The Long Winter

Wilder, Laura Ingalls. The Long Winter. Illustrated by Garth Williams. HaperCollins Publishers, 1940. ISBN 0-06-026460-8
Many are familiar with The Little House on the Prairie series. However, I would argue that this title is by far the most exciting of the series. There is no need to read the rest of the series, as this book does well standing alone as a complete story.

Based off of the life of the author, this book describes the struggle, depression, persistence, courage and hunger experienced during one of the worst winters on record for the Dakota territories. Young readers will gain a first-hand look at what life was like for pioneers and homesteaders on the harsh prairies during a difficult winter. Images of waking up with nails in the ceiling frosted over, white-out blizzards that killed people, the warnings and natural signs from wildlife and native peoples, and even starvation.

However, a young audience is in mind, and this book is anything but dark. Wilder does a superb job of describing her love for her family, the simple joys and pastimes of the pioneer life, her admiration for those who risk their lives to protect others, and the awe-inspiring power of nature and weather.