Books About South Dakota

The Best South Dakota Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about south dakota? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

#8 in Series

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About South Dakota

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1943

These Happy Golden Years

By Laura Ingalls Wilder, Garth Williams (Illustrator) · Book #8 in the Little House on the Prairie series

Laura faces homesickness and challenges while teaching to support her sister's education.

Newbery Honor (1944)

304 pages· 63,345 words· Est. 9 hour read

6.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 81,140 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Laura braves teaching in a remote schoolhouse, far from her family, to fund her sister Mary's education. As she navigates homesickness and daunting students, her weekends bring joy with sleigh rides and buggy adventures with Almanzo Wilder. Amidst the challenges, a budding romance offers hope and warmth. Will Laura's determination and newfound love guide her through this pivotal time?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1940

The Long Winter

By Laura Ingalls Wilder, Garth Williams (Illustrator) · Book #6 in the Little House on the Prairie series

A brutal winter traps a town; survival hinges on a daring quest for food.

Newbery Honor (1941)

334 pages· 67,661 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

6.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 94,937 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In the harsh winter of 1880-81, Laura Ingalls and her family are snowbound in the Dakota Territory. As blizzards isolate their town, food dwindles, threatening starvation. Young Almanzo Wilder embarks on a perilous journey across the prairie to secure wheat. Will his bravery save the town? Experience a unique Christmas celebration in this gripping tale of resilience and hope.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1939

By the Shores of Silver Lake

By Laura Ingalls Wilder, Garth Williams (Illustrator) · Book #5 in the Little House on the Prairie series

A family braves the Dakota wilderness, building a new life by Silver Lake.

Newbery Honor (1940)

290 pages· 57,240 words· Est. 8 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 84,996 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Laura Ingalls and her family leave Plum Creek for the untamed Dakota Territory. As Pa works on the railroad, they settle by Silver Lake, facing a lonely winter and the promise of a new town. Will their pioneering spirit endure in this vast wilderness?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1971

The First Four Years

By Laura Ingalls Wilder, Garth Williams (Illustrator) · Book #9 in the Little House on the Prairie series

A young woman navigates marriage, motherhood, and farming in the late 19th century American Midwest.

134 pages· 24,277 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 46,266 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Laura begins her journey as a pioneer wife alongside her husband, Almanzo, on the South Dakota prairie. As they build their life together, they welcome their daughter, Rose, into a world filled with both trials and triumphs. Will their love and resilience be enough to overcome the harsh realities of frontier life? Discover the heartwarming tale of a family's courage and determination in the face of adversity, as Laura transitions from a little pioneer girl to a devoted wife and mother.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1941

Little Town on the Prairie

By Laura Ingalls Wilder, Garth Williams (Illustrator) · Book #7 in the Little House on the Prairie series

A young pioneer navigates new social adventures and responsibilities in a growing town.

Newbery Honor (1942)

307 pages· 61,703 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 95,642 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In the burgeoning town of De Smet, fifteen-year-old Laura Ingalls faces new challenges and opportunities. As she attends her first social events and earns her teaching certificate, Laura also helps her sister Mary attend college for the blind. Amidst these changes, a budding romance with Almanzo Wilder begins to unfold. How will Laura balance her dreams with her duties in this vibrant frontier town?

Sale price

$1786

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2011

Run for the Hills, Geronimo!

By Geronimo Stilton · Book #47 in the Geronimo Stilton series

A peaceful vacation turns into a wild treasure hunt in South Dakota's Black Hills.

128 pages

4.1 Goodreads · 1,329 ratings

$18.80Save 5%

Prebound-Sewn

Summary: Geronimo Stilton's solo vacation plans crumble as he finds himself on a wild treasure hunt in South Dakota's Black Hills. Joined by the entire Stilton clan, unexpected adventures unfold, including a thrilling hot-air balloon ride to Mount Rushmore. Can Geronimo navigate the chaos and uncover the treasure, or will this trip be more than he bargained for? Discover the twists and turns of this unforgettable journey.

Sale price

$1615

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 1905

The Gift of the Magi

By O.Henry, Lisbeth Zwerger (Illustrator)

A couple sacrifices their dearest possessions for Christmas gifts.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (1982)

26 pages· 2,057 words· Est. 16 min read-aloud

4.1 Goodreads · 103,000 ratings

$17.00Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a heartwarming tale, a devoted couple faces a poignant dilemma: to give each other meaningful Christmas gifts, they must part with their most cherished belongings. As they navigate this tender sacrifice, will their love prove to be the greatest gift of all? Discover the depth of their devotion and the true spirit of giving in this touching story.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1962

On the Way Home

By Laura Ingalls Wilder · Little House Nonfiction series

A family's journey to a new life in Missouri reveals trials and hopes through a detailed diary.

101 pages· 18,505 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 10,665 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In 1894, Laura Ingalls Wilder, her husband Almanzo, and daughter Rose embark on a journey from South Dakota to Missouri, seeking a fresh start in the 'Land of the Big Red Apple.' As they traverse the changing landscapes and meet fellow travelers, Laura documents their trials and hopes in a diary. This vivid account captures the challenges of their voyage and the promise of a new home, setting the stage for the beloved Little House books. What insights and adventures await them on this transformative journey?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 1929

The Jumping-Off Place

By Marian Hurd McNeely, William Siegel (Illustrator)

Four orphans face harsh prairie life, battling squatters and nature's fury to claim their land.

Newbery Honor (1930)

320 pages

4.1 Goodreads · 263 ratings

$9.95Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In 1910, four orphaned siblings, led by 17-year-old Becky, venture to the South Dakota prairie to secure their land claim. With Uncle Jim gone, they confront hostile squatters, drought, and brutal winters. As they struggle against these odds, unexpected community bonds and newfound resilience offer hope. Can they overcome the relentless challenges of homesteading and make the land their own?

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2009

The Mount Rushmore Calamity

By Jeff Brown, Macky Pamintuan (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Flat Stanley's Worldwide Adventures series

A family embarks on a vacation to Mount Rushmore, where they meet a cowgirl and get caught up in a mystery involving a gold mine

96 pages· 4,710 words· Est. 53 min read

3.9 Goodreads · 2,274 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Flat Stanley, flattened by a bulletin board, embarks on a family trip to Mount Rushmore. Joined by his brother Arthur and a spirited cowgirl, Calamity Jasper, their vacation spirals into a Wild West escapade. As they navigate unexpected challenges, Stanley's unique flatness becomes both a hindrance and a help. Will they escape the tight spots they find themselves in? Discover fascinating facts about Mount Rushmore while joining Stanley on this thrilling adventure. Perfect for young readers eager for multicultural tales and character-driven stories, this journey promises excitement and learning at every turn.

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