I am a member of and received an Advanced Copy of Laura Ingalls is Ruining My Life from Kid Lit Exchange, all opinions are my own. Thank you Kid Lit Exchange! #partner
Laura Ingalls Is Ruining My Life is an excellent companion
to young readers of the original series. The writing takes an honest look at
some of the controversial aspects of westward expansion without demonizing the
original books. This book is a solid middle grade read-and is worth it's merit as relatable and honest
story for it's intended audience.
Charlotte Lake and her family have just arrived in Walnut
Grove, home of Laura Ingalls during the Plum Creek years. Charlotte moves a lot
and being the new kid never seems to get easier. The fact that they've moved to
town so that her mother can connect to the spirit of Laura Ingalls to write her
own book does not make this transition easier. As Charlotte navigates a new
town and family challenges, she feels that Laura is ruining her life. As the family faces their first Minnesota
winter, Charlotte learns more about the history that surrounds her but about
the positive in the present as well.
Author Shelley Tougas presents Charlotte and her siblings in
a realistic manner and they are written in a way that will be a relatable read
for younger readers. She writes about the toll of having a depressed parent, the hardships of starting at a new school, and dealing with sibling jealousy in a matter of fact way that does not bring the book down but instead presents these issues as real life problems that kids face and navigate. She also provides an honest look at westward expansion-the
removal of the Native population, the hardships of the settler life, the near
extinction of the bison population, the
unfair treatment of Chinese workers on the railroad-without being preachy,
which I truly appreciate and applaud. But this story firmly remains the story
of Charlotte-a girl who is in unsteady circumstances and wishes she had a
steadier life.
An excellent edition to any middle grade library collection and
I would highly recommend it to any children who have enjoyed the Little House
series.
Overall: 3.5/5
Laura Ingalls Is Ruining My Life, Shelley Tougas
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Publisher: Roaring Books Press
Available Now
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