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Little House: The Rose Years #1
Little House Rocky Ridge
little house on rocky ridge
Hardcover
First published May 1, 1993
71 people are currently reading
9130 people want to read
About the author
Roger Lea MacBride
66 books117 followersMacBride called himself "the adopted grandson" of writer and political theorist Rose Wilder Lane, the daughter of writer Laura Ingalls Wilder, and as such laid claim to the substantial Ingalls-Wilder's literary estate, including the "Little House on the Prairie" franchise. He is the author of record of three additional "Little House" books, and began the "Rocky Ridge Years" series, describing the Ozark childhood of Rose Wilder Lane. He also co-produced the 1970s television series Little House on the Prairie.
Controversy came after MacBride's death in 1995, when the local library in Mansfield, Missouri, contended that Wilder's original will gave her daughter ownership of the literary estate for her lifetime only, all rights to revert to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Library after her death. The ensuing court case was settled in an undisclosed manner, but MacBride's heirs retained the rights.
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Ma...
Controversy came after MacBride's death in 1995, when the local library in Mansfield, Missouri, contended that Wilder's original will gave her daughter ownership of the literary estate for her lifetime only, all rights to revert to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Library after her death. The ensuing court case was settled in an undisclosed manner, but MacBride's heirs retained the rights.
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Ma...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
September 24, 2008
Most of the time, sequels are annoying. They try to capture the appeal of the original work, but usually just end up being a lesser remix of the same elements. I tend not to have high expectations when I start reading a sequel. How much lower expectations I should have had for this book, which is the first book of a whole series of sequels to the Little House series. Fortunately, this is one of the rare cases when a sequel is worth reading.
Little House on Rocky Ridge is the first volume in the series that chronicles the childhood of Rose Wilder Lane, Laura Ingalls Wilder's daughter. It picks up after the Little House series with the Wilder family leaving DeSmet, South Dakota in the middle of a drought and heading down to Missouri to try and build a better life there. In one sense, it is a rehash of the elder series in that there are many descriptions of daily life in the 1890's. In another sense, it's a new chapter in Laura's life, even though the focus of the book is on Rose's experiences and perceptions. I don't know whether Laura will continue to figure prominently in the series, or if she will fade to the background as Rose grows up and moves out on her own. But I intend to check it out and let you know. Both as a transition from the old series and an introduction to the new one, this book is well written and a pleasure to read.
Little House on Rocky Ridge is the first volume in the series that chronicles the childhood of Rose Wilder Lane, Laura Ingalls Wilder's daughter. It picks up after the Little House series with the Wilder family leaving DeSmet, South Dakota in the middle of a drought and heading down to Missouri to try and build a better life there. In one sense, it is a rehash of the elder series in that there are many descriptions of daily life in the 1890's. In another sense, it's a new chapter in Laura's life, even though the focus of the book is on Rose's experiences and perceptions. I don't know whether Laura will continue to figure prominently in the series, or if she will fade to the background as Rose grows up and moves out on her own. But I intend to check it out and let you know. Both as a transition from the old series and an introduction to the new one, this book is well written and a pleasure to read.
September 7, 2011
I will admit that it's probably been over 20 years since I've even touched the "Little House on the Prairie" series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. So I was surprised to realize that there are many, many more books that continue that beloved series beyond the original dozen. In "Little House on Rocky Ridge" we start the adventures of Rose Wilder (Laura & Almanzo's only daughter) & the tale of her adventures in the western U.S. In this tale MacBride follows the Wilders as they leave drought stricken South Dakota for their new home in Missouri & their early struggles in making that new home. Along the way we're introduced to another family in the Cooleys who are moving with the Wilders to their new home in Missouri. The story moves at a brisk enough pace & contains just enough detail to keep readers of any age interested. Also the beginning starts with just enough of a transition to realize that we're moving on with the timeline in this beloved series. A true gift for any reader at any age & definitely a book worth coming back to throughout the years for anyone who is a fan of the original works.
February 13, 2017
This series chronicles Rose's life, Laura's daughter.
Laura continues to call Almanzo "Manly" in this book (and I'm guessing the rest of the series) but this doesn't drive me as crazy as it did in These First Four Years. I'm getting used to it, I guess.
Once again, I liked this book more than I was expecting to. I think I'll continue to read the rest of the series, but I think I'll slow down the pace to a book every few months or so - we'll see.
Rose is a bit annoying, and Laura as the mother isn't as amazing as her Ma is. Laura still sort of acts like Rose is a bother and doesn't exactly smother her in love, but again, that's the time and the way kids were raised. Laura still acts like she'd rather be with the horses than her family, but she at least acts like she cares for her husband during the book, so that's a great improvement.
It was heartbreaking watching Laura leave her family - I wish we could've seen a scene where Laura cried or something, instead of just accepting it all with a grain of salt. The travels by wagon was fascinating as in the other books - a journey that was much faster than Laura's earlier travels, so it seemed anyway. The book was a bit slow moving for my tastes, but I think worked as a introduction to a new generation.
Laura continues to call Almanzo "Manly" in this book (and I'm guessing the rest of the series) but this doesn't drive me as crazy as it did in These First Four Years. I'm getting used to it, I guess.
Once again, I liked this book more than I was expecting to. I think I'll continue to read the rest of the series, but I think I'll slow down the pace to a book every few months or so - we'll see.
Rose is a bit annoying, and Laura as the mother isn't as amazing as her Ma is. Laura still sort of acts like Rose is a bother and doesn't exactly smother her in love, but again, that's the time and the way kids were raised. Laura still acts like she'd rather be with the horses than her family, but she at least acts like she cares for her husband during the book, so that's a great improvement.
It was heartbreaking watching Laura leave her family - I wish we could've seen a scene where Laura cried or something, instead of just accepting it all with a grain of salt. The travels by wagon was fascinating as in the other books - a journey that was much faster than Laura's earlier travels, so it seemed anyway. The book was a bit slow moving for my tastes, but I think worked as a introduction to a new generation.
August 13, 2020
My youngest granddaughter, aged six, chose this book herself from the shelf while staying with us last week. I’d never read it, so was happy to try it out with her chapter by chapter at bedtime.
It’s a fairly solid tale, continuing the “Little House on The Prairie” series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The author of this book and a few others in the later series, was the adopted grandson of Laura’s daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, and also her heir. In explaining this he metaphorically swears fidelity to Rose in writing her story just as she told it to him before she died.
In the book Rose is seven and a half years old when her parents move from the dusty plains of South Dakota to Missouri (in the days of the wagon trains). Everything happens from her perspective, and is well imagined, or transcribed from Rose’s own account! Her mother, Laura, had kept a diary of the journey, which must have helped Roger Lea MacBride, though her perspective does not intrude upon the way he has presented Rose’s. The tale of the departure and the journey take up quite a lot of the story before they actually get to the little house on Rocky Ridge, and, for me, had more interest, especially the account of how they crossed “The Big Muddy”, the Missouri River, with their wagon and horses – not a crossing for the faint-hearted, even with a ferry and a rope!
My granddaughter seemed to be enjoying the book (and made up tunes for the songs that keep them going on the journey) but she had to take it home at the end of the week, as we’d only got about half-way through. So I don’t know whether she enjoyed a chapter that was to come that contained a visit from a tarantula! There was also a tale, in the early part of the book of a mummified Native American baby – but it’s recounted quite carefully, without graphic detail. The only other thing that might upset young children is when one of their neighbour’s boys is severely disciplined by his father. All in all it’s well-crafted and gives a faithful grounding of what life was like in former times. If children don’t learn history, how can they learn anything else? This book is a foundation for the building of knowledge and interest in a child but is not overly didactic.
My favourite chapter was the one where they come upon a community of Russian immigrants! There’s some thought-provoking material here for children, and not too heavily moral a tone when Rose’s family discovers that the ‘strangers’ of whom Laura is suspicious turn out to be friendly and generous.
Four stars just because it’s a bit staid, but otherwise to be recommended for children. After reading this I’ll probably buy my granddaughter the early books by Laura Ingalls Wilder for Christmas. She did ask if there was a film of it, but I haven’t found one.
It’s a fairly solid tale, continuing the “Little House on The Prairie” series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The author of this book and a few others in the later series, was the adopted grandson of Laura’s daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, and also her heir. In explaining this he metaphorically swears fidelity to Rose in writing her story just as she told it to him before she died.
In the book Rose is seven and a half years old when her parents move from the dusty plains of South Dakota to Missouri (in the days of the wagon trains). Everything happens from her perspective, and is well imagined, or transcribed from Rose’s own account! Her mother, Laura, had kept a diary of the journey, which must have helped Roger Lea MacBride, though her perspective does not intrude upon the way he has presented Rose’s. The tale of the departure and the journey take up quite a lot of the story before they actually get to the little house on Rocky Ridge, and, for me, had more interest, especially the account of how they crossed “The Big Muddy”, the Missouri River, with their wagon and horses – not a crossing for the faint-hearted, even with a ferry and a rope!
My granddaughter seemed to be enjoying the book (and made up tunes for the songs that keep them going on the journey) but she had to take it home at the end of the week, as we’d only got about half-way through. So I don’t know whether she enjoyed a chapter that was to come that contained a visit from a tarantula! There was also a tale, in the early part of the book of a mummified Native American baby – but it’s recounted quite carefully, without graphic detail. The only other thing that might upset young children is when one of their neighbour’s boys is severely disciplined by his father. All in all it’s well-crafted and gives a faithful grounding of what life was like in former times. If children don’t learn history, how can they learn anything else? This book is a foundation for the building of knowledge and interest in a child but is not overly didactic.
My favourite chapter was the one where they come upon a community of Russian immigrants! There’s some thought-provoking material here for children, and not too heavily moral a tone when Rose’s family discovers that the ‘strangers’ of whom Laura is suspicious turn out to be friendly and generous.
Four stars just because it’s a bit staid, but otherwise to be recommended for children. After reading this I’ll probably buy my granddaughter the early books by Laura Ingalls Wilder for Christmas. She did ask if there was a film of it, but I haven’t found one.
Read
May 3, 2015I adored the original series of Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, and they do stand up upon adult rereading. I was startled and excited to find there were additional series about Rose, Laura's daughter, as well as her mother and a couple one off books about her grandmother and great grandmother. This was the first one of the "new" series I tried (they're actually from the 90s, but new to me) and it was actually pretty decent. An interesting, well-crafted children's story--I'll probably wind up reading the other 15 or so books if they're all this good.
Nevertheless, there was a little something missing here and it took a while for me to pinpoint what it was--it was domestic detail. The wonder of the little house books was how every bit of food and clothing was accounted for--where it came from, how it was prepared, why it was done that way. There was a little bit of that style in this book, and admittedly a lot of the action did take place in a covered wagon, so there was less to say about what people ate and wore overall, but I still was curious when they sat down to eat a meal and didn't really say what it was or how it came to be. And I had no idea what the clothes were like. Small complaint, really, but still...
Nevertheless, there was a little something missing here and it took a while for me to pinpoint what it was--it was domestic detail. The wonder of the little house books was how every bit of food and clothing was accounted for--where it came from, how it was prepared, why it was done that way. There was a little bit of that style in this book, and admittedly a lot of the action did take place in a covered wagon, so there was less to say about what people ate and wore overall, but I still was curious when they sat down to eat a meal and didn't really say what it was or how it came to be. And I had no idea what the clothes were like. Small complaint, really, but still...
November 24, 2015
Ya know, I was sort of prepared for a letdown after the Laura years (forgetting the First Four Years, obviously) But guys, this was amazing! It's like MacBride basically got Laura's voice! It was detailed, but not boring! I felt most of Rose's emotions! And I loved all the stories. You could probably relate to most of them, just kids being kids. And then when they got their house and it was all set up! I love how Laura and Manly continue to make things work, even in hard times. This is gonna be a good series!
July 30, 2024
লরাকে মনে আছে?
লিটল হাউস সিরিজ যেখানে শেষ হয়েছিলো সেখান থেকে শুরু হলো আরেকটা লিটল হাউস সিরিজ এবারেরটার প্রধান চরিত্র লরা আলমানজোর মেয়ে রোজ। লরার সিরিজটা খুবই মন খারাপি দিয়ে শেষ হয়েছিলো। কিন্তু রোজের এই সিরিজটা শুরু করে বেস ভালো লাগা কাজ করছে।
লিটল হাউস সিরিজ যেখানে শেষ হয়েছিলো সেখান থেকে শুরু হলো আরেকটা লিটল হাউস সিরিজ এবারেরটার প্রধান চরিত্র লরা আলমানজোর মেয়ে রোজ। লরার সিরিজটা খুবই মন খারাপি দিয়ে শেষ হয়েছিলো। কিন্তু রোজের এই সিরিজটা শুরু করে বেস ভালো লাগা কাজ করছে।
September 28, 2020
5+ stars & 8/10 hearts. I was really wary of these books at first, because I was sure nothing could equal the Laura books. But as soon as I started this one I was delighted. It’s really perfectly patterned after the Laura books, and yet is unique to Rose. And I just love seeing the Ingalls & Laura + Almanzo through a different point of view! There are a few euphemisms, but nothing else. The story was extremely interesting and made me think a lot of Little House on the Prairie. I’m very eager for the next book!
A Favourite Quote: “‘Windows are like pictures,’ Mama said. ‘Only better. They’re never the same for two hours together.’”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “Rose loved the frisky way the colts played and chased each other. She loved their long slender legs, and the nervous way they tossed their heads. And there was a trembling, terrifying wildness about them that Rose also loved. Their hearts were strong and as free as the prairie itself. Just watching them gallop across the broad flat land, their manes and tails fluttering, made Rose’s heart soar.”
A Favourite Quote: “‘Windows are like pictures,’ Mama said. ‘Only better. They’re never the same for two hours together.’”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “Rose loved the frisky way the colts played and chased each other. She loved their long slender legs, and the nervous way they tossed their heads. And there was a trembling, terrifying wildness about them that Rose also loved. Their hearts were strong and as free as the prairie itself. Just watching them gallop across the broad flat land, their manes and tails fluttering, made Rose’s heart soar.”
May 19, 2014
Loved this series of books. I admit I was skeptical at first, but Roger Lea MacBride did such a good job with this series. I had re-read the Little House series so many times so it was such a joy that finally - there were more! Sure, I was an adult, but who cares?
The Little House books had such a big impact on my life growing up. I wish I could have read these books about Rose when I was a kid. I know I will re-read these, too, someday.
I've tried another series in the Little House saga, but so far, it hasn't worked as well for me. I think maybe because MacBride knew Rose and you could tell he knew Rose.
The Little House books had such a big impact on my life growing up. I wish I could have read these books about Rose when I was a kid. I know I will re-read these, too, someday.
I've tried another series in the Little House saga, but so far, it hasn't worked as well for me. I think maybe because MacBride knew Rose and you could tell he knew Rose.
June 17, 2022
การเดินทางฝ่าฟันอุปสรรคต่างๆ ของโร้ส วัย 8 ปีและครอบครัวจากเซาท์ดาโคตา จนได้ตั้งฟาร์มเล็กๆ ของพวกเขาเองที่ชื่อร็อกกี้ริดจ์ที่รัฐมิสซูรี
อ่านเพลินๆ แป๊บเดียวจบ
อ่านเพลินๆ แป๊บเดียวจบ
June 28, 2012
A continuation from the classic Little House on the Prairie Series, this book is written by a different author but still keeps within the spirit of Laura Ingalls Wilder as it tells the story of Laura's daughter, Rose. The book moved slowly at times, but it was a great book to read aloud to my children at bedtime because each chapter could stand alone as an episode or story while still weaving into the overall story of Rose and her family. I was surprised at how much my boys loved it and looked forward to it each night. As an adult, I enjoyed how sweet and wholesome it was, and it was interesting to get a picture of a life so very different from the modern suburb living that I am used to. My boys are already begging to read more Little House on the Prairie books now that we have finished this one...
June 3, 2019
lived this reread!
April 4, 2024
there's greater books out there, but this was a cute book. ;)
June 16, 2024
What a great sequel on the "Little house series". A great solid story line and it makes reading this that you become a little kid again. Easy and fun read.
October 1, 2024
Finished reading to the girls last night. MacBride did a lovely job recreating the feel of the original series.
February 27, 2017
The feels.
I remember reading the original series when I was little and absolutely loving it, and I was all over this too. It was absolutely adorable, and I definitely recommend this for fans of the original series.
I remember reading the original series when I was little and absolutely loving it, and I was all over this too. It was absolutely adorable, and I definitely recommend this for fans of the original series.
October 17, 2014
I can still remember both the excitement with which I greeted this on publication, and the corresponding disappointment on the first read, and that's why this book is now a discardathon re-read. But it's a difficult decision.
On the one hand, it's interesting to see Laura and her family from Rose's perspective; that final evening in De Smet is beautifully portrayed (it's absolutely heartbreaking); and I love the barn raising at the end - it's a wonderfully positive way to end this particular part of the story.
But on the other hand, it's quite simply not as good as Laura's own books and I can't love it in the way I love the original stories. I was never tempted to buy, or even to read, the other sequels and prequels - instead I found copies of Laura's own writings (Letters from Home) and factual books about Laura's life.
So although this is worth a read, because Laura and Manly's characters and love for each other do really come across strongly, it's not a keeper.
On the one hand, it's interesting to see Laura and her family from Rose's perspective; that final evening in De Smet is beautifully portrayed (it's absolutely heartbreaking); and I love the barn raising at the end - it's a wonderfully positive way to end this particular part of the story.
But on the other hand, it's quite simply not as good as Laura's own books and I can't love it in the way I love the original stories. I was never tempted to buy, or even to read, the other sequels and prequels - instead I found copies of Laura's own writings (Letters from Home) and factual books about Laura's life.
So although this is worth a read, because Laura and Manly's characters and love for each other do really come across strongly, it's not a keeper.
January 9, 2011
The "Little House: The Rocky Ridge Years" (which is now called The Rose Years) series is a continuation of the Little House series. It's written from the point of view of Rose--Laura Ingalls Wilder's daughter--by Rose's adopted grandson. Normally, I would be wary of adding on to such a classic series, but I think MacBride did an exceptional job. He keeps the writing style similar to that of Wilder, so the continuation seems fairly natural. I was obsessed with the Little House books as a child, so my parents bought me these books so I could keep reading! Rose is just as loveable of a main character as Laura was, as she travels with her parents from South Dakota to Missouri to establish a new life.
January 2, 2016
I didn't care for this book as much as the original Little House stories. There wasn't much tension or strife - though I realize this is a book for kids, I think everything they went through could have been a lot harder. I was disappointed at how much Laura's mannerisms and attitudes resembled her mother's. I never cared much for Caroline and admired Laura's free spirit. She really did grow up and that makes me kind of sad. Also, Rose was constantly shouting or screaming when all she needed to do was talk, but the adults didn't really address it. I found it to be a little annoying and unrealistic.
April 15, 2025
Read-aloud with 5yo girl.
We enjoyed this installment in the story of Laura Ingalls Wilder! Seen through the eyes of her daughter Rose, it depicts their journey from North Dakota to Missouri and all the accompanying adventures.
Full of the wonders of a free & explorative childhood, the perseverance of working through hard times, and the simple value of family & friends.
It’s a little on the long side, but the chapters are short and it’s easy to pick up and put down as time allows.
We enjoyed this installment in the story of Laura Ingalls Wilder! Seen through the eyes of her daughter Rose, it depicts their journey from North Dakota to Missouri and all the accompanying adventures.
Full of the wonders of a free & explorative childhood, the perseverance of working through hard times, and the simple value of family & friends.
It’s a little on the long side, but the chapters are short and it’s easy to pick up and put down as time allows.
June 2, 2025
i was nervous because these books were written by rose’s next of kin and not her or laura but mr macbride did a phenomenal job at capturing the classic writing style and nostalgic feeling of the original little house books :)
June 13, 2021
Bagus, tapi masih lebih menarik kisah Laura bagiku ☺
August 18, 2024
Read like I was reading the Little House on the Prairie series ♥️
1st books read in 3rd grade in Mrs. Calvert’s class🤓
Book bought from Mary S Biesecker Public Library’s book sale
1st books read in 3rd grade in Mrs. Calvert’s class🤓
Book bought from Mary S Biesecker Public Library’s book sale
September 7, 2025
I was amazed to find out the author is a man- this book reads just like the original little house stories. Always a good sweet story.
April 5, 2023
A sweet continuation of Laura’s story from her daughter’s POV. It keeps with the time and has horrible references of Native Americans but it’s balanced by the use of asbestos.
December 6, 2023
Really cute. I've never read this series before and, so far, it seems almost like the other books! My elementary-aged kids and I have enjoyed this.
December 29, 2018
This is another one of those reviews that by necessity must be full of caveats. If you're just looking for a continuation of the Little House books for a budding reader, they're very much in the same vein in picking up only a few years where those books left off and not bad at all. But if you've read Caroline Fraser's excellent Prairie Fires about the lives and mythmaking of both Laura Ingalls Wilder and daughter Rose Wilder Lane, you quickly realize this series like the original is a lot of romanticized and highly fictionalized nonsense that could at times be quite hamfisted into trying further both women's own extreme politics and idealizing the heroic settler pioneer. Worse, they're written by someone who never knew Laura at all and because of Rose's decidedly odd proclivities in "adopting" various young men until they no longer suited her, lucked into getting control of the entire Wilder estate and copyrights.
Knowing all that definitely colors what is otherwise yet another child's-eye covered wagon story about moving ever onward in search of greener pastures and leaving everything familiar behind.
Knowing all that definitely colors what is otherwise yet another child's-eye covered wagon story about moving ever onward in search of greener pastures and leaving everything familiar behind.
September 23, 2021
My third grader devoured the Little House on the Prairie series (the original 9 books) and we discovered that more books were written in the 1990s about Laura's ancestors and descendants. We got as many as we could from the library (they aren't readily available) and Turtle devoured them as well. Out of curiosity, I read this - the first book in a series about Laura's daughter Rose.
It wasn't as interesting or compelling as the original Little House books in my opinion. Some interesting parts, some monotonous parts. I don't think I'll read the entire series as an adult. But it is good clean reading for children (worth noting!) and exposes them to different time periods and ways of life.
This series gets two thumbs up for young readers, but might not be complex enough to hold the attention of adult readers.
It wasn't as interesting or compelling as the original Little House books in my opinion. Some interesting parts, some monotonous parts. I don't think I'll read the entire series as an adult. But it is good clean reading for children (worth noting!) and exposes them to different time periods and ways of life.
This series gets two thumbs up for young readers, but might not be complex enough to hold the attention of adult readers.
October 5, 2014
I have a history with the Little House books, and I still love them even after all this time.
I owe those books lots, they kickstarted my reading, way back in kidnergarten. I have never been without a book ever since.
There's nothing like the Little House books to read with the rain pattering on your roof and a nice mug of steaming tea in your hand. Which happens to be what I am doing right now.
I owe those books lots, they kickstarted my reading, way back in kidnergarten. I have never been without a book ever since.
There's nothing like the Little House books to read with the rain pattering on your roof and a nice mug of steaming tea in your hand. Which happens to be what I am doing right now.
April 22, 2015
Julianna's review: I liked the wagon parts when they were traveling. I didn't like the parts where they were throwing grapes around at each other.
My review: Definitely not quite the caliber of the Little House books, but definitely interesting as we got to see more about the lives of our favorite characters from the Little House books. I also like that these books seem aimed at younger listeners, though this particular book was really long.
My review: Definitely not quite the caliber of the Little House books, but definitely interesting as we got to see more about the lives of our favorite characters from the Little House books. I also like that these books seem aimed at younger listeners, though this particular book was really long.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews