The Little House books have captivated generations of readers with theirstory of the little pioneer girt Laura Ingalls growing up on the American frontier. Now the Little House story continues with The Rocky Ridge Years, books that tell the story of Laura and Almanzo Wilder's daughter, Rose. The first three books in the series, "Little House On Rocky Ridge, Little Farm In the Ozarks, and In the Land of the Big Red Apple," describe the Wilders' covered-wagon journey to Missouri and their first two years in their new farmhouse. "On The Other Side of the Hill" continues their story as the young Wilder family struggles to overcome a series of natural disasters that beset their little farm. "On The Other Side of the Hill" continues the story that Laura Ingalls Wilder began more than sixty years ago -- a story whose wonder and adventure have charmed millions of readers.

Reviews

Gr 3-5-The fourth in the series about Rose Wilder's childhood years on Rocky Ridge Farm in the Ozarks. Taking place during the course of a year, her experiences range from the dramatic (a cyclone, a fire, the death of a family friend) to the ordinary (a cider pressing, the annual hog butchering, and the family's first look at the brand new Sears Roebuck catalog). Throughout, Rose is a changing, growing character. Her relationships with others evolve in a natural way that children are bound to relate to, and the awakening of her intellectual curiosity and her transition from childhood to adolescence is authentically depicted. MacBride is obviously fascinated with historical detail, which generally serves this book well, although its length will intimidate many children, and some of the descriptions are perhaps a bit too leisurely. The plotting is where the book lacks structure and cohesiveness; it is episodic to the point of being rambling, with some plot elements just fizzling out (for example, all of the little bits about omens and superstitions never lead up to anything). All in all, though, this is a respectable book worthy of consideration, especially where the series is already popular.-Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

"MacBride is obviously fascinated with historical detail, which...serves this book well." '- "School Library Journal