Beth Makes a Friend (Portraits of Little Women)

Beth Makes a Friend (Portraits of Little Women) by Pfeffer, Susan Beth. Hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780385325837.

Beth March would do just about anything to help someone in need. Shes kind-hearted, loyal, and caring. So when she catches Sean ONeill stealing apples from Aunt Marchs garden, Beth listens to the hungry boys sad story. Shes moved to hear that Seans widowed mother and younger siblings are immigrants from poverty-stricken Ireland. But times are hard in Massachusetts too. Seans mother has been ill and out of work, and with sisters and brothers to care for, Sean has had to scrape up food for them any way he can. Promising to help, Beth gives him whatever food and old clothes her family can spare. Its not enough. Beths big plan: stealing from wealthy Aunt March. But Seans own thieving forces Beth to question what being a true friend really means--and together they discover generosity in someone who seems the most cold-hearted.