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

By Kathy | Last Updated on March 27, 2026

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The Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder is one of the most beloved collections of children’s literature, offering readers a profound glimpse into the life of early American settlers. At its core, the series explores themes of resilience, family, and the American pioneer spirit. The stories, told through the eyes of a young girl named Laura Ingalls, chronicle her family’s journey across the American frontier during the late 19th century. These books have resonated with readers for generations, weaving together adventure, hardship, and deep familial love. The beauty of Wilder’s writing lies in her ability to bring history to life in a way that is both personal and universal.

In this article, we will delve into the Little House series, providing background information on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s work, explaining the recommended reading order, discussing what makes these books so captivating, and offering advice on whether or not you should read them in a specific order.

List Of Laura Ingalls Wilder Books In Order

More On Laura Ingalls Wilder Books In Chronological Order

1. Little House in the Big Woods (1932)

This is where it all begins! You get to peek into Laura’s earliest memories growing up in the dense Wisconsin woods with her family. It’s full of homey, cozy adventures, like making maple syrup, chopping wood, and celebrating holidays with a lot of simple joy. It’s like stepping into a time machine and experiencing the 1870s frontier life firsthand through a little girl’s eyes, with a mix of curiosity, mischief, and pure family warmth.

2. Farmer Boy (1933)

This one is a little different because it shifts focus from Laura to her future husband Almanzo Wilder as a boy growing up on a New York farm. It’s fascinating because you get to see the hard work and exciting country adventures from a boy’s perspective. From plowing fields to battling the harsh winters, the book really brings 19th-century farm life to vivid life, and it’s peppered with Almanzo’s clever tricks and playful determination.

3. Little House on the Prairie (1935)

Here’s where the Ingalls family heads west, into the vast Kansas prairie, which is wide open and full of possibilities… and challenges! You can practically feel the wind in your hair as Laura recounts building a new home, facing nature’s unpredictability, and dealing with neighbors and tensions with local Native Americans. It’s a story of courage, resourcefulness, and a little girl’s awe at the wild world around her.

4. On the Banks of Plum Creek (1937)

Now the family is settling in Minnesota, and Laura is growing up fast! Life here is a mix of beauty and struggle-floods, harsh winters, and adapting to new neighbors. You really get to see Laura’s mischievous streak, her love of storytelling, and the deep bond she shares with her sisters and parents. This one feels like you’re drifting along a gentle creek with the family, experiencing both the serenity and the trials of frontier life.

5. By the Shores of Silver Lake (1939)

Adventure calls as the Ingalls family moves to the Dakota Territory. Laura is starting to notice the world in a whole new way-friendships, first hints of romance, and the excitement of new land to explore. The story has this wonderful mix of heartwarming domestic life and the raw beauty of the Dakota plains. You can almost smell the fresh prairie air and hear the bustle of a new town coming to life.

6. The Long Winter (1940)

Brace yourself because this one is intense! Laura tells the story of one of the harshest winters the family has ever faced, with blizzards that trap them in their home for months. It’s a gripping, edge-of-your-seat read, but also full of perseverance, family teamwork, and ingenious ways to survive. You come away with a real sense of the endurance and grit required to thrive on the frontier.

7. Little Town on the Prairie (1941)

Here, Laura is really stepping into her teenage years, and you see the family finally settling into town life. There’s a sweet mix of school, friendships, work, and community building. It’s charming to see how a young girl experiences growing independence, while still dealing with the practical realities of frontier life. It’s like watching a small town bloom around Laura and her family.

8. These Happy Golden Years (1943)

The series wraps up with Laura transitioning from adolescence into early adulthood. This is where you follow her courtship with Almanzo, working as a teacher, and navigating the excitement and anxieties of growing up. It’s wonderfully heartfelt and very personal, with lots of warmth, humor, and life lessons. You can almost feel the pride in her voice as she steps confidently into her future.

Background On Laura Ingalls Wilder Books

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series began with the publication of Little House in the Big Woods in 1932. It was the first of nine books that recount the story of Laura’s childhood and early adulthood. Wilder’s experiences growing up on the American frontier, moving from Wisconsin to the Dakota Territory and later to Missouri, form the basis of the series. These novels are set against the backdrop of an ever-changing landscape, shaped by westward expansion and the challenges of pioneer life.

The series focuses primarily on the Ingalls family-Laura, her parents Charles and Caroline, and her siblings Mary, Carrie, Grace, and later, their dog Jack. As the family moves from place to place in search of land and prosperity, readers are introduced to a wide array of characters, communities, and historical events that shaped the development of the United States.

Wilder’s writing was greatly influenced by her own experiences. She drew from the journals she kept as a child and young adult, as well as the memories she had of her parents and siblings. The rich, nostalgic narrative captures both the hardships and joys of life on the frontier, giving readers a real sense of what it was like to grow up during that era.

While the books are considered children’s literature, their appeal transcends age, offering adults valuable insights into American history, the pioneering spirit, and the complexities of family dynamics. In addition to the central themes of hardship, growth, and resilience, the series also tackles issues such as the treatment of Native Americans, the difficulties of women in the 19th century, and the concept of home as a place of safety and love.

Reading Order Explained

The Little House series is best enjoyed when read in order, as the books follow the chronological life of Laura Ingalls from childhood through early adulthood. However, there is some debate about the optimal reading sequence due to various editions and spin-offs published over the years. To make sure you’re following the author’s original timeline, it’s essential to know the correct reading order:

1. Little House In The Big Woods (1932)

   The first book introduces readers to the Ingalls family and their life in the Wisconsin woods, where Laura spends her early years.

2. Little House On The Prairie (1935)

   This second book takes the family westward to the Kansas prairie, where they endure severe weather, Native American tensions, and other challenges of frontier life.

3. On The Banks Of Plum Creek (1937)

   The Ingalls family relocates to Minnesota, where they try their luck at farming by Plum Creek, encountering new obstacles, including a near-death experience for Laura and her sister Mary.

4. By The Shores Of Silver Lake (1939)

   After losing their farm, the family moves to Dakota Territory, where they set up camp by a lake. Laura, now a teenager, grows and learns valuable lessons during this period.

5. The Long Winter (1940)

   A devastating winter in South Dakota tests the Ingalls family’s endurance. This book captures the fierce cold, the struggle for survival, and the deep bond between family members.

6. Little Town On The Prairie (1941)

   After surviving the long winter, the family moves to the burgeoning town of De Smet, where Laura experiences small-town life and the challenges of growing up.

7. These Happy Golden Years (1943)

   In this book, Laura becomes a teacher and eventually meets Almanzo Wilder, her future husband, marking a pivotal moment in her coming-of-age story.

8. The First Four Years (1971)

   This final book, published posthumously, details Laura and Almanzo’s early years of marriage, their struggles to establish a home and a family, and the hardships that they continue to face as adults.

Bonus Books And Spin-offs

In addition to the main series, Wilder’s daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, wrote a book called The Little House Cookbook, which explores the food and recipes mentioned throughout the series. There are also various adaptations and illustrated versions of the books, along with the famous television series Little House on the Prairie, which was loosely based on Wilder’s novels. However, these adaptations are not necessary for understanding the core of the story.

What I Like About The Series?

One of the most compelling aspects of the Little House series is its portrayal of the everyday struggles and triumphs of a family determined to carve out a life in the untamed American frontier. Wilder’s simple yet evocative writing paints a picture of the beauty and harshness of pioneer life, and her characters are richly drawn, making them feel real and relatable.

What I love about the series is how it captures the nuances of family dynamics. The Ingalls family is not perfect, and their experiences are not idealized. They face real challenges-disease, hunger, loss, and natural disasters-but they also experience moments of immense joy, love, and pride in their accomplishments. This balance between hardship and happiness is something that resonates with readers of all ages.

Additionally, Wilder’s ability to blend history and personal experience makes the books educational without being overtly didactic. She doesn’t just tell the story of Laura’s life; she brings the history of the time alive in a way that feels organic and accessible. The challenges the Ingalls family face-such as the isolation of homesteading, interactions with Native American tribes, or the struggle to build a community in an unsettled land-are woven into the narrative in a way that encourages readers to think critically about the complexities of American history.

Should You Read Laura Ingalls Wilder Books In Order?

While some readers may feel compelled to jump into the series with their favorite book, reading the Little House books in order is strongly recommended. The progression of Laura’s growth-from a curious, adventurous young girl to a mature, independent woman-adds a depth to the experience that would be lost if the books were read out of sequence. The story builds in a way that makes the experiences of each book feel interconnected, and the later volumes often reference events from earlier books. For example, the hardships the family faces in The Long Winter are made more poignant when readers understand the sacrifices they’ve already made in previous volumes.

Moreover, reading the books in order allows for a deeper understanding of the historical context and the family’s evolution. The development of characters like Laura’s sister Mary and her eventual romance with Almanzo Wilder becomes more meaningful when followed chronologically.

That said, if you’re reading for nostalgia or just want a glimpse into a particular period of Laura’s life, it’s possible to enjoy individual books outside of the order. However, to get the fullest and most enriching experience, it’s best to follow the sequence laid out above.