Ages 7+1-min guideHistoryFamilyClassic
Little House in the Big Woods
by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Good fitA good fit for most kids 7 and up, and a cozy read-aloud from 5. A gentle look at pioneer family life. There’s hunting, butchering and a whipping, and a few racist words worth discussing.
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What it’s about
Laura lives with her family in a log cabin in the Wisconsin woods in the 1870s. Through a year of seasons, the family hunts, makes butter, smokes meat and gathers for dances.
The ending
What might come up
Hunting and butcheringSomeDescribed plainly as part of farm life.
Old-fashioned viewsA littleTwo racist words appear in this book, and gender roles are very traditional.
Scary momentsA littleA bear in the dark and a panther story.
ViolenceA littleLaura is whipped with a strap for slapping Mary.
LanguageNone
RomanceNone
Why kids like it
Making toys and treats from scratch, and Pa’s stories at night.
Free printable quiz
- 1Where does Laura live?
- 2Who is Laura’s older sister?
- 3What is the dog’s name?
- 4What instrument does Pa play?
Read it, then watch it
Read the book first, then watch it together and talk about what changed.
