Many school-age readers fall in love with the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder; what they don't always realize is that Wilder's books are largely autobiographical, and offer a vivid picture of pioneer life in the years after the Civil War. Illustrated throughout with charming black and white drawings reminiscent of Garth Williams's classic illustrations, this biography for readers 8 to 12 details the author's real life traveling and homesteading with her family, and points out where it differs from the series. Here too are quotes from Laura Ingalls Wilder, games that young Laura played, instructions for making a corn-husk doll, and recipes from the Ingalls and Wilder homes.