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Published almost a century ago, Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books remain a household name, delighting readers both new and old. This beloved set of children’s books offers a fascinating glimpse into life on the American frontier, following the many adventures of a pioneer family as they travel across the Midwest.
From homesteading challenges to interactions with Native Americans, the events in the books take place in the late 19th century, drawing upon Wilder’s own childhood and adulthood. These books present a fictionalized account of the Ingalls’ family life—be it the novelty of a first train trip, the mundanity of farm labor or the perils of the wilderness.
While the original series comprises eight autobiographical children’s novels, there are plenty of spin-off books that focus on other members of the Ingall family, as well as non-fiction titles that give us more information about Wilder’s life and beliefs, and deepen our understanding of the cozy Little House universe.
So, whether you’ve loved the Little House novels as a kid or you’re drawn to cozy, cottagecore narratives depicted with authenticity, these non-fiction titles—all connected to the original Little House books—are worth checking out!
The Selected Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder
Wilder’s autobiographical novels are not only a delight to read—filled with adventure, heroism, and family drama—but are also historically and culturally important.
If you’re interested in the details of Wilder’s life and works, The Selected Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder, edited by William Anderson, should be a worthy companion read, as it expands one’s understanding of the world depicted in the Little House books.
The volume collects Wilder’s letters from 1894 to 1956—spanning over sixty years of her life, highlighting her beliefs, political opinions, relationships with family and friends, interspersed with vivid recollections of the frontier life.
Too Good to Be Altogether Lost
Most of us look back on our favorite childhood books with a sense of nostalgia, often forgetting the specific details of character or plot or what themes were explored in those pages.
So if you’re keen to reread the Little House novels with a fresh and critical eye, Pamela Smith Hill’s Too Good to be Altogether Lost is essential background reading.
Meticulously researched and engagingly written, Smith’s book is a scholarly deep-dive that examines Wilder’s stories and the messages contained within, in a new light. It addresses the flaws and controversies surrounding her works, while also reckoning with her legacy today.
An illuminating read, and especially suited to those interesting in working in the fields of children’s and young adult literature.
Prairie Fires
Much of what we know about Wilder’s life comes from her own fictionalized accounts as well as letters to near and dear ones—painting a picture of a pioneer girl facing hardships with a smile and determined to survive.
Nevertheless, there are gaps and inconsistencies, and this is where Caroline Fraser’s excellent biography Prairie Fires comes in.
It provides a vivid and unbiased portrayal of the eventful life of Laura Ingalls Wilder, taking into account the historical context and socio-political upheavals of the time. An enthralling and informative read.
The Little House Cookbook
If your favorite aspect of the Little House books were the homesteading tips, descriptions of cooking and other mundane day-to-day details of the Ingall household, you will surely appreciate Barbara M. Walker’s cookbook.
Filled with over a hundred recipes, the book teaches readers how to cook the delicious dishes chronicled in the Little House books.
Accompanied by photographs, illustrations and excerpts from the beloved novels, the cookbook is also packed with historical details, including the cooking methods that the Ingalls likely used to prepare their meals.
In no time, you’re guaranteed to become a master chef of Frontier cuisine! The Little House Cookbook is also an ideal gift for fans of the original books, cooking enthusiasts and anyone curious to learn how life on the American frontier was like.
The Little House Guidebook
Finally, if you love the Little House books so much you actually want to go and visit the places where the stories were set, let William Anderson’s The Little House Guidebook act as your trusted tour guide.
The book not only gives you the historical and political details about each location, but also comes with high-quality photographs, detailed instructions on how to reach specific spots and nearby places to spend the nights as you plan your vacation.
Don’t start your Little House pilgrimage without this nifty guidebook in your pocket!
Featured image: Corinna Cooke / Canva
