It has been ten years since Jo and her husband founded their school for orphans. The first of Jo's boys are now young men, making their way in the world. Nat is a musician, touring Europe and prone to romantic entanglements.

Emil is a sailor, surviving shipwreck and disaster. Dan is looking for adventure, but finding only trouble. Through life's highs and lows, they will always be welcomed with open arms at Plumfield, for no matter how many years go by, they will always be Jo's boys.

Also available in Virago Children's Classics are Little Women, Good Wives and Little Men.