On the Way Home

Written by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Part of the Little House Nonfiction series

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

4.1 Goodreads · 10,661 ratings

101 pages· 18,505 words· Est. 2.5 hour read· 900L

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Bookroo's 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?

From the publisher

A detailed diary from the author of the beloved Little House series, chronicling her journey with her family from South Dakota to Missouri.

In 1894, Laura Ingalls Wilder, her husband, Almanzo, and their daughter, Rose, packed their belongings into their covered wagon and set out on a journey from De Smet, South Dakota, to Mansfield, Missouri. They heard that the soil there was rich and the crops were bountiful—it was even called “the Land of the Big Red Apple.” With hopes of beginning a new life, the Wilders made their way to the Ozarks of Missouri.

During their journey, Laura kept a detailed diary of events: the cities they passed through, the travelers they encountered on the way, the changing countryside and the trials of an often difficult voyage. Laura’s words, preserved in this book, are a fascinating account of life and travel at the turn of the twentieth century, and reveal Laura’s inner thoughts as she traveled with her family in search of a new home in Mansfield, where Laura would write her Little House books.

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