Little House in the Big Woods

Wilder, Laura Ingalls. 1953. Little House in the Big Woods. Illustrated by Garth Williams. New York: Harper and Row. ISBN 0060264314.

This fictionalized biography takes place in 1872 and qualifies as historical fiction, though for some readers it may well have taken place on a different planet. The isolation and once-a-year trip to the nearest town’s general store, as well as the completely homemade food and Christmas presents, seem far removed from the lives of today’s children. The stories that fill the pages, however, are exciting and the setting is fascinating. Readers may place themselves in Laura’s shoes and wonder what life would be like in a log cabin tucked away in dense woods. Williams’ pencil illustrations further explain the handmade tools and farm tasks, as well as the simple pleasures and fierce creatures abundant in Laura’s life. Though her parents are idealized (they never complain and mete out perfect punishment), and the absence of Native Americans is notable, the voice is authentically child-like and interesting. Boys may find this and other “Little House” books difficult to get into because of the lack of boy protagonists.