Laura Ingalls Wilder: Storyteller of the Prairie (Lerner Biographies) (Hardcover)

by Ginger Wadsworth (Author) "After feeding the chickens and setting the bread out to rise in the kitchen, Laura Ingalls Wilder sat down at her desk..." (more)
Key Phrases: pioneer girl, Rocky Ridge, Plum Creek, Walnut Grove (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8. This readable biography clarifies the chronology of events that were described in the "Little House" books and gives additional information about the family and Wilder's adult life that was not covered in the series. Wadsworth quotes from correspondences between mother and daughter to support the view that Wilder wrote drafts and sought and accepted help from her daughter, Rose, an accomplished writer, in forming the final manuscripts. The book is illustrated with reprints of Garth Williams's illustrations for the original books, family photographs, and historical photographs depicting the times and places the family lived. Source notes are appended. The book will primarily appeal to readers who have enjoyed the "Little House" books. It is shorter but similar in approach to Laura Ingalls Wilder (HarperCollins, 1992) written by long-time Ingalls Wilder researcher, William Anderson. Carolyn Strom Collins and Christina Wyss Eriksson's The World of Little House (HarperCollins, 1996) is an attractive alternative for readers who are just beginning the series.?Adele Greenlee, Bethel College, St. Paul, MN
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 4^-6. This addition to the growing number of biographies about a beloved children's writer recounts the major events from Wilder's childhood and marriage that are covered in the Little House books. Wadsworth also describes Wilder's early attempts at writing for newspapers and magazines and her later successes creating fictionalized stories based on her childhood experiences. The author's research is solid and thoroughly noted, but she breaks no new ground. Reference to William Holtz's Ghost in the Little House (1993), which theorizes about daughter Rose's contribution to the series, is confined to a vague comment about Rose's editorial help that will pass unnoticed by most readers. In fact, Wadsworth tries so hard to present only positive information that Wilder and her daughter come off as bland personalities rather than the spirited competitors revealed by their own correspondence. The best title for the middle grades is William Anderson's Laura Ingalls Wilder: A Biography (1992). Source notes; bibliography; list of Little House sites. Kay Weisman

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Lerner Publications (December 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0822549506
• ISBN-13: 978-0822549505
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #233,641 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just plain good..., June 27, 2000

By	Diane Rossman (Boca Raton, Florida USA) - See all my reviews

An excellent primer and follow up to the most beloved author of children's books Laura Ingalls Wilder. No young girl in America should be without these books, but the addition of a text that can provide background and biographical information is invaluable. This book does deal with life and death though so it is best for a middle school aged girl or boy as opposed to a youngster who might be upset that their favorite heroine experienced pain. But overall this is a special tool that would be invaluable in both home and classroom alike.