Five Little Peppers and How They Grew

By Margaret Sidney

Discover the trials and triumphs of the Pepper family.

6.0/7 Bookroo expert·4.0/5 Goodreads · 24,230 ratings

352 pages· 68,945 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

In stock — ships from Bookroo. Also at Amazon.

Bookroo's summary

In a world where every penny counts, the Pepper family faces daily challenges with unwavering spirit. As they navigate life's hardships, their bond grows stronger, revealing the power of love and resilience. What trials will test their unity, and how will they find joy amidst adversity? Join the Peppers on a heartwarming journey of hope and determination, where each day brings new adventures and unexpected surprises. Will their dreams of a better future come true, or will life's obstacles prove too great? Dive into their story and find out.

"Said her mother . . . 'Never say you can't, Polly, 'cause you don't know what you can do till you've tried.'"

— from the book

From the publisher

A heartwarming classic that has delighted families for over a century, Five Little Peppers and How They Grew is now presented as a beautiful Bookroo Custom Edition with an updated, inviting cover and spine while keeping all the original warmth and charm. In a cozy little green house, the five lively Pepper children—Mopsy, Polly, Joel, Davie, and tiny Phronsie—along with their devoted mother, turn everyday challenges into adventures, finding joy in the simplest things. Margaret Sidney’s spirited tale perfectly captures the essence and delight of childhood, and its timeless message of kindness, hard work, and family togetherness makes this enchanting chapter book ideal for cozy read-alouds and early readers. Step inside the Peppers’ little green house—where laughter, love, and childhood wonder make even the humblest days feel rich and bright.

At a glance

Format
Pages: 352
Words: 68,945
Reading age: 9–12
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 860L

Themes & topics

Books about family life Books about childhood Books about siblings Books about history Books about family

For the grown-ups

The parent guide

What families may want to know

Every family reads differently. These are the concepts our editors noticed in this book — worth seeking out for some readers, worth knowing about for others. The list isn't exhaustive, but it's a spoiler-light head start.

Religious Leanings

This book contains multiple inclusions of family members saying prayers and the mother and neighbors giving thanks to the Lord for help. This story also features a friend who finds out that the main family, the Peppers, have never had a Christmas due to being poor, and sets up a Christmas for them with gifts and surprises. One of the older siblings dresses up like and plays Santa for the younger siblings.

Serious Subject Matter

This book contains one instance where a sibling is referred to as another siblings slave ("Master Joe's slave") while the sibling, Joe, was sick with the measles.

After the last page

Talk about it together

The five Pepper siblings are all unique, but their love for each other unites them. What do you admire most about the Pepper siblings?

The Pepper family grows up not having much in terms of wealth. How do you think that's impacted their character?

What readers & critics say

Reviews

6.0

out of 7

6.0

“Margaret Sidney excels in her ability to create lovable characters that, even with a slightly ordinary setting, create a beautiful setting to pull the reader in and wish you were sitting around the fire, telling stories with the kids in the little brown house. I love how this story shows that beauty, magic, and true happiness are found without money or prestige, as well as the joy from family (and neighbors who are just like family).”

B is for Bookworm

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one