Whether you vaguely remember reading it in school, loyally re-read it every year, or it’s that book you totally lie to your friends about having read when you only saw the Winona Ryder movie, everyone knows Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. But what is it? Is it simply classic? Is it YA? Is it classic YA?

It’s all of the above and it’s great.

But that being said, we feel Little Women deserves a lil more YA credit for its beloved tropes and stunning character arcs (*cough* Jo *cough*), so here are our top 5 reasons it’s time to get Little Women on the top of your YA TBR.

1. THE MOVIE IS COMING

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A post shared by Vanity Fair (@vanityfair) on Jun 19, 2019 at 6:02am PDT

The new Little Women movie is coming. And it stars not one, but TWO beloved faces from the 2017 film Lady Bird. And just LOOK AT THIS SHOT FROM THE MOVIE? We can’t wait. (+ EMMA WATSON!!!)

2. Jo March: YA Hero

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It’s no secret that Jo March has been a protagonist trailblazer since Little Women hit shelves in 1868. She’s no damsel in distress. She’s a passionate writer and an outspoken tomboy. She loves her family fiercely and cares deeply for her friends (even when they awkwardly propose to her.) She’s the original stubborn YA hero with groundbreaking ambition. Not to mention she utterly defies even the most beloved of tropes (because no one tells Jo what to do.) Which brings us to number 3…

3. Will they won’t they romance

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Oof. Heartbreaker. It’s not everyday we get a will they won’t they romance and it turns out they won’t. But in this case, it just makes us love Jo all the more (though our hearts ache for poor Laurie). She knows what’s best for her, and in this case, it isn’t the boy next door. Author Louisa May Alcott even wrote in her journal: “Girls write to ask who the little women marry, as if that was the only aim and end of a woman’s life,” Alcott wrote in her journal. “I won’t marry Jo to Laurie to please anyone.”

(also wow remember that time Christian Bale played Laurie?)

4. The quotes. THE QUOTES.

Favorites include: “I’d rather take coffee than compliments just now.” and “Let us be elegant or die!”

Like. What a mood.

5. Grab the tissues

One word: Beth.

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If you’re having trouble containing your excitement for the movie, give the book a read! Listen to the musical soundtrack! Make a shrine! We don’t judge.

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