Read Laura Ingalls Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on May 6, 2026

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Few literary works capture the heart and imagination of readers quite like Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved series. These books transport readers to the rugged and challenging landscapes of late 19th-century America, weaving tales of family, resilience, and the simple joys and hardships of pioneer life. The series chronicles the life of young Laura Ingalls as she grows from a curious, spirited child into a thoughtful, determined young woman. Beyond mere storytelling, these books offer an intimate glimpse into a vanishing era, portraying the courage, ingenuity, and perseverance required to thrive on the American frontier. For readers seeking historical insight, moral lessons, or simply a heartwarming narrative, the Laura Ingalls books hold enduring appeal.

List Of Laura Ingalls Books In Order

More On Laura Ingalls Books In Chronological Order

1. Little House in the Big Woods (1932)

This is where everything begins, and it feels like being gently invited into Laura Ingalls’s earliest memories. Set in the Wisconsin woods, the book paints a cozy, intimate picture of Laura’s childhood with Ma, Pa, Mary, and baby Carrie, full of maple sugar snow, fiddle music, and long winter nights. It’s all about family rhythms, pioneer self-sufficiency, and the small moments that quietly shape who Laura becomes.

2. Farmer Boy (1933)

Although this book is about Almanzo Wilder’s childhood rather than Laura’s, it fits chronologically before Laura’s later life and gives important context to the man she will eventually marry. Set in upstate New York, it’s rich with details about farm life, enormous meals, and hard work from dawn to dusk. Think of it as a companion piece that deepens the world of the series and makes Laura’s future feel more complete.

3. Little House on the Prairie (1935)

Here the Ingalls family leaves the woods behind and heads west into Indian Territory, and the tone shifts to one of adventure and uncertainty. Laura is older, bolder, and endlessly curious as the family builds a new home on the open prairie. The book captures the excitement and danger of westward expansion, seen through Laura’s lively and sometimes impulsive perspective.

4. On the Banks of Plum Creek (1937)

This book settles into a more rooted phase of Laura’s childhood as the family lives near Plum Creek in Minnesota. School, friendships, jealousy, and small acts of rebellion take center stage, making Laura feel especially relatable here. At the same time, the story doesn’t shy away from hardship, including financial struggles and natural disasters, showing how fragile pioneer life could be.

5. By the Shores of Silver Lake (1939)

Everything changes in this book as Laura begins the transition from childhood into young adulthood. The family moves west again, grief enters their lives, and Laura takes on more responsibility than ever before. There’s a sense of movement and maturity here, as if Laura herself is starting to see the world with clearer, more complicated eyes.

6. The Long Winter (1940)

Often considered one of the most intense books in the series, this story centers on the brutal winter in De Smet, South Dakota. Food is scarce, storms feel endless, and survival depends on grit and cooperation. Laura’s resilience really shines, and the emotional weight of the book makes it unforgettable, showing just how close the family came to losing everything.

7. Little Town on the Prairie (1941)

With the worst behind them, Laura begins carving out her place in the wider community. Teaching school, attending social events, and testing her independence, she’s clearly on the brink of adulthood. This book has a hopeful, forward-looking feel, balancing everyday routines with the quiet excitement of new possibilities.

8. These Happy Golden Years (1943)

This is Laura’s love story, plain and simple, and it’s deeply personal and tender. Her courtship with Almanzo unfolds through buggy rides, letters, and shared dreams, all while Laura continues teaching and helping her family. The book feels warm and reflective, capturing the sweetness and uncertainty of stepping into married life.

9. The First Four Years (1971)

Published posthumously, this final book offers a more raw and less polished look at Laura’s early marriage to Almanzo. Crop failures, illness, debt, and emotional strain take center stage, making it the most adult and sobering entry in the series. It doesn’t sugarcoat pioneer life, and because of that, it feels like an honest closing chapter to Laura Ingalls Wilder’s story.

Background On Laura Ingalls Books

The Laura Ingalls Wilder series is semi-autobiographical, drawing heavily from Wilder’s own experiences as a child growing up in a pioneering family. The first book, Little House in the Big Woods, was published in 1932, and the series ultimately grew to include nine primary novels, ending with The First Four Years-a posthumously published account of Laura and her husband Almanzo’s early married life.

Wilder’s storytelling is remarkable for its vivid depiction of daily pioneer life. She balances realism with charm, depicting the harshness of winters, the unpredictability of crops, and the self-sufficiency required of frontier families, alongside the warmth, humor, and closeness of family life. Each book serves as both an individual story and a chapter in Laura’s larger life narrative, giving readers a sense of continuity and growth. The enduring popularity of these books is also reflected in their cultural impact: inspiring television adaptations, stage plays, and a lasting fascination with the pioneering spirit.

Reading Order Explained

The reading order of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books can significantly influence how readers experience the series. Traditionally, the books are read in the order of publication:

1. Little House in the Big Woods (1932)
2. Little House on the Prairie (1935)
3. Farmer Boy (1933) – a companion story about Almanzo Wilder’s childhood
4. On the Banks of Plum Creek (1937)
5. By the Shores of Silver Lake (1939)
6. The Long Winter (1940)
7. Little Town on the Prairie (1941)
8. These Happy Golden Years (1943)
9. The First Four Years (published posthumously, 1971)

Some readers may choose to read Farmer Boy out of chronological sequence, since it focuses on Almanzo’s childhood in upstate New York rather than Laura’s experiences in the Midwest. Reading the books in chronological order of Laura’s life-from her early childhood in Little House in the Big Woods to her early married life in The First Four Years-offers a coherent sense of her personal growth and the progression of frontier life. Both approaches are valid, but understanding the differences can help readers shape their experience.

What I Like About The Series?

The enduring charm of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books lies in their depth and authenticity. The meticulous detail with which Wilder paints the pioneer experience makes every scene vivid. The smell of freshly cut wood, the crunch of snow underfoot, the satisfaction of a well-tended garden-these sensory details create an immersive reading experience.

I also appreciate the series’ nuanced portrayal of resilience and family bonds. While the stories celebrate self-reliance and determination, they also emphasize the importance of love, cooperation, and community. Laura herself is a compelling protagonist: curious, courageous, and sometimes stubborn, yet deeply human. Her journey resonates across generations, making readers reflect on their own growth, challenges, and the value of everyday moments. Moreover, the series does not shy away from hardship, yet it handles adversity with hope, humor, and dignity.

Should You Read Laura Ingalls Books In Order?

While the books can technically be enjoyed individually, reading them in sequence offers a richer experience. The chronological order allows readers to witness Laura’s personal development, the evolution of her family’s life, and the historical progression of American frontier settlements. Themes, recurring characters, and long-term story arcs become more meaningful when encountered in the intended order, and emotional moments-such as departures, losses, and triumphs-carry greater resonance.

That said, some books, like Little House in the Big Woods or The Long Winter, can be appreciated as standalone works due to their compelling narratives and self-contained plots. Ultimately, reading in order provides a layered understanding of Wilder’s world, while selective reading allows casual enjoyment of individual adventures.