Rating: My bookshelf 

Reading Level: Mid Elementary, Late Elementary

This sweet biography tells stories that share how Laura Ingalls Wilder grew from a young girl to be a strong woman through the adventures and trials her family had as pioneers in the 1800’s. Readers journey with the Ingalls family through thick and thin, storms and illness, drought and infestation, persevering in community with their friends and neighbors.

Considerations:

  • Death: Laura’s little brother dies, and Laura doesn’t write about it with her readers because it saddened her so much. The biography notes this tragedy.
  • Race: There is mention of a doctor who was African American who saved them from Malaria. They say few lived on the prairie at that time, and how wonderful that he was there.
  • Treatment of Native Americans: As a Native American Nation is pushed out of their reservation to a new one, Laura recalls them sadly traveling by in a long line.
  • Blindness: Laura’s older sister, Mary, goes blind.  Laura serves as her guide and as a liaison to her schoolwork.
  • Courtship/Marriage: A man 10 years older than Laura kindly escorts her to and from her work.  This turns into courtship. Eventually they marry, but Laura ask that the traditional vows involving submission be omitted from the ceremony.

I wish the biography had pointed more to faith that carried Laura and her family. Still, the grit and honor of the Ingalls family shines a deep trust in God and resilience that comes from hope in the eternal.