Number five in the Little House Books series brings the Ingalls family further west in search of a new home. Dangers come from humans as they encounter claim jumping murderers and unpaid workers causing near riot. Meanwhile, Mary must come to grips with her new life as a blind person.
"One of the phenomenal achievements in modern literature for children, a genuine chronicle of American life and of family life at their equal best. Through these books Laura Ingalls of the 1870’s and ‘80’s has stepped from the pages of the past into the flesh and blood reality of a chosen friend. . . . If our country can become great in humility, and can work earnestly to solve its own problems at the same time that it carries its share of world responsibilities, it will be through vision of our children, their integrity and idealism, gained in homes like the home in the ‘Little House’ books."
—The Horn Book
"Any boy or girl who has access to all the books in the series will be the richer for their firsthand record of pioneer life in the opening West and for their warm-hearted human values."
—The New Yorker
"The finest firsthand picture of American pioneer life ever written for children."
—San Francisco Chronicle
"It is a matter of great satisfaction and a cause for gratitude that we can turn to such a group of stories as those of Mrs. Wilder. They ring true in every particular. Their authentic background, sensitive characterization, their fine integrity and spirit of sturdy independence, make them an invaluable addition to our list of genuine American stories."
—The New York Times