The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Why read the book?

The Long Winter is the most intense book in the series. Blizzard after blizzard hits the little town of De Smet in Dakota Territory. The trains cannot get through and the town runs out of food and fuel. The Ingalls family has to twist hay into sticks to burn in the stove just to keep from freezing.

For seven months the storms keep coming. The whole town is trapped. Then young Almanzo Wilder and his friend Cap Garland risk their lives to ride out onto the open prairie to find a farmer who has wheat. They bring it back and save the town from starving.

Favourite quote

The snow was coming. Pa said it was too dangerous to go to school. The blizzard wind was blowing so hard you could not see your hand before your face.

What I Loved

This book was scary to read because you could feel how cold and hungry the family was. They ground wheat in the coffee mill every day just to make enough bread. Laura and Pa twisted hay all day long so they would not freeze at night. It was hard work that never stopped.

The bravest part was when Almanzo and Cap rode out to find the wheat. They could have died in the storm but they went anyway. When spring finally came it felt like the whole world came back to life. I have never been so happy to read about sunshine and green grass. This book made me thankful for warm houses and full cupboards.

Key Takeaway

Real courage is doing what needs to be done even when you are scared and tired.

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