Description

In this charming, accessible biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder, noted Wilder historian William Anderson takes us beyond the Little House books to share the real-life events that inspired Laura’s classic stories.

Black-and-white interior illustrations by Renée Graef further enhance this look at one of America’s most beloved authors, perfect for chapter book readers.


What was life really like for the girl who lived in the Little House?


  • The American Frontier: Go beyond the books to see the real log cabins, vast prairies, and frontier towns where Laura grew up.
  • Covered Wagon Travels: Follow the Ingalls family on their journeys west, from the Big Woods of Wisconsin to the Dakota Territory.
  • Homesteading Life: Learn about the hard work and daily adventures of building a life on the prairie, from planting crops to surviving long winters.
  • History for Kids: Written by a noted historian, this easy-to-read chapter book, complete with charming illustrations, brings the past to life for young readers.

About the author(s)

William Anderson is a historian, educator, and author of twenty-five books of biography, travel, and history. His groundbreaking research on Laura Ingalls Wilder and her books led to many HarperCollins titles, including Laura Ingalls Wilder: A Biography, Laura Ingalls Wilder Country, and A Little House Sampler. He has also written for Travel & Leisure, the Saturday Evening Post, the Christian Science Monitor, and many other national magazines. Anderson is a frequent speaker at conferences, schools, and libraries. He makes his home in Michigan.

Renée Graef received her bachelor's degree in art from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She is the illustrator of numerous titles in the Little House publishing program, as well as Rodgers and Hammerstein's My Favorite Things and E.T.A Hoffman's The Nutcracker, adapted by Janet Schulman. She lives in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, with her husband and two children.

Reviews

“Anderson clearly portrays the harsh realities that Laura and her family faced while maintaining the sense of joy, love, and optimism that they shared.” - School Library Journal

“[A] straightforward, accessible biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder…Anderson offers an inspiring portrait of the graceful and industrious woman the spirited Half-Pint became.” - The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Written with a simplicity and charm reminiscent of Wilder’s own prose, the book is just right for young readers.” - BookPage

More Historical

More Biography & Autobiography

More Juvenile Nonfiction

More All Other Nonfiction

More 19th Century

More United States

More History

More United States

More Places

More Girls & Women

More Literary

More Women

More Books & Libraries

More State & Local

More Readers / Chapter Books