Author Spotlight: Laura Ingalls Wilder – A Homeschooler’s Guide to the Little House Series

Did you grow up reading The Little House on the Prairie books or watching the classic television series? For many of us, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s stories were a treasured part of childhood—rich with adventure, family, and the rhythms of pioneer life. Generations have been captivated by her words since the 1930s, and today, these books continue to hold a special place on homeschool bookshelves. Whether you're reading them aloud as a family or using them to spark lessons in history, geography, or character, the Little House series offers more than just nostalgia—it’s a living book series that can help bring the past to life. Let’s take a deeper look at the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder and explore how her books can enrich your homeschool journey.

A Brief Look at Laura's Life

• Laura Elizabeth Ingalls was born on February 7, 1867, in Pepin, Wisconsin. She was the second of five children born to Charles and Caroline Ingalls. Their children in order of birth were Mary, Laura, Caroline (Carrie), Charles and Grace. Sadly, their brother Charles lived less than a year.
• As depicted in her books, the Ingalls family moved around a lot during the time Laura and her siblings were growing up. They also lived in areas not covered in the Little House book series.
• Laura was fifteen years old when Almanzo started courting her. They married in August of 1885 in De Smet, A Dakota Territory (South Dakota did not become a state until 1889). Their daughter, Rose, was born in December of 1886. Wilder also gave birth to a son who only lived 12 days and was not given a name. When Rose was 8 years old, the family moved to Mansfield, Missouri.
• Aside from teaching, Wilder also wrote articles for local newspapers through the years. In her sixties, with the encouragement of her daughter, she began writing an autobiography. The autobiography was rejected by publishers, but she was encouraged by the same publishers to write her life story as a children’s book. What followed were nine books written by Wilder about her childhood living on the American Frontier.
• Wilder lived until she was 90 years old. Laura, Almanzo and Rose are buried together in Mansfield Cemetery, Mansfield, Missouri.

The Little House on the Prairie Books: A Journey Through Pioneer Life

Beginning with Little House in the Big Woods in 1932, Wilder’s books were a hit and almost immediately they were called classics of children’s literature. They were published in the following order (today they are presented with Little House on the Prairie as the second book in the series, followed by Farmer Boy as the third book in the series).

1. The Little House in the Big Woods was published in 1932 and tells the stories of the Ingalls family during the time they lived in The Big Woods of Wisconsin. Explore pioneer life in early America through the eyes of Laura Ingalls and her family. This book also includes stories of their extended family as well.
2. Farmer Boy came next and was published in 1933. It explores farm life in New York State through the eyes of Almanzo Wilder’s family. It is a wonderful example of what it is like to live on a farm. They were fairly self-sufficient - growing their own food, putting up that food for winter, cooking meals from scratch, making do with what they had and more. It also shows how they acquired other needed items from bartering with the rag man, purchasing from the peddler, etc. For those interested in homesteading, this gives a wonderful example of the original homesteaders/early American farm life.
3. Little House on the Prairie was published in 1935. In this book, we follow the Ingalls family as they leave the big woods of Wisconsin and settle on the prairie in Kansas. This book explores what it was like to travel by covered wagon, build a homestead mostly by hand and live in a remote wilderness. It has received both acclaim and criticism. The acclaim was almost immediate upon the first books being published. They were considered instant classics. Five books won Newbery Honor Awards. In 1954, Little House on the Prairie was awarded an honoree Newbery Honor Award for its contribution to children’s literature. This was also the year the American Library Association dedicated an award in Wilder’s honor: The Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal. “The award, a bronze medal, honors an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children”. Taken from the American Library Association (ALA) Website.
4. On the Banks of Plum Creek was published in 1937. After leaving the Kansas Prairie, The Ingalls family journeys to Minnesota and the Banks of Plum Creek where they live in a sod home. Pa builds them a home beside Plum Creek and farms the land, planting wheat. This is also when Laura and Mary first go to school and meet Nellie Olsen for the first time. Explore the themes of the hardships of farming, pioneer life, pioneer travel, perseverance, and more. Wilder receives The Newbery Honor Award for this book in 1938. It is Wilder’s first of five Newbery Honor Medals awarded for her books.
5. By the Shores of Silver Lake was published in 1937. After the failed wheat crop in Minnesota, the family heads to the Dakota Territory and becomes one of the first settlers in the town of De Smet along the shores of Silver Lake. Read along as Pa then helps to build the town, The Boasts come for a visit and Mr. Edwards makes an appearance as well. This is where Laura first gets a glimpse of Almanzo Wilder along with his brother Royal who are staking claims outside of De Smet as well. This was Wilder’s second Newbery Medal Honor Book nomination.
6. The Long Winter was published in 1940. Follow the Ingalls family as they move from their claim shanty to town for the winter of 1880/1881. Their family along with the entire town struggle to survive the harsh winter when storms prevent the train from arriving with much needed supplies including flour and fuel for heating their homes. Almanzo and his brother, Royal, risk their lives to provide hay to burn for the families in town. This was Wilder’s third Newbery Medal Honor Book nomination.
7. Little Town on the Prairie was published in 1941. After surviving The Long Winter, the Ingalls family again moves to their claim shanty for the summers.  Laura takes a job in town which helps pay for Mary to attend college. Laura also finishes school, takes her board testing and becomes a teacher. Her relationship with Almanzo begins to develop a bit more in this book as well. This was Wilder’s fourth Newbery Medal Honor Book nomination.
8. These Happy Golden Years was published in 1943. The courtship between Laura and Almanzo continues as she begins her first teaching job away from the claim shanty. This was Wilder’s fifth and final Newbery Medal Honor Book nomination.
9. On the Way Home was not published until 1962. This book takes place after The First Four Years when the Wilders decide to leave De Smet after seven years of drought. Rose begins the book recounting life in De Smet before leaving. The remainder of the book is filled with Wilder’s diary entries of the journey from De Smet to Mansfield, Missouri in 1894.
10. The First Four Years was published in 1971. One of the shortest books in this series, it tells the story of the first four years of Laura’s marriage to Almanzo which includes a lot of trials as well as celebrations, including the birth of their daughter, Rose as well as the loss of their infant son.
11. West From Home was published posthumously in 1974. Follow Laura as she travels from Missouri to San Francisco, California to visit daughter, Rose in 1915. In a series of letters written to Almanzo, Wilder shares the sights and people she meets along with way, traveling by train and visiting the Panama-Pacific International Exhibit (World’s Fair celebrating the opening of the Panama Canal). These letters were found and published into a book after Wilder passed away.

If you are ready to revisit these wonderful stories or finish your collection, please be sure to visit The Little House on the Prairie Collection on the website for the latest listings.  

A Note on Representation and Discussion Opportunities
Over the years, The Little House books—particularly Little House on the Prairie—have faced criticism for their portrayal of Native Americans, especially through the character of Ma, who at one point says, “The only good Indian is a dead Indian.” In addition, Pa's decision to build the family’s home on land that belonged to the Osage people (the Osage Diminished Reserve) has prompted further reflection and concern, as noted in a February 8, 2017, Smithsonian Magazine article. In 2018, the Association for Library Service to Children (a division of the ALA) renamed the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award to the Children’s Literature Legacy Award due to the problematic depictions of Native Americans and people of color in Wilder’s writing, as reported by NPR.

These moments in the books can be uncomfortable, but they also offer meaningful opportunities for conversation. Whether your children ask questions or not, it’s worth pausing to talk about the historical context of the time, how people’s views have changed, and why it's important to recognize and respect all cultures and communities. Helping young readers navigate complex or outdated viewpoints is part of what makes reading together so powerful—it encourages empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of both history and humanity.

🏡 How to Use the Little House Books in Your Homeschool Classroom

These beloved books are more than just stories—they’re a rich springboard for living history, literature, character studies, and hands-on learning. Here are some ways you can bring the Little House series into your homeschool.

📖 1. Read-Alouds & Independent Reading

Whether you're reading aloud during morning basket time or assigning chapters for quiet reading, these books adapt beautifully to multiple ages.

• Ideal as family read-alouds for 1st–5th grade
• Older students may enjoy reading independently for history or literature credit
• Use the books to model good sentence structure, rich vocabulary, and storytelling
• Don’t be surprised if you tear up (you’re not alone—Jack gets us every time!)

🗺️ 2. US History & Geography Connections

Trace Laura's journey across the American frontier while reinforcing map and timeline skills.

• Mark key locations on a map: Pepin, WI → Kansas → Walnut Grove → De Smet, SD → Mansfield, MO
• Create a timeline of Wilder’s life and add in major historical events
• Compare pioneer life with industrialized areas during the same time period
• Talk about the Homestead Act, prairie sod homes, and westward expansion

✂️ 3. Crafts, Recipes & Hands-On Projects

Recreate some of the activities Laura and her family enjoyed (or endured!) to bring the books to life.

• Make maple candy on snow (or a plate of crushed ice!)
• Sew simple rag dolls or handkerchief dolls
• Cook a pioneer-style meal: corn bread, beans, or hand-churned butter
• Try braiding rag rugs, stringing button necklaces, or candle dipping
• Incorporate seasonal activities like gathering wildflowers or observing nature

🌻 4. Character Study & Life Lessons

Laura’s family faces hardships with faith, perseverance, and strong moral character—perfect material for discussing values.

• Use examples from the books to explore themes like:
• Resilience
• Simplicity
• Gratitude
• Hard work
• Family roles & responsibility
• Ask open-ended questions:

What would you have done in Laura’s shoes?
How did the Ingalls family show perseverance or kindness in this chapter?

📚 5. Living History with Critical Thinking

These books give a beautiful (if imperfect) window into frontier life. Use them to open age-appropriate conversations about how views have changed over time.

• Discuss historical context and outdated cultural attitudes
• Explore how Native Americans were portrayed in contrast with what we know today
• Compare Laura’s childhood to your students' lives today—what’s changed, what hasn’t?

🧭 Bonus Idea: Travel + Learning

Planning a family road trip? Visit one of the Little House historical sites!

• Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum – Mansfield, MO
• Ingalls Homestead – De Smet, SD
• Little House Wayside – Pepin, WI
• Walnut Grove Museum – Walnut Grove, MN

Bring geography, history, and literature full circle with a real-life connection.

Want to Go Deeper? Fun Facts for Curious Homeschoolers

Whether you're guiding an older student through a literature study or just love weaving author background into your read-alouds, these lesser-known facts about Little House on the Prairie offer meaningful context and great jumping-off points for discussion or rabbit trails.

1. She Was How Old? Laura Ingalls Wilder was in her sixties when she began writing, encouraged by her daughter Rose. Her first attempt was an autobiography titled Pioneer Girl, which was initially rejected by publishers.
2. The Original Illustrator Wasn’t Garth Williams. Most readers today associate the series with Garth Williams' iconic illustrations, but the first editions were actually illustrated by Helen Sewell. Williams was commissioned in the 1950s to re-illustrate the books to give them a more historically grounded feel.
3. A Misattributed Quote. “Home is the nicest word there is” is widely attributed to Wilder, but there’s no record of her writing or saying it. The line actually comes from an early episode of the Little House on the Prairie TV series, where Laura says it to Pa.

These little nuggets can be fun extras to share with your children or to tuck away for future lessons!

Wilder’s life and the stories she told have remained in the hearts of generations, and countless books have been written by various authors for both children and adults alike. If you’re like me and love all things Little House on the Prairie, you can find a few selections by visiting the Laura Ingalls Wilder Collection on my website.

Explore More: Resources for the Laura Ingalls Wilder Enthusiast

If you're eager to dig deeper into the life, legacy, and lasting influence of Laura Ingalls Wilder, here are a few trusted resources I highly recommend.

1. Thought-Provoking Reads by Pamela Smith Hill
Pamela Smith Hill, a respected Wilder biographer and scholar, offers two insightful blog posts examining the American Library Association’s decision to remove Wilder’s name from its prestigious literary award. These articles delve into how Wilder's work has shaped American literature and culture, raising important questions about how we view historical authors through a modern lens.

• “Little House on the Prairie: Is Laura Ingalls Wilder Obsolete?” – Part One
• “Little House on the Prairie: Is Laura Ingalls Wilder Obsolete?” – Part Two

2. Little House on the Prairie Website
This delightful site is packed with fun facts, pioneer-era recipes, children’s activities, and craft ideas. It also includes historical background on Wilder’s life, insights into her books, and plenty of content related to the beloved television series and its cast. It’s beautifully organized and easy to navigate—perfect for both longtime fans and newcomers.

3. Laura’s Prairie House
An in-depth resource for Wilder enthusiasts looking to explore her world even further. While the site is content-rich, be aware that it’s heavy on ads, which can be a bit distracting. Still, it's worth a visit for the sheer amount of information it offers.

Whether you grew up reading the Little House books yourself or you’re discovering them for the first time with your family, these timeless stories continue to offer lessons in perseverance, wonder, and the simple joys of everyday life. Visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder collection here for all in stock books (please remember my inventory changes frequently.  If you are looking for a specific title, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at info@logcabinvintage.com.  I am happy to let you know what I have in inventory that has not yet been listed.

Thanks for joining me in celebrating Laura’s legacy—and happy reading as you step back into a world where the prairie winds still sing and stories are meant to be shared across generations.

Happy reading,

Wendy

PS A Special thank you to Heather at bluecastlesandlittlehouses for allowing me to use her image of the hardcover Little House Books at the beginning of this blog post.  

References Used in Writing This Blog Post:

Southern Living Article: ‘Little House On The Prairie’ Is Getting A Reboot—Here’s What We Know
American Library Association Criteria for The Laura Ingalls Wilder Award: Laura Ingalls Wilder Award | ALA
NPR Article: Little House On The Controversy: Laura Ingalls Wilder's Name Removed From Book Award
Smithsonian Article: The Little House on the Prairie Was Built on Native American Land | Smithsonian
American Library Association About the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award: About the Children's Literature Legacy Award | Association for Library Service to Children