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TL;DR: Sara Crewe, the daughter of a rich officer, is a star pupil at Miss Minchin's boarding school in London. When her father dies penniless, Sara is forced into the attic and made a servant. She keeps her kindness and imagination, pretending to be a princess, until a mysterious neighbor changes her fortune.
Table of Contents
A Little Princess at a Glance
| Author | Frances Hodgson Burnett |
| First published | 1905 |
| Type | Novel |
| Best for | young readers who want a warm classic about kindness in hard times |
A Little Princess is a novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, published in 1905 and based on her earlier story Sara Crewe. Burnett also wrote The Secret Garden. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes the death of a parent and child mistreatment.
Main Characters
- Sara Crewe: A kind, imaginative girl who acts like a princess in any situation.
- Miss Minchin: The cold, greedy head of the school.
- Becky: A poor scullery maid who becomes Sara's friend.
- Ermengarde: Sara's loyal, slow-learning friend.
- Mr. Carrisford: Captain Crewe's friend who lives next door.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Arrival
Captain Crewe brings seven-year-old Sara from India to Miss Minchin's school in London. Sara is treated as a showpiece pupil because of her wealth. She befriends shy Ermengarde, little Lottie and the overworked maid Becky, and tells wonderful stories.
The birthday
At her eleventh birthday party, news arrives that Captain Crewe has died of fever after losing his fortune in a diamond mine scheme. Miss Minchin, furious about unpaid bills, forces Sara to live in the attic and work as a servant.
Hard times
Sara is overworked, underfed and mocked. She stays polite and generous, pretending to be a princess to keep up her spirits. She shares food with Becky, and once gives away most of her buns to a starving girl.
Magic in the attic
A wealthy, ill gentleman moves in next door with his Indian servant, Ram Dass. Secretly, they fill Sara's attic with warm blankets, food and a fire. Sara and Becky feel as if magic has happened.
The ending
The gentleman, Mr. Carrisford, was Captain Crewe's partner, who has been searching for Sara. The diamond mines turned out to be rich after all. He discovers that Sara is the girl next door and takes her in. Sara becomes wealthy again and brings Becky with her as her companion.
5 Key Takeaways
- True character shows in hard times.
- Kindness costs little but means everything.
- Imagination can be a source of strength.
- Wealth does not define worth.
- Generosity can be repaid in unexpected ways.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Even in rags, a person can be a princess inside.
- It is easy to be kind when you have everything.
- Pretending can help us endure.
Who Should Read A Little Princess?
Read A Little Princess if you want a heartwarming classic. It suits readers aged 8 and up and makes a lovely read-aloud.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of A Little Princess:
- What makes Sara a “princess”?
- Is Miss Minchin purely cruel?
- How does imagination help Sara?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether A Little Princess is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of A Little Princess, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
If the summary caught your interest, read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a book work or not.
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What to Read Next
- The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett: Burnett's other great classic
- Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery: another imaginative orphan
- Heidi by Johanna Spyri: a kind girl who changes lives
Related: 15 Books Like A Little Princess You’ll Love · The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett: Summary and Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Little Princess about?
A wealthy girl becomes a servant after her father's death but keeps her kindness.
Who wrote A Little Princess?
Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Who is Becky?
A poor maid who becomes Sara's friend.
Who is Mr. Carrisford?
Her father's partner, who rescues her.
Does Sara get her fortune back?
Yes. The diamond mines prove valuable.
What age is it for?
About 8 and up.
Is there a film?
Yes, including the 1995 film by Alfonso Cuarón.
How long is it?
About 250 pages.
Who is Ram Dass?
Mr. Carrisford's Indian servant, who secretly brings comforts to Sara's attic.
Who are the main characters in A Little Princess?
The main characters are Sara Crewe, Miss Minchin, Becky, Ermengarde and Mr. Carrisford. Sara Crewe: A kind, imaginative girl who acts like a princess in any situation. Miss Minchin: The cold, greedy head of the school. Becky: A poor scullery maid who becomes Sara's friend.
Is A Little Princess worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for young readers who want a warm classic about kindness in hard times. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.