56 pages • 1 hour read
By the Shores of Silver Lake
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
357
Novel • Fiction
Dakota Territory • 1880s
1939
Middle grade
8-12 years
820L
Super Short Summary
In By the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder, 12-year-old Laura Ingalls and her family move from Plum Creek, Minnesota, to the Dakota Territory following financial hardships and Laura’s sister Mary’s blindness due to scarlet fever. They settle temporarily in a railroad camp before finding a new homestead by Silver Lake, where Laura begins to mature and take on more responsibilities. The book contains depictions of homicide, dated and racist language toward Indigenous Americans, and ableism.
Nostalgic
Heartwarming
Adventurous
Melancholic
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
80,861 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Laura Ingalls Wilder's By the Shores of Silver Lake captivates readers with vivid descriptions of frontier life and engaging storytelling. Critics praise its historical authenticity and character development, though some note a slower pace and lack of action compared to earlier books in the series. An enriching read, particularly for fans of pioneer narratives.
Who Should Read By the Shores of Silver Lake?
A reader who enjoys By the Shores of Silver Lake would typically appreciate historical fiction, tales of pioneer life, and coming-of-age stories. Fans of Little House on the Prairie and Anne of Green Gables will find this book engaging for its rich depiction of frontier challenges, family bonds, and a young girl's growth.
80,861 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Charles Ingalls
Charles Ingalls
Laura's optimistic and hardworking father, whose jovial nature and laughter make him a cornerstone of the family, leading them westward in search of better opportunities.
Caroline Ingalls
Caroline Ingalls
The cautious and resourceful mother of the Ingalls family, who manages the household with stoicism and resourcefulness despite her reluctance to move west.
Mary Ingalls
Mary Ingalls
Laura’s responsible and patient older sister, who adjusts to life after becoming blind and remains a source of motivation and support for Laura.
Big Jerry
Big Jerry
A protective and bold character of French and Indigenous American descent, known for his vibrant personality and for aiding the Ingalls family on their journey.
357
Novel • Fiction
Dakota Territory • 1880s
1939
Middle grade
8-12 years
820L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.