The seventh book in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s treasured Little House series, and the recipient of a Newbery Honor—now available as an ebook! This digital version features Garth Williams’s classic illustrations, which appear in vibrant full color on a full-color device and in rich black-and-white on all other devices.The settlement that weathered the long, hard winter of 1880-81 is now a growing … 1880-81 is now a growing town. With spring comes a new job for Laura, town parties, and more time to spend with Almanzo Wilder. Laura also tries to help Pa and Ma save money so that Mary is able to go to a college for the blind.
The nine Little House books are inspired by Laura’s own childhood and have been cherished by generations of readers as both a unique glimpse into America’s frontier history and as heartwarming, unforgettable stories.
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From my favorite books as a girl. Just wonderful.
In the seventh book of the Little House Series, Laura Ingalls is growing up, and with it comes more responsibilities. With the opportunity to send Mary to a college for the blind, the family is saving every penny they possibly can. Laura wants desperately to help, and the best option is for her to get a job as a teacher when she turns sixteen. That means she must study all she can, but as life in De Smit becomes more and more exciting, the desire to study is hard to come by.
With sociables, parties, the Literary Society, and church, Laura’s life is so very busy that time passes in a whirlwind of excitement and pleasures. But with Mary away at college, the need for money to keep her there becomes a pressing reality. As Laura’s sixteenth birthday nears, can she buckle down and get her teacher’s certificate, or will she be distracted by all De Smit has to offer?
This book is a great look into the responsibilities that life has to offer. Laura’s struggle with choosing to study or have fun is one that everybody can relate to. We’ve been with Laura since the Big Woods, and we’ve seen her grow up into the young lady that she is. It is so easy to understand her conflicting desires, and I really enjoyed seeing her become more responsible. And there may be a blossoming romance between Laura and Almanzo Wilder, which is sure to develop in the next book.
If you enjoyed the other books, this one will also charm you. Laura’s cares and worries about appearance and her dissatisfaction with her lot in life is a reminder that teenagers weren’t just invented in the fifties. Besides a scene with ‘darkies’ which wouldn’t be allowed today (But remember that this was an entirely different time period with different standards!), this book is a wonderful look back on the pioneer days and a great coming-of-age story where Laura must put aside her childish thoughts and start to become a young woman.
These books are such a delight. Laura’s old nemesis Nellie Oleson moves to the area and causes all sorts of chaos. Blind Mary Ingalls goes away to college in Iowa. The townspeople begin to undertake socials and literary evenings. And young Laura earns a teaching certificate.
i loved it