Farmer Boy

Farmer Boy (published in 1933) is a middle-grade historical fiction novel by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The second installment in the Little House series, the book departs from her life to follow Almanzo Wilder, her husband. The story, set in the 1800s, follows nine-year-old Almanzo and his family, who live on a prosperous farm in New York state. Almanzo desperately wants his own horse. As the youngest of four siblings, he knows he’ll have to wait patiently and prove his dedication and maturity through hard work before Father will allow him to train one of their horses. The tale follows Almanzo’s life over more than a year and describes his experience of seasons on the farm and completing various chores, such as milking the cows; planting crops like corn; hauling wood; cutting ice in the winter; training oxen; and preparing food, hay, and other resources. Through many farm lessons, Almanzo finally earns his own horse, a colt named Starlight.

This study guide refers to the 2016 Kindle e-book edition published by HarperCollins.

Plot Summary

Almanzo Wilder, a nine-year-old boy who lives on a large farm in New York state, attends school for the first year.