Editor's Note: Yay we made it to the second newsletter!!! I am very happy to introduce a couple of new sections to our newsletter. Aside from the wonderful articles that you have already experienced, there are two new sections that will soon appear, as well as three new Staff Writers! In the next issue you will see Book Reviews, and a new "Dear Jo" section that will only work if you, as a reader, participate (you will find more information on the "Dear Jo" section later in the newsletter). We would like to welcome the new talented staff writers, which includes, Plumfielder, Tasha, and Tracy! We are very grateful for your help. It takes a lot of work from a lot of people get this newsletter out, even if it is only every other month. If you have any comments for the Staff Writers, feel free to send them to me and I'll be sure to pass them on. Although none of us can see the episodes of "Little Men" in the U.S. (Unless of course you have the episodes taped . .), the show can still live on in our hearts. I hope everyone has a very Happy New Year, and we'll see you again in March! :) If you would like to help write colums, or if you have any ideas for future newsletters, please e-mail me at littlemenfan@excite.com I hope that you will enjoy this newsletter, and all the newsletters to come. Until next time, ~Rachel G., Editor

Staff Rachel G. - Editor Sarah - Staff Writer Alesha - Staff Writer Arrow - Staff Writer Ruth C. - Staff Writer Plumfielder - Staff Writer Tasha - Staff Writer Tracy - Staff Writer

Coming Up Next: The next all-new episode, character, and movie reviews! An all new featured article! A new section for book reviews! A new fan-fiction story! More quotes, trivia, and photos!

Jo's Journal: By: Alesha Second Episode- "Quarantine" First Aired: Nov. 14, 1998 In Quarantine the Plumfield school contracts a mysterious disease and everyone seems to be falling sick, with the measles. When Marcus dies the school is put under Quarantine and guards block anyone from coming into the school. The school begins to run out of medicine which hits close to home for a lot of the kids because most of them have lost family through diseases like this one. Nick was sick and tired of seeing everyone so sick so he takes matters into his own hands and goes and gets more medicine so everyone will get better. Even though the way he went to get the medicine was not quite the way anyone would have planned it. The medicine arrives with no help from the guards and everyone gets cured. My opinion on this episode is that I enjoyed watching it. I don't have this one on tape so I'm going by memories. I really thought that the actors were sensitive to their characters and really brought the best of their characters out! I give this episode two thumbs up because that is all I have. :-)

The Conscience Book: By: Plumfielder Anthea "Nan" Harding Nan lost her mother when she was twelve. Her father decided he couldn't raise Nan by himself so he sent her to Plumfield to be under Jo's care. Nan is a tomboy; just as Jo was when Jo was younger. When she got to Plumfield she and Dan got lost in the woods racing. When Dan tripped and hurt his ankle they were stuck until the search party found them. Jo punished Nan by trying a rope around her and her bed. Nan had to stay tied up all day. Jo told Nan that it was a lesson of trust. After Nan got untied and said that it was her against the boys. Joe told Nan she knew how she felt. But that she, Jo, had people to confide in. That if Nan wanted they both could confide in each other. Nan nodded her head. That started an undying friendship. Nan decided she wanted to be an doctor when the school was quarantined with measles. When Nan was told that she could never become a doctor because she was a female. Jo helped her see to never give up her dreams. Nan started to really like Nat when they tired to get Dan and Bess to have their fist kiss. Nan and Nat ended up getting their first kiss up in the hay loaf. When Jo's niece Bess first arrived at Plumfield she and Nan didn't quite hit it off. Bess is this prime and proper lady and Nan is an tomboy. But when Bess fell into the water and Nan had to save her they mended up their difference and became best friends.

Photo of the Issue: Jo Bhaer

? Trivia Questions ? 1-What does Asia say to Doctor Pierce that will "do the trick" for Marcus' fever? 2-Who doesn't think they will get sick because they've had it before, developed a natural immunity, or is just plain lucky? 3-"Thanks Mrs. Jo. Tell them not to worry. I have you to take care of me." said by? 4-Where did Nan find the medical books and who's were they? 5-What book did the class have to read for school? 6-Who didn't finish in time? 7-After Nick leaves the pile of wood and Jo comes out, how many people have come down with the Measles so far? 8-What does Nat make for Asia? (for breakfast.) 9-What plants does Nan ask Jack and Emil for? 10-What wouldn't Nick come to see the sick boys, mainly Marcus? And who asks him? 11-What was Marcus' last name? 12-What does Nan use to make her remedy thicker? 13-"Or a kid!" said by? 14-What is the doctor's name that Dr. Pierce tells Nick to get the medicine for Jo from? Where is the doctor located? 15-What time does Jo say that Dr. Pierce will come to officially say the quarantine is over? *And the bonus question* 16-Name, in order, the people who come down with the Measles (main characters only). --Trivia Questions Done By: Tracy.

"Little Men" Movie review: by: Sara I had to look up some "Little Men" reviews out on the web to see what others thought about the 1997 version of Louisa May Alcott book "Little Men". Not one of them had anything good to say about the movie. Except Ebert http://www.suntime.com/ebert_reviews/1998/05/050803.html The reason why I surfed the net for the reviews is because I couldn't bear to re-watch the movie. I watched it when it first came out and I was sorely disappointed. Not in Mariel Hemingway who played Jo; or in Chris Sarandon who played Fritz; or in Michael Caloz who played Nat. Out of all three Michael Caloz was the most believable. He played Nat Blake like how Louisa wrote him. Mariel played a nice Jo but at times it wasn't believable. Chris played the ideal Fritz especially in the scene with Nat when Nat had to hit Fritz with the ruler. Casting Ben Cook as Dan was an mistake. Ben just wasn't believable as Dan. "Little Men" is the sequel to "Little Women". Jo and Fritz are married they have an son; Little Rob. They started a school at Plumfield; the land Jo's great aunt willed to her. The children included Tommy Bangs; Jack, Ned; Dolly. Nat comes and shows Jo and Fritz Laurie's note. After a few days Dan shows up and Jo and Fritz say yes to him attending the school. But trouble happens and Dan is forced to leave but he comes back and helps Nat out of a tough spot and almost has to leave for good. But in the end he gets to stay. He shows Jo how to handle him as he tames a horse. Give me the book over this movie any day. The show "Little Men" did an much better job at portraying Louisa May Alcott's classic children's book. You can find "Little Men" on VHS and DVD at your local video store. "Little Men" 1997 Jo Bhaer ................ Mariel Hemingway Fritz Bhaer .............. Chris Sarandon Nat Blake ................. Michael Caloz Dan ....................... Ben Cook Tommy Bangs............... Ricky Mabe Footnote: This review is only from one humble reviewer it is in no way the reflections of any other staff member of this magazine.

? Trivia Answers ? 1-Catnip Tea. 2-Dan, Asia, and Nan. 3-Marcus 4-Parlor, Fritz. 5-Pilgrim's Progress. 6-Emil. 7-Nine. 8-Tea, scrambled eggs, orange marmalade, and toast. 9-Golden seal, and Burdock. 10-Because his parents and sister died of a Influenza epidemic and it brought back memories. Nat asked him. 11-Carter. 12-Oatmeal. 13-Nat. 14-Dr. Blanchard, Bedford. 15-Noon. 16-Marcus, Franz, Tommy, Stuffy, Asia, Rob, Emil, Jack, and Jo.

* Trivia Quotes * 1-We're Free!! 2-You keep thinking you can find someone as good as Mr. Bhaer was, but you can't. 3-It's benevolence Bess, not torture. 4-The last she'll confide in are those she loves the most. 5-A girl can never have too many dresses. 6-The only subject she seems to excel in is running away. 7-I fell off my horse, I was drunk... Geez. 8-Mrs. Jo was trying to protect us, now we have to protect her. 9-I'll keep trying until I learn to keep my balance. And the featured quote of the month, is: 10-Class is canceled today.

The Life Of Louisa May Alcott By Ruth C. Part 2 - Later in 1865 Louisa traveled as a companion to the invalid Anna Weld in Europe. While in Europe she met a Polish youth by the name of Ladislas Wieniewski who later becomes a model for Laurie in Little Women. After she arrive back in Concord her book A Modern Mephistopheles or A Long Fatal Love Chase was rejected by her publisher as being "too sensational." The novel was later published in 1995 by Random House. In 1868 Louisa editorship of Merry's Museum, a periodical for children. That same year Thomas Niles of Roberts Brothers asked her to write a story for girls. Louisa have never written a novel for children decide to write a novel based on her own family. She made the whole March family based on her real family. The book end up being a almost over-night success. Louisa's character Jo March is in fact consider to be the first heroine in children literature to act on her own behalf and not be stereotyped. A year later she wrote Good Wives the sequel to Little Women which is consider to be the just to be part 2 of Little Women and most copy of Little Women have both book as one book. In the second part Louisa has Jo marry Professor Bhaer rather then Laurie because she didn't want her readers to grow up think Jo and Laurie got married. Louisa published another book called Old Fashion Girl and went abroad a with her sister May a in 1870. While in Italy she learned of the passing of way of Anna's husband John Pratt ( model for John Brook). She immediately began to write Little Men in order to help support her sister and two nephews. It was published after return a year later to Boston. Two year after the Little Men was published she published to more book Transcendental Wild Oats and Work. Work was almost as autobiographical as Little Women was. Louisa published Eight Cousins in 1875 and the sequel Rose in Bloom a year later. A year after having Rose in Bloom published Louisa published A Modern Mephistopheles which aside from A Long Fatal Love Chase, was her most ambitious work of sensation fiction. It is for all we know, the only such writing she produced during that decade. A year later Louisa sister May married a Swiss businessman by the name of Ernest Nieriker. That same year Under the Lilacs was published. Unfortunately six week after given birth her daughter a year later May passed away. Louisa after finding out start to prepared to adopt her niece who was named after her. Then in 1881 Jack and Jill was published Louisa May Nieriker (Lulu) arrives. Louisa treated Lulu as if she was her own daughter. Finally in 1886 Louisa last novel Jo's Boys was published the book took over two year to write. By this time Louisa had very ill and could not find any cure for what she had. Then two year later Louisa finally died two day after her father on March 6,1888. She made of have died but she left behind a legacy of books. She was true genius when it came to writing in the opinion of this writer, as well as a great person. She could possible be consider to be the female version of Dickens. I hope there are other out there who are reading the article write now that would agree with me about the statements I just made. All info came from the book The Portable Louisa May Alcott Edited by Elizabeth Lennox Heyser which is available at Waldenbooks stores a cross the country for $18. Trust me that a good prices. Waldenbooks is named after Walden pond in Concord Mass.

Nat's Corner - Review and Summary by: Arrow The first thing that usually attracts us to a piece of fan fiction is usually its title. Take this one for example. All Hollow's Eve. . the first picture that came to my mind when I came across this fan fic was a sweet homely picture with all the Plumfield children dressed up in scary costumes on a cold Hallow Eve's night. Pretty tempting by my standards . . of course, the fic wasn't exactly entirely like that; but the title did catch my attention and made me read it. The fic, once I read it . . turned out to be more interesting than what I had expected. Though it lacked some of the homely atmosphere it had one of the most captivating plot I had ever read. The story flowed. . which is an important element in fic writing (fan fiction or original) and overall all I have to say is that this fic is great. You've got to try it out. Summery: One cold night as the children of Plumfield sit around the living room table telling tales of ghosts and witches, Rob sees a face at the window. Who or what was it? And will a night at a spooky old haunted house end in tragedy? Part 1 - Something told her to stop. Jo had been busy with her nightly notations in the Conscience Book when something, a mother's instinct perhaps, told her to stop. She placed her pen into the inkwell and turned around. There was her little son Rob, eyes wide with fright, standing speechless in the doorway. Jo rushed over to the boy and embraced him. His body was trembling. "What's wrong, Rob?" she asked. Rob turned and pointed in direction of the parlor. "A ghost," he said. "A ghost in the window." Jo gave him a tighter hug and stroked his head. "It's all right," she reassured him. "Remember how I told you there are no such things as ghosts?" Rob seemed a bit calmer. He looked up at Jo. "You mean it's my 'magicnayshun?" "Yes," Jo said. "It's only your imagination." Rob gave a sigh. "I think it's bedtime," she said. "You get ready, and I will be right there with a nice story to tell you." Much relieved, Rob hugged his mother and ran off to bed. Jo marched straight for the parlor. She stood in the doorway with hands on hips and an indignant frown on her face. It was just what she had suspected: the parlor was darkened, and the older children were sitting around the fireplace telling ghost stories. Nan was in the middle of telling a tale when she caught sight of Jo. She paused and studied the look in her eyes. "Is something wrong, Mrs. Jo?" she asked. "Yes there is," Jo gave an exasperated sigh. "Haven't I asked you not to tell the younger children scary stories?" "We didn't," Dan replied. "Yeah," Tommy added. "It was just us here in the parlor." "Well, Rob must have overheard your taletelling," Jo continued. "The poor boy was frightened to death!" "We didn't know he was listening in," said Emil. "Honest!" "We were just trying to get into the mood for Hallowe'en," explained Nan. "In the future," Jo lectured, "please refrain from telling these types of stories until after the little ones are to bed. Now Rob thinks he saw a ghost in the parlor window." Everyone glanced over at the window in question. "It's just the curtains," Nan said. "I think this story hour should be concluded right now," Jo directed. "The remainder of the evening would be better spent reviewing lessons." The group obediently disbanded, although groans and grumbling were audible as each retired to his or her respective bedroom to settle down with a lesson book. Jo shook her head and sighed again, then headed to the kitchen to prepare milk and a cookie for Rob's bedtime treat. Part 2 - The morning sun blazed but produced little warmth; instead a crisp chill permeated everything. Multi-colored leaves were stirred by the breeze; the fields were barren now that the harvests had been completed. Fireplaces with logs aflame produced fragrant smoke which hung in the air. Autumn was definitely here to stay. Nan and Nat sat at the table and gazed lazily out the window. "Tomorrow is Hallowe'en," Nan remarked. "Yes, I am so excited," Nat replied. "Did Mrs. Jo say anything about a party this year?" "She hinted about something," said Nan. "Maybe Nick will give all of us a ride in the haywagon." "Nick won't be here," Nat noted. "He said he was going into town to meet with some of his former shipmates." "That's too bad," said Nan. "It would have been a lot of fun with him here." Nat said nothing, but sat there thinking. "We should do something different this year," he finally said. "Instead of the usual bobbing for apples and that stuff." Nan's face brightened with an almost mischievous grin. "I've got a wonderful idea!" "What?" "You know that old falling-down house over the ridge?" Nan explained. "We could wait until after dark and then go in there and tell our scary stories." "That sounds really creepy," Nat smiled. "Come on," Nan got up from her chair. "Let's tell everyone about our idea!" Nan proposed her plan to the others during the morning chores. Most of them agreed that it was a great idea. Except for Bess. "I'm not sitting in that filthy old house," she had said; this was a ruse to conceal the fact that the notion terrified her. "All right," Dan said. "The rest of us have agreed we will go. Bess, you are still welcome to join us. I'll protect you." Dan gave her a sly wink. "Maybe," was all she said. Tommy spoke up. "What about Mrs. Jo? You think she'll let us do something like that?" "I don't see why not," said Nan. "After all, she doesn't like us telling our stories in front of the younger children." "I don't think she'll let us go," said Emil. "Don't worry," Nan smiled. "I'll ask Mrs. Jo. Leave it all to me!" Part 3- The much anticipated evening had arrived. Having made full use of her usual charm, Nan had convinced Jo to let their group spend Hallowe'en night in the abandoned house. Mrs Bhaer had permitted it as long as they did not remain out too late. They were to dress warmly and be extremely careful with the lantern. Dan, Nat, Emil and Tommy rendezvoused with Nan and Bess on the front porch. From inside the house the joyous sounds of the younger children could be heard. Jo did not wish to subject the little ones to any brand of terrifying entertainment, so had arranged a small party with cookies, popcorn and apple cider for them. The group began their trek to the old house. Bess walked with them only as far as the barn, then had a sudden change of heart and dashed back home. The conditions were perfect for Hallowe'en. Moonlight cast ambiguous shadows among the trees, and the air was filled with the hoots of owls and odd unidentifiable noises. The wind occasionally wailed in the distance. This was a night that could send chills down the bravest spine. The deserted house looked even more ominous at night. The entrance, which long ago had lost its door, was but a void, a portal to some ghastly netherworld. Even the lantern beam could not penetrate its solid blackness. "Well," said Dan, "should we knock first, or just invite ourselves in?" He was met with wide-eyed stares and nervous coughing. "I'll go first," Nan volunteered, and stepped right up to the threshold. She turned to the others. "Come on! It's just an old house." Uneasy laugher followed. "Right," said Emil. "This is gonna be fun." They cautiously entered, floorboards groaning with every step. The feeble lantern light revealed only glimpses of the interior, but even then the state of disrepair was apparent. Something brushed across Nat's forehead and he jumped, sweeping away the offending cobwebs. "Let's sit near the front door," Tommy suggested, glancing anxiously about. "I say we go deep into the middle of the house," Dan said smoothly. "How about goin' upstairs? Then nobody can back out easily." "The stairs are this way," Nan said, and the others followed her. Dan moved to the forefront, lifting the lantern high, and they took one leery step after another up the staircase. A hallway opened atop the stairs. "We'll take the far bedroom," Dan directed. Reaching their destination, the five peered into the doorway. The room was strewn with debris and broken furniture. The only intact piece seemed to be an iron-framed bed, although the mattress had rotted years ago. "Make yourselves at home," Dan chuckled. He kicked away the shattered remnants of some unknown piece of furniture and set the lantern down. Everyone took their place in a circle around the light, sitting cross-legged on the floor. "It's story time," Nan smiled, and began her tale of the voice from the well. Emil followed with a story of a haunted lighthouse, Tommy related a legend of pirates' gold guarded by the ghosts of buccaneers. Nat had temporarily forgotten his story, so he passed his turn onto Dan. Dan had just begun his tale of a headless ghost, when a loud thump was heard downstairs. "What was that?" Nat turned quickly around. "Someone's in the house," said Emil. "It's probably just the wind," Tommy suggested nervously. "No, listen!" Emil instructed. "It's definitely the sound of footsteps." "Maybe Bess decided to join us after all," said Nan. "It's the Headless Ghost," Dan snickered. "That's not funny, Dan!" Nat snapped. "There really is someone down there." "And whoever it is," said Nan, noting the creak of the steps, "they're coming up here." Part 4- Dan, Emil, Nat, Nan and Tommy stood frozen along the wall, trying to be as still as possible. Every breath, every heartbeat, seemed to resound throughout the house. Dan had doused the lantern, hoping whoever it was would think the house unoccupied and would therefore leave. But their worst fears were becoming reality. The intruder had reached the top of the stairs and did not turn back. Everyone listened, growing ever more anxious as they heard ponderous footsteps echo down the hallway, pausing at each bedroom door. The stranger was obviously suspicious of someone being in the house, and was in the process of checking room by room. All eyes were fixed on the door. The amber glow of the lantern appeared on the wall of the passageway, creating shadows which swung to and fro with the gait of the light bearer. After what seemed an eternity, a shadowy form materialized in the doorway. Everyone gasped, except for Dan. He studied the approaching figure. There was something familiar about this person, even though the light cast oblique shadows which distorted his features. "Dan?" a voice questioned. "Will? Is that you?" Dan responded. Part 5- "Who are you?" Nan demanded. "Everybody, this is Will," said Dan. "An old friend from my street days in..." Will interrupted the introduction. "This ain't no friendly visit," he said. Nat swallowed and spoke next. "Will, it's good to see you again." "So we have Nat here, too," Will sneered. "Nat the Gnat. The bothersome little bug, as I liked to say." Nan was indignant. "Do you always talk to your friends this way?" "I ain't askin' your opinion, little girl," Will growled, and the children's terror intensified as they caught the reflection of light off a drawn pistol. "Will, is there something you want to talk about?" asked Dan, cautiously. "I'm lookin' for Nick Riley. Got a little present for him from Jasper," he replied, nodding toward the pistol. "Jasper?" Dan asked. "You've seen Jasper?" "Spent some time with him in the penitentiary, before I broke out," Will explained. "He told me about how Nick ambushed him and hauled him to the sheriff, and asked me if I'd do him a favor." "Jasper was robbing Mrs. Jo," Nan said. Will scowled at Nan. "I don't need you buttin' in while I'm talkin'." Dan took one bold step forward. "It's the truth, Will," he said. "He was gonna take Mrs. Jo's son with him as a hostage." "Stay right where you are," Will warned, raising the pistol a little higher. "We ain't friends no more, remember? You're to blame for this too." "How?" Dan challenged. "You shoulda just left with Jasper when he invited you to join him on his trip out West," replied Will. "He offered you free tickets and everything." "Things have changed," Dan explained. "I've decided it's more important to get a good education first." "As I well know," Will said. "I've been hiding out in this house for the past two days. Been watchin' and spyin' and waiting for an opportunity to pay Nick back. Saw you carrying schoolbooks for that prissy girl." "Her name is Bess," Dan frowned. "I even peeked into your house one night and saw you sittin' around telling stories," Will laughed sarcastically. "Rob's ghost in the window," Nan realized. Will glared at her. "Enough of this talkin"," Will continued. "Time to get the job done. One of you is gonna to lead me to Nick." "Nick ain't here," Dan said. "He went into town tonight." "You're lyin'!" Will growled. Nat found the courage to speak up. "It's true, Will. Nick is at the tavern right now with some of his old shipmates." Will paused, seeming to ponder Nat's answer. "I guess you're tellin' the truth. Nat wouldn't have the guts to lie to a man with a gun." "I told you we ain't lying," Dan said again, this time a bit more sternly. He took another step toward Will. Will pointed the pistol directly at Dan. "Stop right where you are, and no tricks. Nobody move! Except the girl, who's gonna accompany me into town." He kept his glowering eyes fixed on Nan as he stooped to set the lantern on the floor. Nan, glancing at the gun, reluctantly walked to the door and stood next to Will. How she wished she could speak her mind, but instead frowned and bit her lip. Will grabbed Nan's hair from behind and pointed the pistol toward her. She gasped, but did not struggle. "Don't get any ideas about following me, or Miss Magpie here will pay for your foolishness." He kicked over the lantern and backed out the door with the captive Nan. The pool of spilled oil instantly burst into flames. The boys stared in horror at the spreading fire. "We gotta get out of here!" Emil yelled. .....If you would like to read the end of the story, go to https://www.angelfire.com/nc/littlemenff/jonathan/allhallows1.html

* Trivia Quotes Answers * 1-Dan, Quarantine. 2-Dan, Tough Choices. 3-Dan, Philanthropy. 4-Laurie, Thanksgiving. 5-Amy, Looking Forward. 6-Jo, Changes. 7-Nick, Home For Christmas. 8-Dan, Civil Disobedience. 9-Nick, Father Figure. 10-Franz, Quarantine.

Do you have a problem that you can't talk to anyone about? Do you need advice, but you don't know who to turn to? INTRODUCING: "Dear Jo" A coulumn that gives advice without asking for any imformation, all for free! If you have a question, e-mail me at littlemenfan@excite.com, and I'll forward it to "Jo". Here are a few examples: Dear Jo: I am having trouble with this boy. He gets on my nerves a lot. He is always making fun at me and trying to get my temper up. What should I do? ~ Ready to pull out my hair Dear Ready to pull out my hair: Seems like this boy really likes you but doesn't know how to tell you. I say if it hurts your feelings when he makes fun of you just tell him and I'm sure he will stop. And, Dear Jo: I miss my father. Can you bring him back? Missing pappa. Dear missing pappa: Your pappa is in heaven looking down at you. It is all right to miss him but remember he is still in your heart and that he will always be there.

Be sure to check here next time, for an all new Book Review!!