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.

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.

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.

Nostalgic / Adventurous / Heartwarming / Inspirational / Contemplative

- Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie was first published in 1935 and is the second book in the "Little House" series, which is based on her own childhood experiences.
- The television adaptation of the Little House on the Prairie series, which aired from 1974 to 1983, significantly boosted interest in the books and their historical context.
- Laura Ingalls Wilder initially wrote her stories as short autobiographical accounts that were not published until they were reworked into children's books with the guidance of her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane.

**Laura**  
The energetic and curious protagonist who often acts before thinking and is shown at a young age in this volume, questioning authority and understanding societal norms.

**Pa**  
Laura's cheerful and hardworking father, admired for his optimism and self-reliance as he builds a homestead for the family and makes crucial decisions for their future.

**Ma**  
Serving as the family's civilizing influence, she embodies patience and traditional feminine roles, maintaining the household and guiding Laura toward socially accepted behavior.

**Mary**  
Laura's cautious and reserved sister, who contrasts with Laura’s impulsiveness and exhibits traits that were desirable in nineteenth-century girls.

**Mr. Edwards**  
A cheerful neighbor and welcome addition to the Ingalls family circle, who assists Pa with farm work and brings Christmas presents for the children.

**Mr. and Mrs. Scott**  
Generous neighbors who assist the Ingalls family, with Mr. Scott helping Pa with the well and Mrs. Scott nursing them when they are sick, though they express strong prejudices toward Native Americans.

Laura Ingalls Wilder

Middle grade

Novel

Little House

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore Little House on the Prairie reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Little House on the Prairie | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Little House on the Prairie and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Little House on the Prairie Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

Little House on the Prairie Chapters 1-4

Chapters 5-10

Little House on the Prairie Chapters 5-10

Chapters 11-14

Little House on the Prairie Chapters 11-14

Chapters 15-20

Little House on the Prairie Chapters 15-20

Chapters 21-26

Little House on the Prairie Chapters 21-26

character

Character Analysis

Little House on the Prairie Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Little House on the Prairie Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Little House on the Prairie Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Little House on the Prairie Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Little House on the Prairie Essay Topics

Little House on the Prairie Teaching Unit

Introduction

Little House on the Prairie Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

Little House on the Prairie Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Little House on the Prairie Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

Little House on the Prairie Reading Questions Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Little House on the Prairie Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activities

Little House on the Prairie Activities

Essay Questions

Little House on the Prairie Essay Questions

Exam Questions

Little House on the Prairie Cumulative Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

Little House on the Prairie Exam Answer Key

Little House on the Prairie

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Little House on the Prairie?

Reading Age

Book Details