On the Other Side of the Hill (Little House) [Paperback]

Roger Lea MacBride (Author), David Gilleece (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Little House

The Little House books have captivated generations of readers with theirstory of the little pioneer girt Laura Ingalls growing up on the American frontier. Now the Little House story continues with The Rocky Ridge Years, books that tell the story of Laura and Almanzo Wilder's daughter, Rose.

The first three books in the series, Little House On Rocky Ridge, Little Farm In the Ozarks, and In the Land of the Big Red Apple, describe the Wilders' covered-wagon journey to Missouri and their first two years in their new farmhouse. On The Other Side of the Hill continues their story as the young Wilder family struggles to overcome a series of natural disasters that beset their little farm.

On The Other Side of the Hill continues the story that Laura Ingalls Wilder began more than sixty years ago -- a story whose wonder and adventure have charmed millions of readers.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-The fourth in the series about Rose Wilder's childhood years on Rocky Ridge Farm in the Ozarks. Taking place during the course of a year, her experiences range from the dramatic (a cyclone, a fire, the death of a family friend) to the ordinary (a cider pressing, the annual hog butchering, and the family's first look at the brand new Sears Roebuck catalog). Throughout, Rose is a changing, growing character. Her relationships with others evolve in a natural way that children are bound to relate to, and the awakening of her intellectual curiosity and her transition from childhood to adolescence is authentically depicted. MacBride is obviously fascinated with historical detail, which generally serves this book well, although its length will intimidate many children, and some of the descriptions are perhaps a bit too leisurely. The plotting is where the book lacks structure and cohesiveness; it is episodic to the point of being rambling, with some plot elements just fizzling out (for example, all of the little bits about omens and superstitions never lead up to anything). All in all, though, this is a respectable book worthy of consideration, especially where the series is already popular.
Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"MacBride is obviously fascinated with historical detail, which...serves this book well." -- '- School Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; 3rd Printing edition (September 15, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064405753
• ISBN-13: 978-0064405751
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #82,887 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #65 in Books > Children's Books > Travel & Cultures > Where We Live > Farm Life

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic book!, January 11, 2004

A Kid's Review

This review is from: On the Other Side of the Hill (Little House) (Paperback)

On the Other Side of the Hill is a terrific book! Nine going on ten, Rose gets to participate in a shivaree after a wedding and goes to her friend Blanche's party. A cyclone comes, and a long drought and a fire invade Rocky Ridge Farm, but Rose and her family help each other through the hard times, and at the end they must move into town. Rose is sad to say good-bye to Rocky Ridge Farm, but knows she'll later return.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing series for Little House fans, May 13, 2004

By 

"lilhousefan" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the Other Side of the Hill (Little House) (Paperback)

I found this entire series of books to be disappointing because it was more cynical than the original series. On doing some research I discovered that chapters in least one of the final books were actually taken (almost verbatim) from Rose's writings for an adult audience. The story is totally out of character with the series. Rose and her friend sneak out for several nights to meet a traveling salesman. He eventually makes a pass at her...
The listed author for this book (MacBride) died before the last few books were published and whether he had anything to do with the books is questionable.
This series is okay as light reading for adolescents but if you are looking for a piece of americana, and/or a wholesome book for your child this is not the best choice. It grossly fails to live up to the original series of books. The Caroline series is a better choice.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Should Have Been Better Researched or Edited, December 11, 2006

By 

S. Williams - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: On the Other Side of the Hill (Little House) (Paperback)

This book provided good reading and there are parts I enjoy such as the mean teacher, the feast they had during the hog butching and Blanche's birthday party.
I've read it several times but each time there is one point that really bugs me. Since I have been reading the Little House series plus Ingalls family biographies since I was in the fifth grade, I am very familiar with the life of Laura and her family.
It is always a source of annoyance when someone(sited as an expert) writes about a particular subject but makes glaring errors and mistakes about situations and the characters.
This book offers a prime example. I noted an error that should have been caught by either the author or an editor.
To wit: Almanzo brings home a Sears & Roebuck catalog in which people can mail order merchandise from the catalog. Wow! A new discovery in shopping! Laura nor Almanzo remembers living in South Dakota and looking through a Montegomery Ward catalog(mail-order) and purchasing a set of glassware or Laura purchasing a saddle for her pony from the Montegomery Ward catalog. This information was provided in the book The First Four Years also carrying Roger Lea MacBride's name. One of the pieces from the glassware set was the bread platter etched with the words 'Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread'.
Of course MacBride died and his daughter had taken over the writing at this point. But still, I think it is shameful when a fan knows the subjects and details better than the "experts".