to be taken. What kinds of neighbors would matter most to a girl living in an attic?
Watch for these while reading:
- The names Sara invents for the family across the square, and what the naming tells you about her.
- The exact moment Sara realizes how she looks to other people.
- What she does with the sixpence afterward.
- The one night when Sara's self-control finally breaks, and what she does immediately afterward.
- Every detail of the furniture carried into the house next door — Sara reads it like evidence.
Vocabulary to know:
perilous (adjective) — full of danger; pilgrimages (noun) — long journeys made to an important place; inspection (noun) — an official check to see that all is in order; brougham (noun) — a small closed carriage pulled by one horse; remnants (noun) — the small leftover pieces of something; disposed (verb) — got rid of; sold off; perambulators (noun) — baby carriages; romantic (adjective) — grand and story-like; sashes (noun) — wide decorative bands worn around the waist; pantomime (noun) — a musical Christmas play for children; clad (adjective) — dressed; invariably (adverb) — always; without exception; affluence (noun) — wealth; having plenty of money; benignly (adverb) — in a kindly, gentle way; thwarted (verb) — prevented from doing what one intends; benevolence (noun) — kindness and the wish to do good; heartbrokenly (adverb) — in a way full of crushing disappointment; mist (noun) — a blur of tears, like fine fog; orphan (noun) — a child whose parents have died; strove (verb) — struggled or competed hard; insinuating (verb) — slipping something gently into place; nestling (verb) — snuggling close for comfort; flutter (noun) — a quick, light beating of wings; alighted (verb) — landed after flying; flock (noun) — a group of birds together; wrought (verb) — worked into shape by hand; also, worked up into a state; insulting (adjective) — deliberately rude and hurtful; passion (noun) — a burst of violent feeling; slighting (adjective) — showing that someone is thought unimportant; vulgar (adjective) — coarse and lacking good manners; insolent (adjective) — rude and disrespectful on purpose; sneering (verb) — showing scorn with a twisted smile; shabbiness (noun) — the state of being worn out and poor-looking; tempest (noun) — a violent storm; vacant (adjective) — blank and empty of expression; inexpressive (adjective) — showing no feeling at all; complacent (adjective) — calmly pleased with oneself; ignominiously (adverb) — in a humiliating, undignified way; chastising (verb) — punishing or scolding; remorse (noun) — deep regret for something one has done; aperture (noun) — an opening or gap; prolonged (adjective) — lasting longer than usual; loiterers (noun) — people standing about with nothing to do; elaborately (adverb) — with a great deal of detailed decoration; teak-wood (noun) — a hard, valuable tropical wood used for fine furniture; Oriental (adjective) — an older word for things from Asia, especially India and the Far East; weird (adjective) — strange in an unsettling way; homesick (adjective) — sad from missing a home far away; superb (adjective) — magnificent; of the finest quality; shrine (noun) — a decorated case or place for something holy; solitary (adjective) — alone, without company; shattered (adjective) — badly broken down; haggard (adjective) — looking exhausted and worn from illness or worry; skeleton (noun) — the bones of a body; here, a body worn down to almost nothing; footman (noun) — a male servant who attends a carriage and door; occupant (noun) — the person living in a place.
Chapter 11: Ram Dass
Before you read — think about:
- Sara's favorite place is a window in a bare attic. What can a view give a person that possessions cannot?
- Sara spent her early childhood in India. What might she miss that has nothing to do with money?
- Is it possible to be treated as a servant all day and still think of yourself as something else? What would that take?
- Sara's rule is that a princess must be polite. What happens to that rule when someone is deliberately cruel to her?
- What is the most powerful thing a person can do when they are being insulted and cannot fight back?
Watch for these while reading:
- The way Burnett describes the sunset — count how many different things the clouds are compared to.
- The first words Sara speaks to her new neighbor's servant, and what language they are in.
- How Ram Dass behaves toward Sara despite the state of her room.
- The historical figures Sara thinks about when she needs courage.
- What Sara actually says to Miss Minchin in the schoolroom, and how the other girls react.
Vocabulary to know:
fleecy (adjective) — soft and fluffy, like wool; tinged (verb) — slightly colored; vaulted (adjective) — arched like the curved ceiling of a great hall; crimson (adjective) — deep rich red; turquoise (noun) — a greenish-blue color; amber (noun) — a warm golden-yellow color; headlands (noun) — high points of land jutting out into the sea; jutted (verb) — stuck out sharply; subdued (adjective) — quieter and softer than usual; propped (verb) — held open by resting something against it; molten (adjective) — melted into liquid by great heat; glorious (adjective) — splendid and magnificent; emerging (verb) — coming out into view; swathed (adjective) — wrapped in layers of cloth; turbaned (adjective) — wearing a turban, a long cloth wound around the head; Lascar (noun) — an old British term for a sailor or servant from South Asia; snuggling (verb) — pressing close for warmth or comfort; illuminated (verb) — lit up; dusky (adjective) — dark in shade; salute (noun) — a gesture of greeting and respect; impish (adjective) — mischievous, like a little imp; Hindustani (noun) — a language widely spoken in northern India; intervened (verb) — stepped in to change what was happening; disobedient (adjective) — refusing to do as told; unworthy (adjective) — not deserving of respect; regain (verb) — to get something back; precaution (noun) — an action taken in advance to prevent trouble; clinging (verb) — holding on tightly; skinny (adjective) — very thin; obeisance (noun) — a deep bow showing great respect; indulgence (noun) — kindness in allowing someone something; agility (noun) — the ability to move quickly and lightly; costume (noun) — the style of dress belonging to a country or people; reverence (noun) — deep respect; admonished (verb) — warned or scolded firmly; tatters (noun) — torn, ragged pieces of clothing; triumph (noun) — a great personal victory; acid (adjective) — sharp and sour; bitingly unkind; malice (noun) — the wish to hurt someone; erect (adjective) — held straight and upright; civility (noun) — courteous, well-mannered behavior; chuckling (verb) — laughing quietly to oneself; neatherd (noun) — an old word for a person who herds cattle; disguise (noun) — a changed appearance that hides who someone is; scarlet (adjective) — bright red; smarting (adjective) — stinging with pain; unison (noun) — acting together at exactly the same moment; candid (adjective) — completely open and honest; unimaginative (adjective) — unable to picture things that are not directly in front of you; execution (noun) — the act of putting someone to death by order of a ruler.
Chapter 12: The Other Side of the Wall
Before you read — think about:
- Sara says you can adopt someone as a friend without ever speaking to them. Is that a real friendship?
- The kitchen servants seem to know everything about the neighbors. How does gossip travel, and how reliable is it?
- What kinds of trouble can money not fix?
- Sara has learned that her father lost everything in a mining scheme. What might she feel toward anyone connected with mines?
- The chapter's title mentions a wall. What might an author gain by showing two rooms that share one?
Watch for these while reading:
- What Sara does when she passes the lighted window of the house next door at night.
- Every detail of the Indian gentleman's illness — the servants say it is over, but watch how he behaves.
- The name Mr. Carrisford keeps repeating, and the pet name he cannot forget.
- What Ram Dass has described to his master, and why that matters.
- The very last thing Sara says in the chapter, and where you have heard those words before.
Vocabulary to know:
surfeit (noun) — far too much of something, especially food; lampreys (noun) — long eel-like fish once eaten at royal tables; disgraced (adjective) — shamed publicly; stripped of honor; brain-fever (noun) — an old term for a serious illness thought to be brought on by mental strain; restored (verb) — given back; savings (noun) — money a person has put aside; dressing-gown (noun) — a long robe worn indoors over nightclothes; hopelessly (adverb) — without any hope; decorous (adjective) — polite and properly behaved; invalid (noun) — a person weakened by long illness; discreet (adjective) — careful about what one says and when; encounter (noun) — a brief meeting; plaster (noun) — the hard coating on interior walls; harassed (adjective) — worn down by constant worry; tormenting (verb) — causing oneself lasting mental pain; refurnish (verb) — to supply a room with new furniture; reduced (verb) — brought down to a lower, worse state; uneasily (adverb) — in a worried, uncomfortable way; cheerily (adverb) — in a bright, encouraging way; well-to-do (adjective) — having plenty of money; unprovided (adjective) — left without money or support; burdens (noun) — heavy responsibilities; trace (noun) — a sign showing where someone has gone; similar (adjective) — alike in important ways; villain (noun) — a wicked person; catastrophes (noun) — terrible disasters; probable (adjective) — likely to be true; wasted (adjective) — thin and weakened by illness; penniless (adjective) — having no money whatsoever; fantastic (adjective) — so strange it seems imaginary; petulant (adjective) — irritable and childishly sulky; speculation (noun) — a risky investment made in hope of large profit; swindler (noun) — a person who cheats others out of money; strain (noun) — severe pressure on the mind or body; torture (noun) — extreme suffering; hideous (adjective) — horrifying and ugly; mocking (verb) — jeering at someone cruelly; verge (noun) — the very edge of something; sanely (adverb) — with a sound, reasonable mind; consciousness (noun) — the state of being awake and aware; haze (noun) — a blur that makes things hard to see or recall; clue (noun) — a piece of information that helps solve a mystery; shrugged (verb) — raised the shoulders to show one does not know or care; sloppy (adjective) — wet, muddy, and messy.
Chapter 13: One of the Populace
Before you read — think about:
- Sara says that when your body is miserable you must make your mind think of something else. Does that work, and are there limits?
- What does it mean to share when you have almost nothing yourself?
- Sara has been calling herself a princess in private. What would actually put that idea to the test?
- A shopkeeper watching from a window can only see what people do, not why. What might she misunderstand?
- Sara has been wondering about the Indian gentleman's search. What do you already know that she does not?
Watch for these while reading:
- What Sara imagines while she walks, and how closely the world matches it a moment later.
- The rule Sara gives herself about what poor and exiled royalty always did.
- How many buns Sara buys, how many she is given, and how many she keeps.
- The baker-woman's reaction, and what she does about it afterward.
- Guy Clarence's shouted message as the carriage leaves, and who it is really about.
Vocabulary to know:
slush (noun) — half-melted snow mixed with mud; cosey (adjective) — warm and comfortable (an older spelling of cozy); alluring (adjective) — strongly attractive and tempting; dismal (adjective) — gloomy and depressing; hoarsely (adverb) — in a rough, croaking voice; subterranean (adjective) — underground; tropical (adjective) — belonging to the hot regions near the equator; cocoanut (noun) — the large hard fruit of a palm tree (an older spelling of coconut); faltered (verb) — spoke hesitantly and uncertainly; brows (noun) — the ridges above the eyes; the forehead; continuously (adverb) — without stopping; dreary (adjective) — dull, bleak, and joyless; pall (noun) — a dark covering that hangs over everything; drizzle (noun) — fine, light rain; absurd (adjective) — ridiculous; draggled (adjective) — wet, muddy, and hanging limp; downtrodden (adjective) — worn down by being walked on; deprived (verb) — kept from having something one needs; pinched (adjective) — thin and drawn from cold or hunger; persevered (verb) — kept going despite difficulty; obstinately (adverb) — stubbornly refusing to give up; squelched (verb) — made a wet sucking sound; merino (noun) — a soft fine wool from merino sheep; wade (verb) — to walk through water or deep mud; trodden (verb) — stepped on repeatedly; currants (noun) — small dried berries baked into cakes and buns; odors (noun) — smells; cellar (noun) — an underground room below a building; jostled (verb) — pushed roughly against one another in a crowd; rags (noun) — torn, worn-out clothes; tangled (adjective) — twisted into knots; hollow (adjective) — sunken; deeply set from hunger or illness; shuffled (verb) — moved awkwardly without lifting the feet; thrones (noun) — the seats of royal power; makeweight (noun) — something extra added to bring a purchase up to full measure; ravenous (adjective) — extremely hungry; wolfish (adjective) — greedy and fierce, like a hungry wolf; cram (verb) — to stuff something in quickly and forcefully; lingering (adjective) — staying longer than expected; shaggy (adjective) — rough and untidy, with long matted hair; pondered (verb) — thought about something seriously; incredible (adjective) — too good or too strange to be believed; blinds (noun) — window coverings pulled down for privacy; swarm (noun) — a busy crowd; portmanteau (noun) — a large travelling case that opens into two halves; drosky (noun) — a low open Russian carriage; Czar (noun) — the emperor of Russia; muzhiks (noun) — Russian peasants; hovering (verb) — staying close by without settling; lugging (verb) — carrying something heavy with effort.
Chapter 14: What Melchisedec Heard and Saw
Before you read — think about:
- This chapter is told partly from a rat's point of view. What can an animal narrator notice that a person might not?
- Ram Dass crosses the roof at night. What might a servant see from a window that his master could never see?
- If you wanted to help someone without embarrassing them, how would you go about it?
- Sara believes nobody comes to her attic but herself. What does privacy mean to someone with nothing else of her own?
- The chapter title promises something heard and seen. What kinds of secrets get discovered by accident?
Watch for these while reading:
- Exactly how much Ram Dass has learned about Sara's daily life, and how he learned it.
- The words he uses to describe Sara's bearing.
- Everything the secretary writes down, and what each note implies about a plan.
- Whose idea the plan originally was.
- The one thing Ram Dass has already done in the attic without anyone noticing.
Vocabulary to know:
reconnoitre (verb) — to go out and scout a place carefully; rambling (verb) — wandering about without a fixed route; palpitating (adjective) — beating fast with fear or excitement; ceased (verb) — stopped; preparations (noun) — things done in advance to get ready; dexterity (noun) — skill and neatness in using the hands and body; precipitately (adverb) — very suddenly and hastily; exponent (noun) — someone who explains or represents another person; pariah (noun) — a person shut out and looked down on by everyone; bearing (noun) — the way a person carries and conducts themselves; tablet (noun) — a small pad of paper for writing notes; mattress (noun) — the padded part of a bed one lies on; patched (adjective) — mended with pieces of extra cloth; ragged (adjective) — torn and worn into rough edges; modestly (adverb) — without boasting; naught (noun) — nothing; visions (noun) — vivid pictures imagined in the mind; entertainment (noun) — something that amuses and distracts; unexplained (adjective) — having no known reason for being there; comprehend (verb) — to understand; ominous (adjective) — seeming to warn of something bad; pities (noun) — causes for regret; emerge (verb) — to come out into the open; scuffle (verb) — to move about with quick scraping steps; furtively (adverb) — secretly, trying not to be seen; caution (noun) — careful attention to avoid danger; secretary (noun) — a person employed to handle another's letters and business; invading (verb) — entering somewhere without permission; privacy (noun) — the state of being undisturbed by others.
Chapter 15: The Magic
Before you read — think about:
- Sara has said she can always make her mind think of something else. What would finally break that?
- Ermengarde has visited the attic many times and still does not know the worst of Sara's life. How does someone hide hunger?
- Sara says a lie is not only wicked but vulgar. What do you think she means by that second word?
- What is the difference between a party made of expensive things and a party made of imagination?
- Sara has repeatedly said that the worst thing never quite happens. Do you believe her?
Watch for these while reading:
- What Sara offers Ermengarde in exchange for her father's books, and why she refuses the easier arrangement.
- The moment Sara finally cries, and what causes it — it is not her own hunger.
- The single question Ermengarde works up the courage to ask.
- What everyday objects become during the pretend feast, and who tries hardest to see them.
- The words written on the fly-leaf of the book at the very end.
Vocabulary to know:
falsehoods (noun) — lies; vent (verb) — to let out strong feelings on someone; convenience (noun) — something useful that saves trouble; grumbling (verb) — complaining in a low voice; vicious (adjective) — cruel and spiteful; humor (noun) — a person's mood; pantry (noun) — a small room where food is stored; landing (noun) — the flat area at the top of a flight of stairs; lop-sided (adjective) — leaning to one side; uneven; contentedly (adverb) — in a satisfied, untroubled way; dejected (adjective) — sad and discouraged; conjugations (noun) — the different forms a verb takes in a language; gory (adjective) — full of blood and violence; pike (noun) — a long weapon with a pointed metal head; howling (adjective) — crying out loudly and wildly; vivid (adjective) — producing clear, strong mental pictures; depict (verb) — to picture or describe something; confessed (verb) — admitted something one has been hiding; appetite (noun) — the desire for food; nourishing (adjective) — providing what the body needs to grow strong; unappetizing (adjective) — not at all tempting to eat; inferior (adjective) — of poorer quality than others; gnawing (adjective) — producing a steady, biting ache; weary (adjective) — very tired; hostess (noun) — a woman who receives and entertains guests; knights (noun) — armored warriors who served a lord; squires (noun) — young attendants who served knights; vassals (noun) — people who owed service to a lord; pennons (noun) — long narrow flags carried on lances; clarions (noun) — high, clear-sounding trumpets; drawbridge (noun) — a castle bridge that can be raised or lowered; banquet-hall (noun) — a great room where feasts are held; minstrels (noun) — musicians who sang and played at feasts; chatelaine (noun) — the lady in charge of a castle; famine (noun) — a period when there is almost no food; pillaged (adjective) — robbed and stripped bare by force; dispensed (verb) — handed out generously; panic-stricken (adjective) — overcome with sudden terror; repeatedly (adverb) — over and over again; slip-shod (adjective) — wearing shoes worn down at the heel; clenching (verb) — closing tightly with anger or strain; outstretched (adjective) — reached out and extended; unconquerable (adjective) — impossible to defeat; denote (verb) — to be a sign of something; awe-stricken (adjective) — silenced by wonder or fear; wofully (adverb) — in a sorrowful way (an older spelling of woefully); charity (noun) — money or help given to those in need; hampers (noun) — large baskets packed with food; inspiration (noun) — a sudden bright idea; reeled (verb) — swayed as if about to fall; befallen (verb) — happened to someone; specious (adjective) — looking impressive but not genuine; damsels (noun) — young ladies (an old storybook word); viols (noun) — old stringed instruments played with a bow; bassoons (noun) — long, deep-toned woodwind instruments; audacity (noun) — shocking boldness; witheringly (adverb) — in a scornful way meant to shame someone; pertness (noun) — cheeky, disrespectful boldness; intemperate (adjective) — lacking all self-control; tinder (noun) — burnt or dry material left after a small fire.
Chapter 16: The Visitor
Before you read — think about:
- Sara has to go back down to the kitchen in the morning as though nothing has happened. Why might she want to keep the change secret?
- Miss Minchin has punished Sara by taking away her meals. What happens to a punishment when it stops working?
- If someone helped you anonymously, would you try to find out who it was? What are the arguments on both sides?
- Becky has spent years being cold, hungry, and blamed. What difference might one warm night make to a person like that?
- What would make an adult suddenly change how they speak to a child they have been mistreating?
Watch for these while reading:
- How Becky checks whether the night was real, and what she does to remember it.
- The reason Miss Minchin gives herself for Sara's cheerfulness, and how wrong she is.
- Everything that appears in the attic over the following days, and the one thing Sara decides to do with it.
- The wording on the paper pinned to the coat, and what Miss Minchin concludes from it.
- Who scratches at the skylight at the end of the chapter.
Vocabulary to know:
savory (adjective) — tasty and full of flavor, especially not sweet; muffins (noun) — soft round breads eaten hot with butter; utmost (noun) — the greatest degree possible; bewildering (adjective) — confusing and hard to take in; luxuriated (verb) — took great comfort and pleasure in something; drowsiness (noun) — sleepiness; couch (noun) — a bed or place to lie down; commit (verb) — to fix something firmly in the memory; agency (noun) — the means by which something is done; bounden (adjective) — bound by duty; obliged to serve; shillings (noun) — old British coins; a servant's weekly wage was counted in them; priggishly (adverb) — in a smugly self-righteous way; deceitful (adjective) — dishonest; hiding the truth; ill-natured (adjective) — unkind by disposition; askance (adverb) — with a sideways look of suspicion or disapproval; gurgling (verb) — making a low bubbling sound in the throat; superintend (verb) — to oversee and manage; hardened (adjective) — made unfeeling by experience; impertinence (noun) — rude boldness toward someone in authority; audacious (adjective) — boldly daring; august (adjective) — grand and commanding respect; displeasure (noun) — disapproval; singular (adjective) — strange and unusual; rebellion (noun) — open resistance against someone in charge; resolved (verb) — firmly decided; strictness (noun) — severe supervision; secrecy (noun) — the keeping of something hidden; suspicion (noun) — a feeling that something is being hidden; tacks (noun) — short sharp nails with broad heads; substantial (adjective) — solid and firm enough to be used; cushions (noun) — soft padded bags used for sitting or leaning on; scant (adjective) — barely enough; draperies (noun) — cloth hangings used as decoration; ingenious (adjective) — cleverly designed; conveniences (noun) — things that make life easier; magician (noun) — someone who works magic; peevish (adjective) — cross and complaining; hither (adverb) — to this place (an old word, usually paired with 'thither'); thither (adverb) — to that place; despair (noun) — the complete loss of hope; blissfully (adverb) — in a state of perfect happiness; prospect (noun) — something expected to happen soon; fattening (verb) — growing plumper; haughty (adjective) — proud and looking down on others; puzzled (adjective) — unable to work something out; defiance (noun) — open refusal to obey; humbled (adjective) — brought low; stripped of pride; respective (adjective) — belonging separately to each one; intruder (noun) — someone who enters where they were not invited; piteously (adverb) — in a way that arouses pity; caressing (adjective) — gently stroking and affectionate; crooned (verb) — sang or spoke in a soft, soothing voice; mingled (adjective) — mixed together; quarters (noun) — a place to stay or sleep; sordid (adjective) — concerned only with money and low motives; crotchety (adjective) — irritable and full of odd fixed opinions; bachelor (noun) — a man who has never married; whereabouts (noun) — the place where someone is; agitated (adjective) — upset and unsettled; envying (verb) — wanting what someone else has.
Chapter 17: "It Is the Child"
Before you read — think about:
- Mr. Carmichael has been in Moscow for weeks. What are the chances that a search like that succeeds?
- The Large Family's children call the lost girl 'the little un-fairy princess.' What do you think they mean?
- Sara is about to return a monkey. What ordinary errands have accidentally changed someone's life?
- Mr. Carrisford believes the child next door is 'as unlike poor Crewe as a child could be.' Why might he think that?
- What single question would end this whole search in a moment?
Watch for these while reading:
- How close Mr. Carmichael's search came, and what stopped it.
- Janet's opinion of the friend who ran away, and how Mr. Carrisford reacts to it.
- The first thing Sara says that makes Mr. Carrisford sit up.
- What Sara says about her father's friend, and why it is so painful to the man listening.
- The last sentence of the chapter — Sara's own summary of two lost years.
Vocabulary to know:
unavailing (adjective) — producing no result; satisfactorily (adverb) — well enough to settle a matter; reclining (adjective) — made for leaning back and resting; astride (adverb) — sitting with one leg on each side; encouraging (adjective) — giving someone confidence to speak or go on; bridle (noun) — the straps used to guide a horse; bounced (verb) — moved up and down with quick springs; chirrup (verb) — to make short cheerful chirping noises; office (noun) — a duty or task one is asked to perform; incontinently (adverb) — immediately and without restraint; wreck (noun) — someone ruined in health or spirits; atmosphere (noun) — the feeling or mood a person brings with them; freshness (noun) — healthy, lively energy; pitifully (adverb) — in a way that stirs deep pity; compelled (verb) — forced; wonderingly (adverb) — with puzzled amazement; fretted (verb) — worried aloud in a restless way; restless (adjective) — unable to stay still or calm; pace (verb) — to walk back and forth; whatsoever (adverb) — at all; of any kind; roused (verb) — stirred into awareness; breathlessly (adverb) — so eagerly that one can hardly breathe; agile (adjective) — quick and nimble in movement; soft-footed (adjective) — moving without making a sound; reluctant (adjective) — unwilling; unrelenting (adjective) — refusing to soften or give way; contracted (verb) — tightened or drew together; detail (noun) — a small individual fact.
Chapter 18: "I Tried Not to Be"
Before you read — think about:
- Sara has spent two years believing her father's friend was wicked. What would you need to hear to change your mind?
- Miss Minchin has treated Sara as worthless. How do you think she will behave when she learns the truth?
- Miss Amelia has stayed silent through everything. What might finally make a timid person speak?
- Becky's whole comfort has come through Sara. What will she be afraid of when the news reaches her?
- The chapter is titled with something Sara says. What sort of sentence begins with 'I tried not to be'?
Watch for these while reading:
- Donald's regret about the sixpence, and what it reveals about how near the search came.
- The first question Sara asks about Mr. Carrisford, before anything about money.
- Every argument Miss Minchin makes to get Sara back, and what each one is really about.
- Miss Amelia's outburst — she says three true things nobody has ever said aloud in that house.
- Where Becky goes at the end of the evening, and who is waiting there.
Vocabulary to know:
temporarily (adverb) — for a short time only; overpowering (adjective) — too strong to withstand; self-reproachful (adjective) — full of blame toward oneself; misled (verb) — led to believe something untrue; involuntarily (adverb) — without meaning to; automatically; astonishing (adjective) — extremely surprising; proprietress (noun) — a woman who owns a business; scrutiny (noun) — long, searching examination; forwardness (noun) — boldness that goes beyond one's place; desperate (adjective) — driven to reckless action by having no hope left; presumption (noun) — behavior that takes a liberty one has no right to take; amazed (adjective) — filled with astonishment; level-toned (adjective) — spoken in a steady, even voice; significance (noun) — importance or meaning; investments (noun) — money put into a business in hope of profit; recovered (verb) — got back something lost; retrieved (verb) — recovered or made good again; enormously (adverb) — to a very great degree; sly (adjective) — quietly mischievous; guardian (noun) — an adult legally responsible for a child; assured (adjective) — made certain and safe; tenfold (adverb) — ten times over; folly (noun) — foolishness; protested (verb) — objected strongly; interposed (verb) — interrupted to say something; appeal (verb) — to make an urgent request for a decision in one's favor; awkwardly (adverb) — in an uncomfortable, clumsy way; reddened (verb) — turned red in the face; firmness (noun) — steady, unyielding resolve; invitations (noun) — requests asking someone to visit; flinched (verb) — drew back from something painful; peppery (adjective) — quick-tempered; niece (noun) — the daughter of one's brother or sister; behalf (noun) — the interest or side of a particular person; undertaken (verb) — taken on as a responsibility; argued (verb) — stated a case in order to win a point; closeted (verb) — shut away privately with someone for a talk; mopped (verb) — wiped away moisture; reckless (adjective) — acting without caring about the consequences; grovel (verb) — to behave with humiliating submission; flush (noun) — a sudden redness in the face; salts (noun) — sharp-smelling crystals held under the nose to revive someone; custom (noun) — a usual habit or practice; babel (noun) — a confused noise of many voices at once; plaintively (adverb) — in a sad, complaining way; penetrated (verb) — passed through something; mystic (adjective) — mysterious and full of hidden meaning; blurring (verb) — making sight unclear; silentness (noun) — complete quietness of movement; attendant (noun) — a servant who waits on a particular person.
Chapter 19: Anne
Before you read — think about:
- Sara's story is now something people ask her to tell over and over. How does hardship sound different once it is safely in the past?
- Mr. Carrisford once said his wealth was a burden. What might change that?
- If you suddenly had more money than you needed, what is the first thing you would want to fix?
- The book's very last chapter is named after a character we barely met. Why might an author end that way?
- What would it take for a story about a rich girl who becomes poor and then rich again to be about more than money?
Watch for these while reading:
- Mr. Carrisford's version of the attic story — the same events told from the other side.
- The joke the two of them keep up, and the gift with an inscription on its collar.
- The one memory that still makes Sara go quiet by the fire.
- Exactly what Sara asks for when she is told she may have anything she likes.
- The last thing Sara offers Anne, and why that particular job.
Vocabulary to know:
reigned (verb) — ruled; here, filled a place completely; priceless (adjective) — so valuable it cannot be measured in money; astonished (adjective) — greatly surprised; prophesied (verb) — predicted what would happen; boarhound (noun) — a large hunting dog once used to hunt wild boar; inscription (noun) — words carved or engraved onto something; collar (noun) — a band worn round an animal's neck; rejoice (verb) — to be glad together; companion (noun) — someone whose company one shares; distract (verb) — to draw someone's attention away from their troubles; cheerless (adjective) — bleak and joyless; enlarged (verb) — expanded on an idea by adding more to it; childlike (adjective) — showing the simple delight of a child; invention (noun) — the making up of new ideas; frustrated (adjective) — prevented from succeeding; readiness (noun) — the state of being prepared; disastrous (adjective) — ending in ruin or disaster; lantern (noun) — a lamp with a case around the flame; tucked (verb) — pushed neatly into a hidden place; shade (verb) — to cover something to hide it from view; hesitated (verb) — paused before speaking or acting; proposal (noun) — a plan put forward for someone to agree to; waifs (noun) — homeless, neglected children; bills (noun) — written statements of money owed; counter (noun) — the long table in a shop where customers are served; good-natured (adjective) — kind and pleasant by disposition; accomplish (verb) — to carry something out successfully; wraps (noun) — outer coverings such as shawls and cloaks; belongings (noun) — the things a person owns and carries; conclusion (noun) — the end of something; rosier (adjective) — pinker and healthier-looking; afford (verb) — to have enough money for something; parlor (noun) — a small sitting room; decent (adjective) — honest and respectable; neatly (adjective) — tidily; clothed (verb) — dressed; willing (adjective) — ready and glad to work; instant (noun) — a moment.
About the Author
Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924) was born in Manchester, England, into a family that lost its money after her father died. When she was fifteen the family moved to Tennessee, where she began selling stories to magazines to help pay the household bills. She went on to become one of the most popular writers of her time on both sides of the Atlantic, best known today for three children's novels: Little Lord Fauntleroy, A Little Princess, and The Secret Garden. A Little Princess grew out of a shorter story she published in 1888 called Sara Crewe; years later she expanded it into the full-length novel readers know now, published in 1905.
The novel is set in London in the late 1800s, when Britain ruled a vast empire that included India, and it was common for British families working overseas to send their children home to English boarding schools. It was also a time of enormous distance between rich and poor: in the same city, a wealthy child might have a personal maid while a servant girl of fourteen worked from before dawn until after dark for meals and a bed in an attic. Burnett wrote during a wave of Victorian and Edwardian children's literature that took poverty and social class seriously, and A Little Princess belongs beside books like Oliver Twist and The Secret Garden in the way it asks readers to look closely at people the world overlooks.