Review of These Happy Golden Years

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

Jan 7, 2009

These Happy Golden Years is the eighth book in the Little House on the Prairie series that follows Laura from ages 16 to 18 and her marriage to Almanzo Wilder.

These Happy Golden Years, a Newberry Honor Book, is the eighth book in the Little House on the Prairie series and is often considered to be the last book in the series, even though The First Four Years is officially the last book.

Laura is teaching school at the Brewster school, almost 15 miles away from her home. The family she is living with are rude to her, her children are acting up, and she misses her family terribly. Her only consolation is her weekend trips home because Almanzo Wilder comes to pick her up in his sleigh. In fact, a budding relationship is happening between them that grows into something more after her school term is over and she gets to go home. They spend hours riding behind his buggy in the summer. In fact, they even fall in love. Everything is perfect when he proposes, or is it? Will their wedding get ruined by his family? This is a new beginning for Laura.

These Happy Golden Years is perhaps the best book in the series. It won Newberry Honors and is a beloved classic among the devoted Laura Ingalls Wilder fans. Readers will adore the romance between Almanzo and Laura. Their relationship is not without their difficulties. In fact, sometimes it is downright hard for them. But, in the meantime, readers will enjoy reading about Pa, Ma, Mary, Carrie, and Grace because they are all growing up, learning lessons, and finding their place in life. Pa and Ma are more financially stable than they have ever been and are able to give their family luxuries that they've never dreamed of, including an organ for Mary to play when she comes home from college.

These Happy Golden Years is the most "grown up" book in the series that will appeal to girls ages eight and up. They can dream about their own beaus while reading about Almanzo and Laura. It is a delightful read for adults and children and will always remain the best book in the series.

Other Books in the Little House on the Prairie Series

Wilder, Laura Ingalls. These Happy Golden Years. HarperTrophy, 1943. 289 pages. ISBN: 9780064400084

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

Jan 26, 2009 2:23 PM

Guest :

This book was a great book for young teenager! It teaches them about the life people on the prairie had to endure!!:)