Alcott’s classic American novel of the March girls lives during the Civil War, retold for younger readers The beloved story of the March girls is a classic American novel, and was first published in 1868. This is the charming story of the March girls–Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, and their wise and patient mother Marmee, describing the ups and downs of one eventful year in their family life spent enduring hardships and enjoying adventures in Civil War New England. This retelling has been shortened and illustrated for younger readers.