Little House on the Prairie is a classic children’s novel, based on the young life of its author, Laura Ingalls Wilder. First published in 1935, it chronicles the Ingalls family's adventurous move from Wisconsin in 1868, traveling in a covered wagon, in search of a better life on the American frontier. The novel, the third book published in the Little House series but the second in narrative order, follows the family’s challenging and eventful experience settling into what they hoped would be their happy new home in Montgomery County, Kansas, near the town of Independence, on the land of the Osage people.
Upon arrival, the Ingalls family—Charles (Pa), Caroline (Ma), Mary, Laura, and baby Carrie—confronts the stark realities of life on the prairie. After constructing a one-room log house with the help of a neighbor and starting a farm, the family faces the hardships and dangers of pioneer life. The narrative depicts their struggles with illness (including a disease then called “fever ‘n’ ague,” now known as malaria), encounters with the local Osage community (including a friendly chief), and the looming threat of conflict. Despite their hard work and strong bonds with other settlers, the family’s stay is cut short. As Pa learns, they are residing illegally on Indian Territory, and the US government plans to enforce the white settlers' removal.
The novel details their heart-wrenching decision to leave the prairie. Before members of the US Army arrive to force them out, Pa decides to abandon their homestead and the life they had begun to build. Providing a vivid depiction of late 19th-century westward expansion and pioneer life through the eyes of a little girl, Little House on the Prairie remains a cherished work of American children's literature.
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About the author
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Laura Ingalls Wilder, an American author, was born on February 7, 1867, in Pepin County, Wisconsin. She is best known for her series of Little House books for children, inspired by her childhood experiences during the late 19th-century period of westward expansion. Her youth mirrored the adventures and challenges of the era, culminating in her settling in Mansfield, Missouri, with her husband, Almanzo Wilder.
In addition to penning the beloved Little House series, Wilder was a skilled columnist and journalist, contributing to several publications throughout her career. Her autobiography Pioneer Girl provides a vivid account of pioneer life from South Dakota to Missouri, offering insights beyond her novels.
Despite provoking debate for their depictions of Indigenous people, Wilder's works have continued to captivate audiences worldwide, transcending generations with inspiring, emotional tales of courage, family, and perseverance against the backdrop of the American frontier. The Little House books have been translated into multiple languages and adapted into a successful television series and stage productions, showcasing their enduring appeal.
Beyond her writing, Wilder’s influence extended into advocating for agricultural and rural communities, particularly through her work with the Farm Loan Association and her numerous speeches. She was also a school teacher, a family farmer, and a mother. Laura Ingalls Wilder died on February 10, 1957, in Mansfield, Missouri. She is buried next to her husband and near their daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, a journalist, novelist, and editor who played a critical role in the publication and success of the Little House books.
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