Little House on the Prairie

I thought Little House in the Big Woods was the best of all. I remember trying to make the maple candy she wrote about.

The "Little House" series is a series that every young girl should read. Sharing the hardships and friendships of a young girl as she lives her years growing up "on the prairie" with her family, you find that life isn't always fair or easy but it's always about love and family. Inspiring, touching, endearing and never a dull moment with any of the "Little House" books!

As this volume starts out, the whole family has lost everything and been sick with scarlet fever, and worst of all, Mary is now blind. But this book may be the most exciting one in the series. Laura's family lives near several railroad camps, and Laura gets to see the railroad being built, while Ma has to feed and house hordes of railroad workers, and Pa has to keep the workers rioting for their pay.

This is the most serious book and suspenseful book in the series. Laura and her family are snowed in for months, and the people back east decide not to send the trains — bearing much-needed supplies — until spring. Almanzo and Royal hit upon a plan that keeps the whole town from starving.

This was one of my favorite books growing up. I was assigned to read it for school but after just one read, I couldn't stop reading them and I then begged my parents to take me to the local half-price bookstore to complete my series. Great for nostalgia or to keep young readers busy!

This book nearly broke my heart. As Laura grew up from a bright but very little girl in the Big Woods to an astute young woman in These Happy Golden Years, her understanding and awareness matured. In The First Four Years Laura is married and starting what should be a wonderful new phase in her life, but her experiences as a young married woman are so hard. She writes without self-pity, but this is a timely reminded that pioneer life was not a fairy-tale. Of course Laura is strong and a survivor; her optimism and ability shine through and we can all learn from her indomitable spirit.