Little House has Strong Female Characters
This high quality chapter book was named a Horn Book Children’s Classic in 1976 and was listed as a Notable Children’s Books of 1940 – 1954 by the American Library Association. It is appropriate for students in third through seventh grade. This endearing classic is based on the real life of the author, Laura Wilder, who moved from Wisconsin to Kansas by covered wagon in 1869. The family must be very self-reliant as they face the perils of prairie life. The father, Pa Ingalls works hard to build a house for his family. Many details are given describing the effort that went into making a log cabin. Ma Ingalls is portrayed as a strong woman, who assists Pa to make a home for her family in the desolate prairie. She helps him build the cabin, puts out a fire that threatens to destroy their home, and makes sure to ration the food properly. Pa is the physical protector of the family and along with the family dog, he guards against horse thieves, Indians, and dark nights. But, Ma is the moral protector. She ensures that the children are protected from evil words and actions. The older children, Mary and Laura, are counted on to do their part to keep the family alive. Laura, more adventurous, helps her father skin the animals. Mary frequently is assigned to watch Carrie, the baby. The family, fiercely independent, must take aid from neighbors in order to build their roof and make a well. In turn, they come to their neighbors’ aid when needed, illustrating the concepts of cooperation and friendship as an integral part of survival. The family lives through an outbreak of malaria, an encounter with Indians, and the cold winter. In less than a year they have a nice little homestead, complete with a cow for milk. The family is very happy with their home and they fully appreciate any little extras they receive. For example, on Christmas, Laura and Mary are thrilled when they each receive their own tin cup to drink from, a piece of cake made of real white sugar, and a penny. Although the book is written from the perspective of a young Caucasian girl, it does present multicultural issues. The local settlers distrust and dislike the Indians. However, Pa Ingalls shares his tobacco and supper with an Indian who comes to their cabin. Later, the Indian Pa befriended, convinces the members of local tribes not to attack the settlers. But in the end, Pa decides to leave the Kansas prairie because he is three miles into Indian Territory and he believes that the government is sending soldiers to force him out. This book could definitely be used in the curriculum when discussing Native Americans. It could also be used when learning about pioneers and westward expansion. The female characters are surprisingly strong, considering it was written by a woman born in 1867. The teacher could play fiddle music from that time period, while students create corn husk dolls or other toys from that era.Read full review
