On the Banks of Plum Creek is the third book in (the MOST) fabulous series (EVER) known as the Little House on the Prairie books. I certainly recommend reading the entire series in chronological order. There are 7 books in the series proper, and a few other spin-off books, which you will want to read after you have grown to love the family of the original books.
These are works of fiction, but they are true stories. They are the result of Laura Ingalls Wilder telling the story of her childhood to her daughter, who then helped her to write the stories down into books. Laura was born into a cabin in a forest in Wisconsin in 1867. When she was very young her family left Wisconsin and travelled across America, trying to settle in what was then wild country and newly acquired lands. Through Laura’s eyes we see the history of North American Settlers. I cannot think of a better way to learn about the life of the early settlers. The details in the books are incredible. We see everything about their lives and characters, with such truthfulness and awareness that is difficult to find. We live with these people and we experience the world in the most immediate way. The historical value of these books is immense.
They are a treasure chest of early American folk history. Additionally, the books have just as much literary value. The stories are told with simplicity and honesty, and they are very much a joy to read. Finally, what makes these books AMAZING is that the characters we meet within them are exceptionally beautiful and interesting. Laura and her family will capture your imagination and your heart.
I cannot recommend this series of books enough. They are gems of Anglo-Saxon writing.
On the Banks of Plum Creek continues the story of this family. After having gone through a terrible time with malaria (that kills the family’s baby boy) in the previous book, they leave Kansas and travel to Minnesota. Here they build a new home and try to establish themselves afresh, this time closer to a town with other people. We see something of the town, the local school and the church. We learn a lot about the collective life of early north-American settlers. Again, the book will astound you with the hardships that people have lived through. This book also gives more opportunity to learn about the ethics of these early settler societies.
The books follow in chronological order, so you will want to read them in order. Make a point of reading these books. You will meet people you could not have imagined.
