Mary Ingalls- The College Years

by Marie Tschopp

At the young age of fourteen, Mary Ingalls suffered an illness, causing her to lose her eyesight. Despite this trauma, Mary—the famous older sister of author Laura Ingalls Wilder, who is best known for her children’s book series—led a remarkable life.

Mary Ingalls—the College Years explores the young adult life of the oldest Ingalls sister, following her years spent at the Iowa College for the Blind. Readers learn of the subjects Mary studied, Mary’s academic performance, her success after graduation, and the sacrifices the Ingalls family made for their eldest daughter’s education. Additionally, readers are introduced to the history, development, and controversy surrounding one of America’s earliest schools for the blind.

In this book—decorated with never-before-published archived photos—celebrated storyteller, historical performer, and author Marie Tschopp paints a historically accurate picture of Mary Ingalls’s life as a student. Fans of Ingalls Wilder’s beloved novels will enjoy this captivating biography that explores the real life of Mary Ingalls.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Historical

70 pages, Paperback

Published June 21, 2017

Reviews

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tschopp provides a succinct, brief history of the Iowa College for the Blind attended by Mary Ingalls. She also relates details about Mary's education, her grades, and her life after graduation. The author sheds light on the individual story of Mary, which should delight all Laura Ingalls Wilder fans.

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a super short, quick read, and that's due mostly to the fact that a lot isn't known about Mary Ingalls during her time in college, which is unfortunate for fellow historians. Marie Tschopp does her best in trying to flesh out what tiny info does exist, but ultimately, I don't think I learned very much, which again, isn't because of the author but rather because of the lack of factual information. More than anything, it reads more like a CliffsNotes history of ICB than a look at Mary's life there. I really enjoyed the photocopies of some of the programs presented at ICB that Mary participated in. Whether the original documents that show Mary's intake form or anything else like that exist anymore, I'm not sure, but I would've been interested in seeing whatever exists of those.

Mary Ingalls - The College Years does the best that it can with little to no information, and if you're a Laura Ingalls Wilder lover, then this book is definitely worth a read!

[Mary Virginia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't waste your money on this overpriced drivel of a leaflet.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

First the author provides a history of the Iowa College for the Blind which Mary attends. Since not a lot is known about Mary's actual life there, the book provides details on what the normal routine was at the time, along with the daily menus, Mary's report cards, and the program for her graduation. The book concludes with a synopsis of Mary's later life. Very short and succinct, but worth reading.

[Angela Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

With me being a fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder I am always looking for more books about her and her family. This book tells the story of the Iowa School for the Blind that Laura's sister Mary went to to get an education after she went blind. It also tells the story of Mary and what she did after school. It is not a very long book and can be read in one sitting. I thought it was interesting even though I would have liked for it to be a bit longer as I wanted even more information about her. A nice addition to my collection of Laura Ingalls books.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting, but should focuses more on Iowa College for the Blind, than on Mary Ingalls. A large portion of the book is pictures of a program from the school. Again, this is interesting, but misleads the reader in the length of this book (which is already far too short). Not upset that I bought this book, but wish it would have had more about Mary, even if it was information we already knew from previous works. It felt like Mary was barely established in this piece and if you have no prior knowledge, you will have no interest in what you are reading.

[Suzann · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is not remotely enough material here for a book. Much of it is general about the school. I'm sure records pertaining to Mary in Vinton are scarce, so the choice to try to craft a book rather than an article is a curious one.

[Christine McCloud · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is pretty well researched. It was interesting to learn about the history of the institution and about Mary's general health. I never knew she was that sickly. I wish I knew what went on during the one year that Mary missed; I'd seen no other book even mention that.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

As expected, this was a quick read that consolidated the available information on Mary Ingalls’s time at the Iowa College for the Blind. Of great value is the list of sources that could serve as starting points for future research.

[Jae Luck · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a pamphlet, not a book. Delivered little insight into Mary Ingalls' life.

[Lauri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie does a great job of finding historical information about the school for the blind and Mary Ingalls. A must for any Little House fan.

[Chelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The research was good and its very short at 40 pages. Gives a better insight into her time at Vinton College for the Blind.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

The very spare basics of what Mary's experience would have been at the Iowa School for the Blind but not much more.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very brief, but I enjoyed it for the most part.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for fans of the Little House series! It provides context to Mary's blindness and her latter education. Highly recommended!