I have a confession: I have never read the Little House books to my sons. I did start Farmer Boy one summer, but they were so disturbed by the whipping in the first chapter that we put it down and never returned to it.
As a kid I loved Laura Ingalls Wilder's books and read them over and over, but then as I started to branch out, the overriding theme of rugged individualism and how "hard work can win all", started to grate on me, especially as the books are touted as a fictionalized version of what happened, yet are far from the truth.
Now I realize this all sounds like blasphemy (I also dislike Dr. Seuss so clearly I cannot be trusted), but I do think the Little House books are examples of superior storytelling and its okay if you enjoy them. I just don't think its portrait of pioneer life should be as idealized as it has been.
The titles on this list are not necessarily books like Little House on the Prairie, although many of them have similar settings and pioneer themes.
Once Little House has your kids hooked on reading, it's a great time to get them to branch out! I have also specifically chosen a number of books with alternatives to the standard Anglo-American narrative. So read these books aloud to your kids and then discuss the similarities and differences with the Little House books.
Please note: this list is heavy with girl protagonists, but just like the Little House books, every single book on this list will also be enjoyed by boys.
(Note: covers and titles are affiliate links that earn commission from qualifying purchases.)
Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park
A stellar, thoughtful alternative to the Little House books, Prairie Lotus, is about Hanna, a 14-year-old half-Chinese girl who dreams of being a dressmaker. She and her white father have moved to a new town in Dakota territory where her father is opening a dress goods store. Hanna is excited about going to school for the first time and graduating, as her mother dreamed for her. She faces the racism of the town’s white folks, but Hanna is determined. Hanna’s strong inner voice, the memory of her Mama and a few new friends help her stay strong and succeed.
Our Only May Amelia (series) by Jennifer L. Holm
May Amelia and her family are Finnish-American settlers in 1899 Washington. May Amelia has seven older brothers and as the only girl in the area she is may be outnumbered but she holds her own and has little patience for expectations that she should act in a ladylike manner. May Amelia's mama is about to have a baby and her fingers are crossed for another girl. The cast of characters, from May Amelia's sophisticated town aunt to her crotchety grandmother are intensely engaging and pioneer life is exposed in all its nitty-gritty glory.
The Wind Called My Name by Mary Louise Sanchez
During the Great Depression, Margarita Sandoval's family farm in New Mexico is devastated by drought and her father takes a job with the railroad, moving the family to Wyoming. Their new community doesn't appreciate the Sandoval's Hispanic heritage. Her father works to organize rail workers into a union, and her family must prevent the loss of Abuelita's land in New Mexico. This book fills a much needed gap in children's literature by portraying the diversity of the American frontier.
The Detective's Assistant by Kate Hannigan
Hannigan's book is based on the life of America's first female detective. 11-year-old Nell ends up on the doorstep of her Aunt Kate. Aunt Kate would prefer to drop Nell off at the local orphanage but Nell makes herself useful to her aunt, who works for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Hannigan deftly handles multiple story lines and weaves in a lot of interesting historical content. There is a lot going on here: Nell and Kate's detective-ing (yes, that's a word, I just invented it) around the Baltimore Plot (a real-life attempt to assassinate Abraham Lincoln), Nell's correspondence with Jemma, an African-American friend who relates stories with troubling details about the Underground Railroad, and the mystery surrounding her uncle's and father's death. You can image Nell and Enola teaming up to start their own detective agency.
The Ballad of Lucy Whipple by Karen Cushman
Find it: Amazon
I am a big fan of Karen Cushman's books. I made an entire list of books for readers who love Cushman's book, Catherine, Called Birdie. Lucy's widowed mother decides to move her family from Boston to try their luck in California during the gold rush. Lucy is not a fan of this plan and she does everything she can to earn her way back to Boston. Cushman is skilled at creating humorous, spunky narrators and her books move at a fast pace, making them especially good for kids who may not want to pick up a huge novel.
The Thing about Luck by Cynthia Kadobata
This year, Summer's parents are in Japan and so she and her brother, Jaz, and her grandparents travel with the fellow wheat harvesters from Kansas to Texas and Oklahoma. Summer's narration includes fascinating descriptions of how the harvest is brought in and her experience reveals a lifestyle that most American children don't know exists. When Summer's grandparents are too ill to help, the 12 year old draws upon her own strength to help bring in the wheat when a crucial deadline looms. This is an excellent book and is a great counterpoint to pioneer farm life!
Hattie Big Sky (series) Kirby Larson
In 1918, 16-year-old Hattie, an orphan, travels to Iowa, determined to make her recently deceased uncle's homestead in Montana her own. But, she must tame the land in a year in order to keep it as her own. The narration is coupled with short articles that Hattie writes to a newspaper about her experiences and letters she writes to her friend Charlie, who is at war in France. Hattie's life is hard and she relies on her neighbors to help her out, but there are also fellow homesteaders who are not so supportive. This is a fantastic book and a good choice for advanced readers.
May B. by Caroline Rose Starr
This verse novel is excellent for readers who enjoy survival stories. 13-year-old May and her family live on the frontier and in order to help out, May's parents find her a place working for another family fifteen few miles away. When the couple mysteriously disappear and leave May alone, she must find a way to survive the oncoming winter. A thoughtful touch is May's strong interest in learning and reading, even as she struggles with dyslexia (although, unlike modern readers, May doesn't know dyslexia is her problem).
MORE: Survival Story Books Like Hatchet
The Birchbark House (series) by Louise Erdrich
I adore this series! Erdrich's writing is simply marvelous. This first book takes place on an island in Lake Superior in 1847 where 7-year-old Omakayas, "Little Frog" and her Ojibwa family live. Erdrich describes the daily life and experiences of the Ojibwa as well as their sorrows and joys. Excellent, and a must read for kids.
MORE: I highly recommend that kids who like The Little House on the Prairie, also read books by Native American authors.
Show Me A Sign (series) by Ann Clare LeZotte
In 1805, Mary Lambert lives in a community where everyone speaks sign language and a quarter of the population is deaf. One day, a young man arrives in the village hoping to research the reason for the high rate of deafness. Mary narrates the story and her observations of the interactions between the English, Black, Irish, and Wampanoag peoples, as well as on racism, prejudice and ableism are perceptive and thought-provoking. The author's endnote gives historical background on the town of Chilmark and Martha's Vineyard are fascinating.
Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D Schmidt
In 1912 Maine, Turner Buckminster III is bored. Then he meets Lizzie Bright, an African-American from Malaga Island, a community settled by former slaves, and the two connect over baseball. Turner's minister family and the rest of the congregation do not approve of the poor Malaga Island community and decide it must go in order to attract tourism to the area. This is a serious story, based on the actual removal of the Malaga Island community. The inhabitants were sent to an insane asylum. There is some humor in the tale, but it does not have a happy ending.
The Legend of Auntie Po by Shing Yin Khor
Mei is a Chinese-American girl living in the 19th-century Sierra Nevadas, where her father is a cook at a logging camp. She tells tales of Auntie Po, a Paul Bunyon-like folk tale figure. Anti-Chinese sentiment and disgruntlement among the loggers leads to conflict and although Mei's father's white boss is well-meaning and supportive, his words are less effective than action. Although the story addresses serious subject matter, the overall tone is hopeful.
Sarah, Plain and Tall (series) by Patricia MacLachlan
MacLachlan's series is often as a Little House read alike, (along with Caddie Woodlawn which I have purposefully left off this list) and there are a number of companion books to keep your kids reading. Sarah, a school teacher, answers an advertisement for a wife and mother, and travels to the prairie from Maine. Sarah and her new family have to find ways of adjusting to each other as well as coping with feelings of loss and finding ways to move on from grief.
Sugar (series) by Jewell Parker Rhodes
In post-Civil War Mississippi, 10-year-old Sugar still lives on the plantation where she was born enslaved. She doesn't feel free and is eager to learn about the wider world. Chinese laborers arrive in the South and work alongside the formerly enslaved population. Sugar's new friendship with Master Liu, as well as her friendship with Billy, the plantation owner's sonn are catalysts for the action which contrasts the old way of things with the changing present.
Bright Island by Mabel L. Robinson
Find it: Amazon
Robinson's award-winning book is probably best for older tweens, as it is quite long and dense. Thankful is a girl who loves the sea. However, her parents send her away to school on the mainland so she can learn "what a girl is good for." The beautiful writing details Thankful's experience at the school, her attachment to boating and the coast of Maine. It is a lovely coming of age story and is perfect for fans of books like Anne of Green Gables. I would also like to stress that BOYS will also enjoy this book. (Can you tell I feel totally worn out by "books for boys" vs. "books for girls" recommendations?)
Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk
Annabelle lives comfortably on the family farm in a small Pennsylvanian town. She befriends an unusual but kind man, Toby, a WWI veteran who lives in an abandoned smokehouse behind her family's property. Annabelle's life is thrown into confusion when the mean-spirited Betty moves to the town and begins to bully, first Annabelle, and then Toby. This is a powerful, moving, memorable and complex book about truth, lies, kindness, and community. I read it straight through without putting it down, something that rarely happens these days!
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
In the 1860s Elijah becomes the first free child born to runaway slaves in a colony in Canada. His family sees him as "fragile", crying too easily or getting scared or hurt. The first part of the book is filled with humorous antics surrounding the community of Buxton. Later, Elijah makes the decision to travel to America to help a friend recover money that was stolen from him and the nature of freedom stares him straight in the eye.
Preacher's Boy by Katherine Paterson
Find it: Amazon
In late 19th century Vermont, 10-year-old Robbie decides he is not going to play the virtuous role of the preacher's boy. While hiding out in the woods he meets homeless Violet and her alcoholic father. As his tentative friendship with Violet grows, he wrestles with the right thing to do for himself and his new acquaintances. Poor choices and other circumstances result in a serious injury, which also turns out to be the catalyst by which Robbie is able to redeem himself. I liked the way this story was not a study in absolute moral choices but a more realistic explorations of how we (and especially children as they discover what kind of people they want to be) decide to act and treat others.
Blue Mountain by Martine Leavitt
Find it: Amazon
Blue Mountain is a great choice for kids who enjoy Laura Ingalls Wilder's books as well as animal stories! Tuk, a bighorn sheep has a vision of a blue mountain. When the valley where his tribe feeds in winter grows bare and domesticated sheep bring disease, Tuk decides to lead his fellow bighorn to the blue mountain. Some are doubtful of Tuk's promise of success and stay behind, but the small group of travelers set out and traverse a path beset with predators and dangers. Tuk manages to outwit bears and wolves and lead his followers in his hero's quest. When they arrive at the blue mountain, Tuk turns back to fetch the rest of the herd.
MORE: Great Animal Novels for Tweens
West of the Moon by Margi Preus
Find it: Amazon
I really, really enjoyed this book and it offers Little House fans the chance to consider what it might take for some individuals to make it to America in the first place. (Although I hope not too many were as dramatic as this one!) More than anything, Astri wants to join her father in America but her aunt sells her to Svaalberd, a foul, stinking goat farmer who treats her cruelly. Astri manages to escape from Svallberd, grabs her sister from her aunt and uncle before they are able to sell her, too. The sisters, with a strange girl Astri has met in Svaalberd's barn, run towards the coast in hopes of catching a boat to America but they are pursued by Svallberd. The writing is an intriguing mix of history and folklore. (I recommend it for ages 12 and up.) Edited to add: There is a short scene of attempted assault in this book that may make some parents uncomfortable, so preview the book if that is a concern for you.
Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer by Kelly Jones
When Sophie Brown's father loses his job, the family move from Los Angeles to her great-uncle's farm. This is an epistolary novel; Sophie writes letters to her Abuelita about her new life. While Sophie is adjusting to living on a farm, being one of the only "brown people" in the community and the frugality of her parents, she discovers a few chickens that have unusual characteristics. Her new mission becomes learning how to care and protect her new supernatural flock.
A Long Way From Chicago (series) by Richard Peck
In depression-era Illinois, Joey and his younger sister, Mary Alice, spend 9 summers with their formidable, yet lovable Grandma. Each chapter is a self-contained story of one hilarious summer-time adventure and are perfect for family read alouds. Even though this book was written in 1998, it reads like an old-fashioned children’s novel.
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
Billie Jo narrates her story of living in the dustbowl Texas during the Depression. In free verse, she describes the difficulties of poverty, having a distant father, and the tragic accident of her mother's death which also damaged her own hands so she is no longer able to play the piano. A moving story.
Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
Eleanor Roosevelt named author Dorothy Canfield Fisher as one of America's ten most influential women. Educators will recognize her as the woman who introduced the Montessori method to American classrooms. That philosophy is recognizable in Understood Betsy. Until she goes to live on a rural homestead with her cousins, nine-year-old Elizabeth has "never found out a single thing for herself alone." In the country, she takes joy and pride in learning and becomes a very capable and happy Betsy.
Other lists you will like if you like the Little House books:
Lisa says
I LOVE your book lists and use them all the time. I sometimes cross check with Amazon to read reviews from others. As I was going through this list, I saw people mentioning that West of the Moon has an attempted rape in it. That's definitely something I'd rather not have my daughter reading about quite yet. I would hope you might add a warning about content like that. I do appreciate all the work you put into making these lists though. It is a lifesaver for a mom of a voracious reader.
Erica MomandKiddo says
You are correct. It's been a while since I read it so I didn't think about that scene. I don't think it's anything someone 12 or 13 on up can't handle (as there is nothing graphic) but yes, I should have mentioned it so I am correcting that now. Maybe when it's been more than 6 months since I've read a book I should look at Amazon to refresh my memory! 🙂
Even in Australia says
I don't know Hattie Big Sky, The Detective's Assistant, or Boston Jane (although I liked the May Amelia books). Onto the hold list they go!
Corrie says
I also like the Little Britches series.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks for the recommendation!
Emily says
Oh my goodness what a list! Thank you! BUT the whipping is the BEST part!! That was what hooked us on our rereads!!
Suzanna says
Thanks! I'll have to look into some of these. I'm always on the look-out for our next read-aloud. This is the second time I've seen The Detective's Assistant on a book list lately, and I'd never heard of it before!
ashley donati booktomato.net says
i haven't read LHOTP with my boys either. I have tried to introduce it at different times, but they never could get into it. I loved the books as a kid, and the pioneer setting is one that I love reading about. Your list is amazing! Maybe if I couldn't get them into Prairie they will like one of these more.
Rebekah Gienapp says
Thanks especially for the diversity on this list. I'm eager to take a look at The Birchbark House and The Footsteps of Crazy Horse. One of the reasons I don't know whether I'll read the Little House books to my son (even though I loved them as a child) is the racist portrayal of Native Americans.
Violet says
Thanks for this list! I love Laura Ingalls Wilder's books and have read the first five books to my daughters (ages 5 and 7). Looking forward to trying out your suggestions! I recommend Anne Pellowski's five books about a Polish-American farm family living in Wisconsin in the 19th and 20th centuries, sometimes called the Latsch Valley Farm series. Each book is about a different generation, based on the author's own extended family history. My daughter enjoyed reading the Pioneer Daughters series by Jane Van Leeuwen on her own (they are early chapter books). For my own reading I liked Pioneer Girl: An annotated autobiography (of Laura Ingalls Wilder). It presents all the many differences between Laura's original memoir and her fiction, but has a more positive take on why she fictionalized her life story than the article that you linked to (though that was very thought-provoking too).
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks for the recommendations!
Jacquelyn says
The book My Amelia May has some very graphic scenes,including a murder and a dead baby just fyi, and everyone is pretty terrible to her but there's never much resolution in it for her :/ I am aware that that's just how life is sometimes, but I would not be comfortable reading it to my younger kids under probably twelve.
Charlotte says
I have read all the Little House books several times over to my four children at various times in their childhoods and they have soaked up the life of the Ingalls family and Almanzo Wilder. The ups and the downs, the scary times, the seasons, the moving constantly and the simple pleasures in life. I don't agree that they make pioneer life sound glorified at all- hard work Id say! Thanks for the wonderful book lists!
Erica says
As an adult, I definitely agree with you, but as a child I suppose I thought the pioneer life sounded glamorous. Weird, right? THanks for your kind words!
Neligh says
The Little House series was romantic and cozy to me as a kid; as a grownup it reads like Watership Down with people instead of rabbits. (I had to put down Farmer Boy, too. Way disturbing)