Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
South Dakota Historical Society Press (2014), Edition: Fifth printing, 472 pages
Description
Follows the Ingalls family's journey through Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, back to Minnesota, and on to Dakota Territory, examining sixteen years of travels, unforgettable experiences, and the everyday people who became immortal through Wilder's fiction. Using additional manuscripts, letters, photographs, newspapers, and other sources, Wilder biographer Pamela Smith Hill adds context and leads readers through Wilder's growth as a writer.
User reviews
LibraryThing member japaul22
Pioneer Girl is the previously unpublished autobiography that Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote first, before her famous Little House on the Prairie series. It was intended for an adult audience. She wrote it in her 60s and her adult daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, who was an established writer edited in for
I loved the Little House on the Prairie books as a child and read them multiple times so I knew this book would be right up my alley. It's so interesting to see how Wilder grew as a writer. This book is choppy; the sentences are short and there are no transitions between scenes. However, the stories are still fascinating and the characterization fairly strong, especially of Laura herself. Her personality shines through her writing even though you can sense that she's trying to make it less a memoir about herself and more a retelling of her family's experience in blazing a trail west and their pioneer spirit. Also already present is her palpable love of the land. Some of her setting descriptions are beautiful and capture the setting perfectly.
I absolutely loved reading this and highly recommend it to Laura Ingalls Wilder fans.
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her and sent it around to publishers. The book was not accepted by any publishers, though it was suggested that the childhood material was strong and she might turn it into a children's book. The rejected manuscript became the source material for Wilder to create her seven book children's series. This book is heavily annotated with information about the people she mentions, additional information about prairie life, corrections to dates or chronology that she misremembered, and lots of comparisons to the series she created - pointing out where she fictionalized and where she stuck to hard facts. I loved the Little House on the Prairie books as a child and read them multiple times so I knew this book would be right up my alley. It's so interesting to see how Wilder grew as a writer. This book is choppy; the sentences are short and there are no transitions between scenes. However, the stories are still fascinating and the characterization fairly strong, especially of Laura herself. Her personality shines through her writing even though you can sense that she's trying to make it less a memoir about herself and more a retelling of her family's experience in blazing a trail west and their pioneer spirit. Also already present is her palpable love of the land. Some of her setting descriptions are beautiful and capture the setting perfectly.
I absolutely loved reading this and highly recommend it to Laura Ingalls Wilder fans.
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LibraryThing member jwood652
Read the story of Laura Ingalls Wilder's life, from which her beloved fictional books are derived!
Initially it is daunting because the book is physically large and it takes getting used to the extensive annotations, but well worth reading! This book appeals to Wilder fans, of both her books and
Being a history minor in college, and having loved the tv series, I intend to accept the offer to let me borrow my granddaughter's set of Wilder's books!!
Initially it is daunting because the book is physically large and it takes getting used to the extensive annotations, but well worth reading! This book appeals to Wilder fans, of both her books and
Show More
the tv show! It is also very interesting to the historically inclined! The annotations refer to the areas that are adapted to the fictional stories and give historical background and comments. Though often off chronologically, it really gives a feel for pioneer life, daily life and the hardships endured. Being a history minor in college, and having loved the tv series, I intend to accept the offer to let me borrow my granddaughter's set of Wilder's books!!
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LibraryThing member BoundTogetherForGood
First off, I'm incredibly pleased to find that Laura really did affectionately dub Almonzo "Manly", for she felt his former nickname of "Manzo" unsuitable.
Secondly, I'll note that I read "Writings to Young Women from Laura Ingalls Wilder - Volume One: On Wisdom and Virtues" in November 2006. My
Secondly, I'll note that I read "Writings to Young Women from Laura Ingalls Wilder - Volume One: On Wisdom and Virtues" in November 2006. My
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interest in Laura's life isn't new. Show Less
LibraryThing member cm37107
Autobiography of one of the most beloved American writers of pioneers and adventure.
LibraryThing member harleyqgrayson02
This book was very interesting. The book is the original draft of what became the little house books. It also has facts and pictures that I didn't know about or have never seen before.
LibraryThing member chrirob
I have only gotten through about a quarter of the book, but so far I love it! Anyone interested in Laura Ingalls Wilder, her daughter Rose Wilder Lane, and their collaboration in creating the Little House books must read this book. I never knew there were so many different copies of Pioneer Girl
If you like this your should definately read A Ghost in the Little House by William Holtz.
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and it is very interesting to read about the changes that took place from the first copy to the publication of the Little House books. Wonderful book so far!!!If you like this your should definately read A Ghost in the Little House by William Holtz.
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LibraryThing member iBeth
I was worried that I hadn't read the Little House books recently enough to appreciate all of the information in Pioneer Girl, but that turned out not to be the case. The annotations in this book explain how the events were (or weren't) adapted for the children's novels. It was slow-going to read
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all the annotations, mostly because there were so many of them, but I definitely enjoyed seeing Wilder's original memoir. Show Less
LibraryThing member hobbitprincess
This lovely book is a must-have for fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder. When reading this, however, put aside what's been read in the children's series, and definitely set aside memories of the television series. Here are the writings of someone remembering her childhood and days as a child of pioneers.
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It is not sugar-coated. It is, however, an interesting account of a family who is brave enough to live in a new territory. The writing itself is interesting to read, and the annotations (and there are many!) add to the memoir by filling in missing pieces. The book will take a while to read, but the time is well-spent. Show Less
LibraryThing member Momm2five
So far, it has been an interesting read. I'm glad I am reading it as an adult . . . far removed from my Little House obsessed younger self. The backstory for the Little House on the Prairie is fascinating.
LibraryThing member ShawnMarie
For Laura Ingalls Wilder fans who read the books and didn't live by the TV show this is the best book ever. Tons of research and supporting documentation it gives you the true account of how her life really was. I have to admit I was disappointed to learn the truth in some cases but she still was a
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remarkable writer and I don't regret for a moment the hours I spent reading her books as a child. I've loaned this gorgeous book to my other Laura-loving friends and they are enjoying it as much as I did. Show Less
LibraryThing member sdbookhound
Pioneer Girl is a must have for the true Laura Ingalls Wilder enthusiast. It is filled with all kinds of extra details about Laura and the people she encountered throughout her story. These details really give the reader a clear picture of the times she lived in.
Laura's original text is interesting
Just a tip: I started trying to read Laura's text and the notes at the same time, going back and forth between the two. A little way in I decided to go back and start over and read Laura's text straight through. I then went back and read the notes. This was easier for me.
I highly recommend this book. It was well worth the wait.
Laura's original text is interesting
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to read and observe the differences from the her Little House books that we are all familiar with. Just a tip: I started trying to read Laura's text and the notes at the same time, going back and forth between the two. A little way in I decided to go back and start over and read Laura's text straight through. I then went back and read the notes. This was easier for me.
I highly recommend this book. It was well worth the wait.
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LibraryThing member magid
I enjoyed reading this book, having grown up reading the Little House books over and over, but was also saddened to find out how much of the books were not quite true (though also interesting to hear how young she was when some things happened). The annotation was impressive, as was the forward
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explaining the differences between the editions of the manuscript. Definitely worth reading. Show Less
LibraryThing member mom2acat
This autobiography is the first attempt by Laura Ingalls Wilder to tell her life story, written even before the Little House series of books, but it is her last book-length manuscript to ever be printed. It reveals the true stories behind the events that took place in the Little House books, and
Adding to memoir are census data, newspaper reports, photos, and other historical documents. The editor did a very thorough job with her research and her extensive notes throughout the autobiography. Some readers may feel this bogs the story down, but for fans of the Little House series of books, or those who just want to know more about the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder, this is a fascinating read.
A lot of what was left out of the children's books were subjects that at least back at the time when the books were published, were subjects considered to be "not appropriate" for children, such as divorce (one of Laura's aunts was divorced), Laura being nearly molested at the age of 13 (Laura was staying with another family at the time to help the mother with her housework and other children), and a neighbor having a baby out of wedlock. So, her life was not as "wholesome" as pictured in the Little House books, but it sure was interesting! But learning about the darker side of her life does not, in my opinion, take away from the enjoyment of the series of the Little House books. The Little House series of books were favorites of mine when I was a girl, and the first "chapter books" I remember reading.
My favorite part of Pioneer Girl was reading about Laura and Almanzo's courtship; not nearly as drama filled as depicted in the TV series, but it was very sweet and realistic. Of course, for TV, "sweet and realistic" are not what a lot of people consider to be interesting television.
I highly recommend this book for fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Little House series of books.
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also the many true stories that were left out for one reason or another.Adding to memoir are census data, newspaper reports, photos, and other historical documents. The editor did a very thorough job with her research and her extensive notes throughout the autobiography. Some readers may feel this bogs the story down, but for fans of the Little House series of books, or those who just want to know more about the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder, this is a fascinating read.
A lot of what was left out of the children's books were subjects that at least back at the time when the books were published, were subjects considered to be "not appropriate" for children, such as divorce (one of Laura's aunts was divorced), Laura being nearly molested at the age of 13 (Laura was staying with another family at the time to help the mother with her housework and other children), and a neighbor having a baby out of wedlock. So, her life was not as "wholesome" as pictured in the Little House books, but it sure was interesting! But learning about the darker side of her life does not, in my opinion, take away from the enjoyment of the series of the Little House books. The Little House series of books were favorites of mine when I was a girl, and the first "chapter books" I remember reading.
My favorite part of Pioneer Girl was reading about Laura and Almanzo's courtship; not nearly as drama filled as depicted in the TV series, but it was very sweet and realistic. Of course, for TV, "sweet and realistic" are not what a lot of people consider to be interesting television.
I highly recommend this book for fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Little House series of books.
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LibraryThing member barefeet4
I thoroughly enjoyed this book though the I was having some issue figuring out chronology and remembering what state they were currently living in. I was a little disappointed to learn how much the truth is stretched/modified in the Little House books.
LibraryThing member sallylou61
Pioneer Girl: the Annotated Autobiography by Laura Ingalls Wilder, edited by Pamela Smith Hill, is a beautiful book on good quality paper. Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote this autobiography of her childhood through her wedding day when she was in her 60s, many years after the events occurred. However,
Unfortunately, Ms. Hill does not provide any family trees for the Ingalls or Wilder families, and once she has identified a person, does not identify him/her again. Even if the person is a minor character; the reader must go to the index to find the page on which the note appeared. Moreover, in her annotations, Ms. Hill refers to Laura as “Wilder” instead of Laura even though the text is about Laura before she was married. Especially since there are other Wilders in the story, this practice is cumbersome for the reader.
A must read for serious fans and scholars of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Highly recommended.
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she wrote Pioneer Girl prior to writing her Little House books. Ms. Hill, who had already written a biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder, did a tremendous amount of research for this book; her annotations make up more of the textual material than the autobiography itself. Ms. Hill compares the autobiography to the fictional Little House books saying what is the same and how an event is treated differently, identifies all the people mentioned by Laura in her autobiography (or says that she is unable to identify them), compares Laura's account to actual historical events which occurred in the place being discussed and states when Laura gets an event or sequence of events incorrect, and even identifies the songs and birds, etc., mentioned by Laura. The book contains numerous illustrations – both photographs of the people and places discussed and illustrations from the Little House books. Unfortunately, Ms. Hill does not provide any family trees for the Ingalls or Wilder families, and once she has identified a person, does not identify him/her again. Even if the person is a minor character; the reader must go to the index to find the page on which the note appeared. Moreover, in her annotations, Ms. Hill refers to Laura as “Wilder” instead of Laura even though the text is about Laura before she was married. Especially since there are other Wilders in the story, this practice is cumbersome for the reader.
A must read for serious fans and scholars of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member kathleen586
I'm so glad I was able to read this. It was very interesting to compare it to the published Little House books and see how they differ. One significant difference is Pioneer Girl includes the 3-4 years in between On the Banks of Plum Creek and By the Shores of Silver Lake. Since I've read several
Other things I noticed:
* Laura learns to knit at 3-4 years old, but soon gets tired of it.
* Laura learns to read at the same time as Mary, when she is about 4 years old. In the series, Laura is 7 years old before she learns to read.
* Ma and the girls visit Aunt Martha and her children—I think this should have gone into Little House in the Big Woods!
* Laura learns how to milk a cow from Mrs. Nelson, which is why she already knows how when Pa purchases a cow.
* Sunday School picnic in Walnut Grove—Laura and Mary can't eat any dessert because they didn't know it cost extra money. They had brought a lemon pie, but the teachers held it back for themselves and the girls couldn't eat it.
* Laura's cousin Gene's name is spelled correctly—I don't know why it was spelled "Jean" in the series!
* The Ingalls family has a boarder, Walter Odgen, while they are living in the Surveyors' House.
* Christmas in the Surveyors' House—they have different Christmas presents
* During the Hard Winter, a young couple named George and Maggie Masters stay with the Ingalls family. I'm glad they weren't put into The Long Winter—it is better without them.
*Pa actually shoots one of the antelope, and the townspeople share it
* Some people stay with Laura, Carrie, and Grace while Pa and Ma take Mary to Iowa. I'm glad they weren't put into the book.
* T. P. Power (one of the drunks Laura watches while sewing for Mrs. Clancy) is Mary Power's father! I don't think that connection was made in the book.
* When Laura and Carrie go home a different way and get lost in the Big Slough, it was because they were trying to avoid Banker Ruth's angry bull. They actually tell Pa about their experience and Pa gets angry with Banker Ruth.
* A boy named Ernest Perry likes Laura and takes her to country dances. She doesn't like it and refuses to go after the second time. She says she was "a snob even then".
* Laura likes Cap, and one of the reasons she tells Almanzo she won't go driving with him after she finishes teaching school is because she hopes to go with Cap. One time Cap does ask her to go sleigh riding, and Laura realizes she likes Almanzo better. Arthur Johnson walks Laura home from church once, and Laura doesn't like that either and she realizes how much she likes Almanzo.
* Laura doesn't want to call Almanzo "Mr. Wilder" and mishears his nickname, Mannie, as Manly. She calls him "Manly" thereafter because she thinks Manzo and Mannie sound silly. Almanzo calls Laura "Bessie" because he doesn't like the name Laura (he also had a sister named Laura), and her middle name is Elizabeth.
* Laura once skips school to go skating at the new roller rink. Her teacher is disappointed because she usually set such a good example.
* Almanzo sells both Skip and Barnum before he and Laura are married, but both horses are in The First Four Years
* The Perry school is not mentioned, but Laura's time in the Wilkins school is covered.
* When Laura and Almanzo are engaged, Almanzo comes for dinner every Sunday and is allowed to stay and talk to Laura until 11:00 at night (the rest of the family goes to bed at 9:00). Once, Almanzo sets the clock back an hour after the family goes to bed so he can stay until midnight.
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biographies about Laura Ingalls Wilder I already knew what happened then, but it was nice to read the original source material.Other things I noticed:
* Laura learns to knit at 3-4 years old, but soon gets tired of it.
* Laura learns to read at the same time as Mary, when she is about 4 years old. In the series, Laura is 7 years old before she learns to read.
* Ma and the girls visit Aunt Martha and her children—I think this should have gone into Little House in the Big Woods!
* Laura learns how to milk a cow from Mrs. Nelson, which is why she already knows how when Pa purchases a cow.
* Sunday School picnic in Walnut Grove—Laura and Mary can't eat any dessert because they didn't know it cost extra money. They had brought a lemon pie, but the teachers held it back for themselves and the girls couldn't eat it.
* Laura's cousin Gene's name is spelled correctly—I don't know why it was spelled "Jean" in the series!
* The Ingalls family has a boarder, Walter Odgen, while they are living in the Surveyors' House.
* Christmas in the Surveyors' House—they have different Christmas presents
* During the Hard Winter, a young couple named George and Maggie Masters stay with the Ingalls family. I'm glad they weren't put into The Long Winter—it is better without them.
*Pa actually shoots one of the antelope, and the townspeople share it
* Some people stay with Laura, Carrie, and Grace while Pa and Ma take Mary to Iowa. I'm glad they weren't put into the book.
* T. P. Power (one of the drunks Laura watches while sewing for Mrs. Clancy) is Mary Power's father! I don't think that connection was made in the book.
* When Laura and Carrie go home a different way and get lost in the Big Slough, it was because they were trying to avoid Banker Ruth's angry bull. They actually tell Pa about their experience and Pa gets angry with Banker Ruth.
* A boy named Ernest Perry likes Laura and takes her to country dances. She doesn't like it and refuses to go after the second time. She says she was "a snob even then".
* Laura likes Cap, and one of the reasons she tells Almanzo she won't go driving with him after she finishes teaching school is because she hopes to go with Cap. One time Cap does ask her to go sleigh riding, and Laura realizes she likes Almanzo better. Arthur Johnson walks Laura home from church once, and Laura doesn't like that either and she realizes how much she likes Almanzo.
* Laura doesn't want to call Almanzo "Mr. Wilder" and mishears his nickname, Mannie, as Manly. She calls him "Manly" thereafter because she thinks Manzo and Mannie sound silly. Almanzo calls Laura "Bessie" because he doesn't like the name Laura (he also had a sister named Laura), and her middle name is Elizabeth.
* Laura once skips school to go skating at the new roller rink. Her teacher is disappointed because she usually set such a good example.
* Almanzo sells both Skip and Barnum before he and Laura are married, but both horses are in The First Four Years
* The Perry school is not mentioned, but Laura's time in the Wilkins school is covered.
* When Laura and Almanzo are engaged, Almanzo comes for dinner every Sunday and is allowed to stay and talk to Laura until 11:00 at night (the rest of the family goes to bed at 9:00). Once, Almanzo sets the clock back an hour after the family goes to bed so he can stay until midnight.
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LibraryThing member jwood652
Read the story of Laura Ingalls Wilder's life, from which her beloved fictional books are derived!
Initially it is daunting because the book is physically large and it takes getting used to the extensive annotations, but well worth reading! This book appeals to Wilder fans, of both her books and
Being a history minor in college, and having loved the tv series, I intend to accept the offer to let me borrow my granddaughter's set of Wilder's books!!
Initially it is daunting because the book is physically large and it takes getting used to the extensive annotations, but well worth reading! This book appeals to Wilder fans, of both her books and
Show More
the tv show! It is also very interesting to the historically inclined! The annotations refer to the areas that are adapted to the fictional stories and give historical background and comments. Though often off chronologically, it really gives a feel for pioneer life, daily life and the hardships endured. Being a history minor in college, and having loved the tv series, I intend to accept the offer to let me borrow my granddaughter's set of Wilder's books!!
Show Less
LibraryThing member ladycato
This was a surprise hit for South Dakota State Historical Society’s press earlier this year; I was supposed to get it as a birthday gift in January but their press was overwhelmed for months. That is fine by me--it was well worth the wait! This large hardcover book analyzes the full history of
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Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books as it shifted from a straightforward autobiography for adults to a full “juvenile” fiction series. Wilder’s original text is heavily annotated with historical comments and references to multiple drafts of the manuscript. Maps, photographs, and original book illustrations complement the text. This is a Little House fan’s dream come true. I would have read this to memorization at age ten; at thirty-five, I am still geeking out. Highly recommend this for Little House fans, writers with an interest in the drafting process, and historians with an interest in late 19th century pioneer America. Show Less
LibraryThing member olegalCA
Loved it! Definitely worth the wait to get it.
LibraryThing member AnnieHidalgo
This early draft of Laura Ingalls Wilder's novels is an interesting read, but does too much to destroy the myth. Wilder was one of my heroes as a child, and to see her revealed as an elderly woman living with her husband on her single daughter's land, with the daughter originally the more
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successful writer, is weird. Put bluntly, it's not any fun to read a story that pokes holes in itself all the way through, telling us "Wilder's timing is out of sequence", and so on. It is historically significant, and I suppose an annotated book is certainly meant to break the fourth wall. If you are more than a causal reader of Wilder's books, or have a historical interest in the period, I think you will like this book a lot. It does a lot to provide a deeper insight into the circumstances that surrounded Wilder's novels, and the people who filled them. Show Less
LibraryThing member KLmesoftly
I LOVED the Little House books as a child, and really enjoyed reading through her short original (non-child-friendly) manuscript. The wealth of footnotes and included photographs and illustrations really made the book, which would have felt insubstantial and a little pointless without them. I
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wouldn't recommend this as a standalone work - the Little House books are superior - but as an afternoon's entertainment for a fan of the series, it was great. Show Less
LibraryThing member DonnaMarieMerritt
I was really looking forward to this book and, for the most part, I was not disappointed. Reading the original words of Laura Ingalls Wilder was refreshing, especially after much mystery over the years as to what role her daughter Rose played in the books. Laura's voice rings true, her insights
Laura wrote this first story when in her sixties. While none of us can remember all that has happened to us clearly and the editors point out some discrepancies, I am amazed at all she does recall. Maybe it's explained by this passage?
"Mr. Owen [the teacher] told Pa that I had a wonderful mind and memory . . . He knew nothing of the trick I had learned of repeating any lesson to a corner of the bedroom just before I fell asleep and of finding it there by looking at the corner when I waked in the morning . . . he would never think that as I talked so quietly in the church, I was seeing that corner of my bedroom . . ."
What I didn't like was the size of the book and the many, many side notes and explanations. I simply wanted to read her story straight through. The book is too cumbersome to tuck into a beach bag and even a bit heavy to sit in a comfy chair at home and read. I would have preferred a two-volume set, one with only her story and some relevant photos/illustrations (many of the images seemed out of place to me), and a second with all the notes. Then when something piqued my curiosity, I could look it up in the second volume in my own time without disturbing the flow of her story. While I appreciate the thorough research, having such a large number of side notes and other extra material (introductions, editorial procedures, etc.) was distracting. Laura, in fact, may have cringed at all this.
And with such meticulous research, why the appendixes at the end? Could they not have been placed in the story? Finally, the very last section ("The Singing School") seemed a terrible way to end the book with a song that today would be considered racist. No, it was not then, but why end it with that song? Laura's own ending (before the appendixes and yet another commentary called "Conclusion") would have left me more satisfied. After all, it was her voice I was seeking, not the voice of the researchers.
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into human nature are spot-on, and her mischievous sense of humor is marvelous. There were lines and paragraphs I marked with a heart because I want to return to them to reread. The stories about her good-natured and persevering parents, particularly her father, made me smile. The descriptions of hardships and unexpected joys painted a detailed image of pioneer life, including food, fashion, and fun. And reading about her courtship with Manly was a delight.Laura wrote this first story when in her sixties. While none of us can remember all that has happened to us clearly and the editors point out some discrepancies, I am amazed at all she does recall. Maybe it's explained by this passage?
"Mr. Owen [the teacher] told Pa that I had a wonderful mind and memory . . . He knew nothing of the trick I had learned of repeating any lesson to a corner of the bedroom just before I fell asleep and of finding it there by looking at the corner when I waked in the morning . . . he would never think that as I talked so quietly in the church, I was seeing that corner of my bedroom . . ."
What I didn't like was the size of the book and the many, many side notes and explanations. I simply wanted to read her story straight through. The book is too cumbersome to tuck into a beach bag and even a bit heavy to sit in a comfy chair at home and read. I would have preferred a two-volume set, one with only her story and some relevant photos/illustrations (many of the images seemed out of place to me), and a second with all the notes. Then when something piqued my curiosity, I could look it up in the second volume in my own time without disturbing the flow of her story. While I appreciate the thorough research, having such a large number of side notes and other extra material (introductions, editorial procedures, etc.) was distracting. Laura, in fact, may have cringed at all this.
And with such meticulous research, why the appendixes at the end? Could they not have been placed in the story? Finally, the very last section ("The Singing School") seemed a terrible way to end the book with a song that today would be considered racist. No, it was not then, but why end it with that song? Laura's own ending (before the appendixes and yet another commentary called "Conclusion") would have left me more satisfied. After all, it was her voice I was seeking, not the voice of the researchers.
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LibraryThing member dathyni
It's a little hard to decide whether to keep reading or go to the footnote because there are SO MANY footnotes but I love how much information on everything they gave us. The best part was finding out just which bits from the fiction series were not, in fact, fiction.
LibraryThing member EllenH
Never finished this. Although Laura Ingalls Wilder was an interesting woman, this book was way more information than I wanted. I mostly skimmed it and that was good.
LibraryThing member skstiles612
For those of us who grew up reading the “Little House on the Prairie” series, this book is a must read. When I first started student teaching almost thirty years ago I created a whole unit around Laura Ingall’s Wilder and her books. I had just about anything that had been written about her.
This book is full of pictures and references. That is one thing I really enjoy because it adds another layer to my learning about this most beloved author. I knew from years back that Laura’s daughter Rose helped her turn her story into the fictionalized stories I read as a child. For me that made it even more special. There was just something special about Laura taking her own life events and putting them into a story that children in future generations would be able to connect. For anyone who has every read “The Little House Series” and want to know more about the author and their creation, then this is a must read. This book is special enough to me that I have directions that it will go to my granddaughter Haylee when I am gone. When she first started reading chapter books I introduced her to Laura’s series. I wanted my granddaughter to grow up know what a wonderful story looked like. We discuss her books all the time. So I highly, highly recommend this book to anyone who has loved Laura Ingalls Wilder.
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One flood took all of that away. When I saw this book I knew it was a must read. After reading this book you will discover how much of her series was true to life. Like any author, things were changed in her children’s books to fit the age, theme or character she had created. This is not a book for the younger child. However, the older teen who like me fell in love with who this author was would really enjoy this book . For me I grew up in the country. I lived in a house that got an indoor bathroom not too many years before we moved in, so I was very familiar with and hated, outhouses. A lot of the things Laura grew up with, I did too. We lived in a modern house, yet so much from my great-grandmother was there and we were expected to use it. I think having that connection is what made the books so real and special to me. Knowing the extra’s I’ve learn through this book and others helped me reconnect.This book is full of pictures and references. That is one thing I really enjoy because it adds another layer to my learning about this most beloved author. I knew from years back that Laura’s daughter Rose helped her turn her story into the fictionalized stories I read as a child. For me that made it even more special. There was just something special about Laura taking her own life events and putting them into a story that children in future generations would be able to connect. For anyone who has every read “The Little House Series” and want to know more about the author and their creation, then this is a must read. This book is special enough to me that I have directions that it will go to my granddaughter Haylee when I am gone. When she first started reading chapter books I introduced her to Laura’s series. I wanted my granddaughter to grow up know what a wonderful story looked like. We discuss her books all the time. So I highly, highly recommend this book to anyone who has loved Laura Ingalls Wilder.
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Original language
English
Original publication date
1930 (original manuscript)
2014-11-20
Physical description
400 p.; 9.84 inches
ISBN
0984504176 / 9780984504176