130,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

Come visit us this weekend!πŸš€ Auckland Bookstore β€’ Open 7 days, 8:30am–5pm

Great or Nothing

3.78 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 2,006 ratings, 517 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Great or Nothing reimagines Louisa May Alcott's classic story, Little Women, during World War II. This novel focuses on the March sisters as they navigate a world at war, each coping with their grief and ambitions while finding strength in unexpected places. With narratives penned by Caroline Tung Richmond and Joy McCullough, the story explores themes of loss, change, and resilience in turbulent times.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2400
Elsewhere:
$2600
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you love dynamic retellings of classic stories. This children's book offers a fresh perspective on the timeless tale of Little Women, set against the backdrop of World War II. It weaves together themes of family, resilience, and sisterhood, making it perfect for readers who appreciate historical fiction with a modern twist.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A reimagining of Little Women set in 1942, when the United States is suddenly embroiled in the Second World War, this story, told from each March sister's point of view, is one of grief, love, and self-discovery.

In the fall of 1942, the United States is still reeling from the attack on Pearl Harbor. While the US starts sending troops to the front, the March family of Concord, Massachusetts, grieves their own enormous lossβ€”the death of daughter Beth.

Under the strain of their grief, Beth's remaining sisters fracture, each going their own way, with Jo nursing her wounds and building planes in Connecticut, Meg holding down the home front with Marmee, and Amy living a secret life as a Red Cross volunteer in Londonβ€”the same city where one Mr. Theodore Laurence is stationed as an army pilot.

Each March sister's point of view is written by a separate author, three in prose and Beth's in verse, still holding the family together from beyond the grave. Woven together, these threads tell a story of finding one's way in a world undergoing catastrophic change.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Great or Nothing is praised for its poignant and clever storytelling, offering a heartfelt exploration of family and sisterhood set against a World War II backdrop. Reviewers have found it an inventive retelling of Little Women, highlighting the sisters' unbreakable bonds and agency. The novel is deemed a must-read for fans of Louisa May Alcott, with its compelling character connections and wide appeal.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780593372623

Publisher: Random House USA Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 14 March 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Random House Inc

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 400

About the Author

Joy McCullough's debut YA novel Blood Water Paint was named to the National Book Award Longlist and was a finalist for the William C. Morris Debut Award. Her debut middle-grade novel, A Field Guide to Getting Lost, is a Junior Library Guild Selection. She writes books from her home in the Seattle area, where she lives with her husband and two children. Caroline Tung Richmond is the award-winning author of The Only Thing to Fear, The Darkest Hour, and Hungry Hearts. She is also the program director of We Need Diverse Books. A self-proclaimed history nerd and cookie connoisseur, Caroline lives in Maryland with her family. Tess Sharpe lives deep in the backwoods with a pack of dogs. She is the author of many books for children, teens, and adults, including the critically acclaimed YA novel Far From You and the Jurassic World prequel The Evolution of Claire. She is also the co-editor of Toil & Trouble, a feminist anthology about witches. Jessica Spotswood is the author of the fantasy trilogy The Cahill Witch Chronicles and the contemporary novels Wild Swans and The Last Summer of the Garrett Girls. She is the editor of A Tyranny of Petticoats and The Radical Element and co-editor of Toil & Trouble. Jess lives in Washington, DC, where she works for the DC Public Library.

Also by Caroline Tung Richmond

View all
  • Hungry Hearts
    β€œA brilliant multicultural collection that reminds readers that stories about food are rarely just about the food alone.” β€”Kirkus Reviews (starred review) A stunning collection of short stories about the intersection of family, culture, and food in the lives of teens, from bestselling and critically acclaimed authors, including Sandhya Menon, Anna-Marie McLemore, and Rin Chupeco. A shy teenager attempts to...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

Also by Joy McCullough

View all
  • Enter the Body
    In the room beneath a stage's trapdoor, Shakespeare's dead teenage girlsβ€”Juliet, Ophelia, Cordelia, and othersβ€”compare their experiences and retell the stories of their lives in their own terms. Enter the Body is "at once tender, poetic and ferocious," breathing new life into the Bard's most tragic heroines. More than a tribute to Shakespeare, this kaleidoscopic, ambitious novel-in-verse gives Juliet, Ophelia,...
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • We Are the Ashes, We Are the Fire
    From the author of the acclaimed Blood Water Paint, comes a new contemporary YA novel in prose and verse about a girl struggling with guilt and a desire for revenge after her sister's rapist escapes with no prison time. Em Morales's older sister was raped by another student after a frat party. A jury eventually found the rapist guilty on...
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2300
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Jojo vs. Middle School
    After having hilariously terrible first days of sixth grade, four girls vow to ride out the super highs and cringe-worthy lows of middle school together, no matter how awkward it gets, in this first book in the Team Awkward middle grade series. Jojo vs. Middle School follows Jojo, who has everything planned out for the perfect first day of middle...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Leah vs. Art
    Leah’s ambitious extracurricular plans cause trouble in this second book in the Team Awkward middle grade series that’s The Baby-Sitters Club meets Dork Diaries. How organized, driven Leah was born into her family, she’ll never know. They’re as different as can be. For example, while she’s trying to finish unpacking boxes from their move and get to bed at a...
    Paperback
    $1799
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Everything Is Poison
    Everything Is Poison is a historical YA novel in prose and verse from New York Times bestselling author Joy McCullough, now available in paperback! This gripping historical narrative reveals a deadly secret lurking in plain sight and follows the courageous women who risk everything to care for those with nowhere else to turn. It's perfect for fans of Blood Water...
    Paperback
    $2600
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Basil & Dahlia
    Two orphan siblings with truly terrible luck battle an evil celebrity chef in this β€œbitingly humorous and appealingly weird” (Publishers Weekly) illustrated middle-grade romp in the vein of A Series of Unfortunate Events. It’s hard to imagine things could get worse after one’s parents die in a greenhouse explosion. But that is precisely what happens to Basil and his younger...
    Paperback
    $2099
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • How to Train Your Evil Robot
    A hilarious and thought-provoking picture book for ages 4-8 that uses a tiny would-be villain to explore the promise and pitfalls of artificial intelligence, blending comic book-style fun with big questions about technology, empathy, and what it means to be human. He's three inches tall. He has enormous plans. And he's about to learn a very important lesson. How to...
    Hardback
    $2800
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Code Red
    In the spirit of Judy Blume, this β€œcharacter-driven, thought-provoking, often funny, and, above all, timely” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) middle grade novel celebrates finding yourself, making new friends, and standing up for what’s right as a girl becomes involved in menstrual activism. Ever since a career-ending injury, former elite gymnast Eden has been feeling lost. To add insult to actual...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • The Story of a Book
    A gorgeous, joyful picture book following the lifespan of a book as it comes across different readersβ€”and creates a kind of magic along the way.A new book is fresh ink on crisp pages never opened the words inside just waiting to be read. An incredible journey begins for every person who turns the pages. Together, book and reader make a...
    Hardback
    Sold Out

More from Children's Books

View all
  • New Release
    Gruffalo Granny
    The brand new Gruffalo picture book from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The Gruffalo said to his daughter one day, "Your Gruffalo Granny is coming to stay." Return to the deep dark wood with the first new Gruffalo story in over 20 years, and meet Gruffalo Granny as she visits the Gruffalo family. This fresh and exciting new Gruffalo adventure...
    Hardback
    $2499
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Detective Beans Colouring Club
    New Release
    Detective Beans Colouring Club
    Help Detective Beans solve the case of the missing colours! Join the Colouring Club now! Join the Detective Beans Colouring Club! Inside you'll find 40 removable colouring pages featuring scenes from all over Cat Town. Filled with all the characters you know and love from the Detective Beans graphic novels like Biscuits, Beans' mum, Mr Brickle, Bear, Detective Baby Bird...
    By Li Chen
    Paperback
    $1799
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Wahine
    New Release
    Wahine
    From a majestic mermaid to a clay woman, the creator of glaciers to the mother of gardening, discover powerful wahine and how their stories shaped the world around us. Wahine introduces readers to twelve purakau of brave, bold, and inspiring women of Aotearoa. A beautifully illustrated collection that will delight the whole whanau, from award-winning illustrator Isobel Joy Te Aho-White....
    Hardback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    The Sixth Faction
    Beatrice Prior stands on the brink of a decision every person in her world must make: five factions, five futures, five lives. She has a plan: she's going to make the bravest choice, and leave Abnegation behind to join Dauntless, even though it means leaving her family behind. But when tragedy strikes at her Choosing Ceremony, everything changesβ€”her world, her...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3499
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    Lottie Brooks’s Twelve Disasters of Christmas
    From hilarious MEGA bestselling author, Katie Kirby, comes a new story collection from the world of Lottie Brooks! But this time... it's not about Lottie! From hilarious MEGA bestselling author, Katie Kirby, comes a new story collection from the world of Lottie Brooks! And it's CHRISTMAS! In The Completely Chaotic Christmas of Lottie Brooks we spent the holiday season with...
    Paperback
    $1799
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Matihe! Achoo! Matihe! Achoo!
    New Release
    Matihe! Achoo!
    What happens when a grumpy tupua has to sneeze? Matihe! Achoo! is a bilingual story about the tupua Mataoho and his connection to the volcanoes of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. It comes with an action song to engage young readers! He pūrākau e pā ana ki a Mataoho me ngā puia o Takamaki Makaurau. He tupua pukukino a Mataoho e noho...
    Paperback
    $1899
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Sweet As Looky Book
    Can you find all the chocolate fish? Is it possible for kiwi to fly? Can you spot the difference? See Aotearoa New Zealand through the eyes of award-winning artist Donovan Bixley in The Sweet As Looky Book. Use your finest skills to seek out pirates in the Bay of Islands and birds in Rakiura Stewart Island. Get in a car...
    Hardback
    $2299
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    Backorder
    Ships late October
  • Pocket Observology
    New Release
    Pocket Observology
    Pocket Observology is a practical field guide designed for those who love to explore and understand the natural world around them. Slip this guide out of your pocket to identify, measure, compare, or find clues to the things you encounter every day in nature. This pocket guide is a useful tool and a fun reminder of how to engage with...
    Paperback
    $2399
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    The Day of the Dinosaur Disaster
    Angry anacondas, blizzarding blobs, carnivorous cactuses ... what kind of twisted curse will Glam-Evil think up this time?!Only it's not just Glam-Evil's curse the gang needs to worry about; they've got a few other problems, too. Swooping Pteranodons, a hungry T-Rex, a missing mother, and ... is that ... an ASTEROID?!Join MILES AND JONES as they face their biggest challenge...
    Paperback
    $1400
    Elsewhere:
    $1499
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    The Neverfear
    A world of richly-imagined wonder Cressida Cowell It’s the Midsummer Feast on the Islet of Glimt and on this magical moonlit evening, the word on everyone’s lips is bandits. Reports of masked men burning villages are spreading throughout the Archipelago, but worse is still to come: Christopher and Anya are ambushed and one of the people they love most is...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    Mari the Unwonderful Witch
    A charming, cosy and thought-provoking tale about a wonderfully unconventional little witch, by bestselling author of BUTTER, Asako Yuzuki. Perfect for fans of WICKED, KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE, and THE HATMAKERS series by Tamzin Merchant - and anyone who likes an enchanting adventure with just a hint of mischief. Mari the Unwonderful Witch introduces us to Mari, an eleven-year-old witch who...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    Animalia 40th Anniversary Edition
    A beautiful, foiled collector's edition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Graeme Base's classic and bestselling Australian picture book, Animalia. Embark on a fantastical alphabetic adventure where each turn of the page unveils a rich tapestry of intricate illustrations tied to a unique letter of the alphabet. More than 5 million copies sold worldwide Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA)...
    Hardback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.