76 pages • 2 hours read
Laura Ingalls WilderLittle House on the Prairie
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1932A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder, the Ingalls family—Pa, Ma, and their daughters Mary, Laura, and baby Carrie—leave their home in Wisconsin in the late 1800s to settle in Kansas. Traveling by covered wagon, they build a house on the prairie, encounter Native Americans and dangerous wildlife, and form bonds with neighbors, but ultimately must leave due to the impending removal of white settlers by US soldiers. The portrayal of Native Americans is sensitive and may be considered stereotypical and dated.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder is lauded for its vivid depiction of pioneering life and its educational value for young readers. However, it has faced criticism for its portrayal of Native Americans, which some readers find stereotypical and offensive. Despite this, its simple, engaging narrative and historical insights make it a beloved classic.
Who Should Read Little House on the Prairie?
Readers who cherish historical fiction, pioneer life, and family-centered narratives akin to Anne of Green Gables or The Secret Garden will enjoy Little House on the Prairie. Ideal for ages 8-12, it appeals to fans of vivid storytelling and personal growth set against the backdrop of the American frontier.