
Aunt Jo's Scrap Bag
Published by Little, Brown & Company in 1911, this edition of Aunt Jo’s Scrap Bag is a curated collection of short stories originally written by Louisa May Alcott across six volumes from the 1870s. Written under the affectionate persona of "Aunt Jo"—a nod to Jo March from Little Women—the stories blend fiction, memoir, and moral reflection, offering young readers a patchwork of adventure, kindness, and life lessons. The 1911 volume includes tales designed to amuse and instruct, ranging from lighthearted mischief to poignant accounts of sacrifice and resilience. Set in various locales, including New England villages and foreign lands Alcott visited, the stories highlight themes such as charity, courage, humility, and familial love. Characters include brave children, selfless mothers, travelers, and those on the margins of society, all portrayed with empathy and Alcott’s signature narrative warmth. The tone is intimate and conversational, as if Aunt Jo were sharing these stories dire