52 pages 1 hour read

Laura Ingalls Wilder

On the Banks of Plum Creek

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1937

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Background

Series Context: The Little House Series

The Little House on the Prairie series is a classic collection of books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The series follows the life of Laura Ingalls and her family as they journey westward in search of a better life. The books are set in the late 1800s and early 1900s and chronicle the hardships and triumphs of pioneer life. The first book, Little House in the Big Woods, describes the Ingalls family’s life in Wisconsin, while the rest of the series follows their moves to Kansas, Minnesota, and South Dakota.

The series is known for its vivid descriptions of daily life on the prairie. Wilder’s writing brings to life the challenges and joys of pioneer life, including the harsh winters, the threat of prairie fires, and the importance of family and community. Pioneer life is depicted as simple but also incredibly difficult, as settlers have to rely on their own skills and ingenuity to survive. Throughout the series, the Ingalls family faces many challenges, from illness and crop failures to conflicts with Indigenous Americans. They also experience many joys, such as weddings, births, and celebrations with their community. The stories highlight the importance of family and the resilience of the human spirit.