56 pages • 1 hour read
By the Shores of Silver Lake
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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
357
Novel • Fiction
Dakota Territory • 1880s
1939
Middle grade
8-12 years
820L
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