Little House on Rocky Ridge

This is a close call between 3 stars and 4 stars. I was actually expecting the book to be rather dull but MacBride does a decent job trying to stay in a similar style to LI Wilder. Overall a success but I didn't find Laura or Almonzo near as entertaining. He almost captured the original. Rose was a good character.

Most of the time, sequels are annoying. They try to capture the appeal of the original work, but usually just end up being a lesser remix of the same elements. I tend not to have high expectations when I start reading a sequel. How much lower expectations I should have had for this book, which is the first book of a whole series of sequels to the Little House series. Fortunately, this is one of the rare cases when a sequel is worth reading.

Little house on Rocky Ridge is the first volume in the series that chronicles the childhood of Rose Wilder Lane, Laura Ingalls Wilder's daughter. It picks up after the Little House series with the Wilder family leaving DeSmet, South Dakota in the middle of a drought and heading down to Missouri to try show more and build a better life there. In one sense, it is a rehash of the elder series in that there are many descriptions of daily life in the 1890's. In another sense, it's a new chapter in Laura's life, even though the focus of the book is on Rose's experiences and perceptions. I don't know whether Laura will continue to figure prominently in the series, or if she will fade to the background as Rose grows up and moves out on her own. But I intend to check it out and let you know. Both as a transition from the old series and an introduction to the new one, this book is well written and a pleasure to read. show less

I wasn't sure how I would like this book, as it is the first Little House book I have read that was NOT written by Laura Ingalls Wilder or her daughter Rose.

I was pleasantly surprised. Roger MacBride has written a follow up edition that meshes well with the original series.

Laura and Almanzo Wilder move to Missouri, and the story is told from the perspective of Rose, who is about seven years old.

It's an enjoyable read in the Little House tradition.

Loved this series of books. I admit I was skeptical at first, but Roger Lea MacBride did such a good job with this series. I had re-read the Little House series so many times so it was such a joy that finally - there were more! Sure, I was an adult, but who cares?

The Little House books had such a big impact on my life growing up. I wish I could have read these books about Rose when I was a kid. I know I will re-read these, too, someday.

I've tried another series in the Little House saga, but so far, it hasn't worked as well for me. I think maybe because MacBride knew Rose and you could tell he knew Rose.

I liked this and I a glad that I read it. It is not as good as Laura's little house books, but she was really a brilliant writer. This one wasn't bad and I think had some of Laura's spirit in it and it is good to know more of Laura's story because I like so many others really love her.

Rose and her parents, Laura and Almanzo, say good-bye to Ma and Pa Ingalls and Laura's sisters. In a covered wagon containing all their possessions, they make their way across the drought-stricken Midwest to the lush green valleys of southern Missouri. The journey is long and not always easy, but at the end is the promise of a new home and a new life for the Wilders.

Rose and her parents, Laura and Almanzo, say good-bye to Ma and Pa Ingalls and Laura's sisters. In a covered wagon containing all their possessions, they make their way across the drought-stricken Midwest to the lush green valleys of southern Missouri. The journey is long and not always easy, but at the end is the promise of a new home and a new life for the Wilders.