Review of The First Four Years

By Laura Ingalls Wilder, Author of Little House on the Prairie

Jan 7, 2009

The First Four Years is the ninth and final book in the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

The First Four Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder is the last book in the Little House on the Prairie series. It tells the story of Laura and Almanzo's first four years of marriage. It is also the least known in the series because it was published after Laura's death after they found unedited papers in Laura's desk. It was composed of four chapters: One chapter for the first three years and then a year of grace.

Laura and Almanzo Wilder have just gotten married and live in their own little house on the prairie. They work hard every day to provide for themselves and their new daughter, Rose. The battle sickness, weather, fire, and making sure their daughter is provided for.

The great debate with The First Four Years is that it should not be considered part of the Little House on the Prairie series because of the radical way in which the narrative structure differs from the rest of the series. The First Four Years is written in a very harsh manner that seems to reflect the way in which pioneers during the time period actually lived.

From a rational point of view, it could be said that the rest of the Little House on the Prairie series is written in such a way that does not allow for an accurate view of the west, making it seem like an easy life rather than the hardship that it really was. So, how can children learn from these books if they are not an accurate depiction of life during the time? It only works because Laura Ingalls Wilder seamlessly mixes fact and fiction together to create a realistic yet simplified view of her world.

So where does all of this leave The First Four Years? Should it be a part of the series, or should not it? Either way, it does not really matter because it is a fabulous book that still tells the story of Laura and her new little family living on the prairie. The circle of life continues.

Other Books in the Little House on the Prairie Series

Wilder, Laura Ingalls. The First Four Years. Harper Trophy, 1953. 160 pages. ISBN: 9780064400312

The copyright of the article Review of The First Four Years in Children’s Books is owned by Jessica Workman. Permission to republish Review of The First Four Years in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.