Little Town in the Ozarks

Little House: The Rose Years #5

by Roger Lea MacBride, David Gilleece (Illustrator)

The fifth book in the Rose Years series, the story of the spirited daughter of the author of the beloved Little House series.

Little Town In The Ozarks continues the story of Rose, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s daughter, as hard times on the farm force Rose and her family to move to the town of Mansfield. Life in town is so different from living on Rocky Ridge Farm that Rose wonders if she will ever learn to like the hustle and bustle of town life.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Fiction, Historical, Classics, Young Adult, Middle Grade

336 pages, Paperback

First published August 30, 1996

About the author

MacBride 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...

Reviews

[The other John · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this fifth volume of the set, The Rocky Ridge series seems to take a turn. Storywise, Rose Wilder and her family are forced by a poor harvest and pressing bills to move from their farm to a house in the town of Mansfield, Missouri. It's an adjustment for the family as they experience the joys and burdens of "city" life. But the book also has a healthy dose of political commentary as the Wilders and their neighbors react to and comment on the Spanish-American war. It's a marked change from the original Little House books which seem totally centered around the Ingalls family's life and immediate surroundings. It's also a lesser departure from the earlier Rocky Ridge books, which were somewhat centered on the farm. Why this change occurs, I don't know. It could be due to the fact that the author, Roger Lea MacBride, died before completing the manuscripts for this and the subsequent three volumes of the series. Perhaps either his ghost writers injected the political slant into the series or they failed to edit out political comments that Mr. MacBride had always put into his rough drafts. Or it could be that Mr. MacBride is trying to reflect the times at the turn of the 20th Century, when the telegraph and improved transportation brought the outside world a bit closer to mid-America. Or maybe it's just an honest depiction of Rose Wilder's own awakening social conscience. Whatever the reason, it doesn't make the book bad, just different from its predecessors. The Wilders and their neighbors are still the same admirable characters and it's still interesting to see what happens next. Check it out.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Got a lil slow in the middle but picked up near the end.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay... I enjoyed it and got through it pretty fast but found a lot of parts really boring. I mostly wanted to reread this because it was a big part of my childhood.
My view of it now is kinda... meh. It's sweet, nostalgic, but kind of uninteresting. Maybe I'll like the next one better. :)

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars & 5/10 hearts. The most frustrating thing, but also the intriguing thing, about the Rose books is that you can never tell what will happen! I really love Paul in this book (minus the cheek kiss); he’s such a wonderful guy. I just totally ship him & Rose! I absolutely loved Laura’s speech and it was so thought-provoking! There are euphemisms, as usual; a cheek kiss; also a veiled mention of Rose’s lack of breasts. Rose is a pretty relatable girl in some things, but I was getting to be a bit upset/worried at how her parents are raising her and who she was turning out to be—a flirt and a rebel. The further I get into this series, the more I saw the signs of Rose becoming stubborn and just plain rebellious develop into the unhappy, worldly woman she was at the end, which saddens me. And looking back, I can see that the books degenerated. I’ve looked into reviews of the next 3 books, and they all mention so many things I dislike, as well as (most of them) saying that Rose’s character is changing and she’s growing quite dislikable. Up to now, I really did love these books—the loveliness balances out the few little things that bug me, and they’re easy to white out; and I did liked this book as well. So I will stop here, and keep on dreaming of sweet, happy Rose of Book 1, marrying Paul Cooley and having a lovely life. Edited, this book is suitable for ages 16+.

*I do plan to reread these books next year to see what I think of them then; review subject to revision/updates*

[A.K. Frailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kids and I really loved this book. It felt true to life yet still carried the magic of the Laura Ingalls-Wilder Little House series. There was a lot of new material that deftly covered the national changes from the late 1800's into the early 1900's. Characters with real personalities, clear settings, well developed plot lines, overall, an excellent read. I would recommend this book to young and old alike.

[Celeste Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. Rose's family emulates the epitome of hard work through really tough times. Rose learns how friendships may come and go, but family stays consistent in love and support. You learn that life throws curve balls, and lots of change, but change is good. It makes you who you are!

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose continues to grow up in Missouri and her life is constantly changing. She spends more time in town but she's always pictured Rocky Ridge Farm as her home. She's a prairie girl at heart, just like her mom. No matter how I describe each book's plot, I'll always come back to how much joy and comfort this series brings me. I originated the term "honeyglow" from the Little House franchise. It's something that makes you smile so hard you can feel it in your cheeks or a sense of rightness that you feel deep in your heart. I've certainly discovered that feeling with both Laura and Rose's adventures, more so with her daughter. While Rose is settling in her little town in the Ozarks, I'll love her no matter her location. I've only got two books left with her! What am I gonna do? Looks like I gotta stop and smell the Rose Wilder while I still can.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things are starting to get quite repetitive now we’re onto the fifth book of the series and Rose is still only twelve (and a half.)

This book did bring with it some sad news however, with the author, Roger Lea MacBride, having died in March 1995. From the sounds of the “author’s” note (his daughter), there were four unfinished manuscripts, with this being one of them.

I can’t really see any difference between what Roger wrote and what a ghostwriter/his daughter added in, to polish up the manuscript and make it publishable. (It was published in 1996.) If anything, it’s a little more dull, than the previous four books.

There’s not much happening in this book. In the earlier ones, we’ve had “events” - cyclones, fires, droughts etc. This one, Laura gets excited about a new parlour set and sets the little town of Mansfield alight by becoming the first woman to join in a debate. A good night’s entertainment! And little Rose with her blinkers on, has her first encounter of seeing how “coloureds” and “whites” were separated. And I don’t mean by washing either.

Rose is “growing up” and at the age of 11/12, has decided she’s in love with Paul, her friend for years. At that age, I didn’t know the meaning of love! But not to worry, Paul promptly breaks her heart, by asking another girl (you know, prettier, better dressed than plain little Rose) to “walk her home” after church on Sunday. (How innocent.) Rose behaves in the overly dramatic way that her mother before her did, and collapses on the floor. (We all remember what happened between Laura and Nellie when Almanzo first trotted into town.)

I’m sorry, but Rose should have seen red flags, when Paul describes her as being like a sister to him. If any man describes you as being like a sister to him, or something along those lines, then he’ll never love you.

But, from reading ahead on the blurbs, it does seem like Paul and Rose get together, so clearly I know nothing. But ... I have a feeling Paul is fictionalised, or a combination of a couple of different people. (Much like Nellie is meant to be a combination of a couple of different people in the original stories) Considering Rose marries (and divorced) Gillette (“the best a man can get”) Lane, in real life, I’m not sure where Paul comes into things. But she does become a telegrapher.

I’m not overall sure what my feelings are about this book. It’s been quite a few sarcastic review, but there is just not much to say about a dull book. I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily bad, but it’s just not on a par with the earlier ones. I hope this isn’t going to mean that the storyline is going to start going downhill.

[Jaime K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first of the last four Rose books not fully written by MacBride but by his daughter after his death.

This covers 1898-1899, while the Wilders live in town. Rose turns 12 and I have to constantly remind myself that she is that young. Her behavior changes a lot (yay puberty) and she realizes she's in love with Paul - making her seem his age and not hers.

She begins by not liking the noise in town and wanting to be like Blanche. She basically wants to shun people like her because she's a townie. I'm glad she realizes that Blanche isn't a TRUE friend, though she's better than some other girls in town.
And I'm glad she does show growth.

Mrs. Rippee is awesome. I'm trying to find her, see if she was a real person.

It's fascinating that Blanche's family has a telephone! That shows us how well off they were.
I like seeing that people who moved then gave away things that they continue to now.
Soliders who came home from war were treated just as poorly in those days.

The Debate is my favorite chapter.

Time passes by in sections but seems to be done better here than in the previous book.

Almanzo is worse than Pa when it comes to new inventions!

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose is growing up..... My favorite part of this is when there is a town debate (for entertainment, like the spelling bee in Little Town on the Prairie), and Laura ends up giving an impassioned speech about the troubles of the American Indian. I know there are some who criticize the way the original series dealt with Native issues, but this makes up for it, in my opinion. At the very least, it represents an awareness that prevailing ideas in society were changing by the turn of the century about how whites had comported themselves during the settlement of the Americas. I think we are seeing the beginning of Rose's social/political conscience.

[Stephanie Pieck · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this novel, Rose Wilder is in between many things. She's not quite a little girl, but not quite a young lady; not quite a country girl, but not quite a town girl, either. She doesn't fit in at school, where she is far ahead of her classmates academically but still the youngest scholar in her class. As the world and her life changes, she begins to feel like she's never going to change, that she'll always be stuck in this in-between place.
Even over 120 years later, kids ages eleven to thirteen share these kinds of feelings and experiences.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Wilder’s have moved into town, and Rose immediately hates it and wishes she was back on the farm; it’s loud there’s nosy people and there’s train dust on everything but they’ve moved into the Cooley’s large house and they are enjoying the space. Rose realizes she has a crush on Paul, but Lois also likes him and for a while they are sparking and Rose is very jealous. There is a Deb in town one night, who has been more cruel treated than Negro or Indians? Laura speaks for team Indian, and they win the debate. They take on a boarder named Mr. Craig. Grandpa Wilder looses his fortune in Louisiana, giving his money to Eliza, Jane and Almanzo’s brother-they put the money into Rice Farms and got swindled. Then grandpa Wilder died. The story takes place in 1899, and there is reference to the sinking of the battleship, Maine, and the Spanish Cuba war. Rose helps out a tramp, veteran named Jim, giving him food, and then Almanzo gets him a job in town. It was a good year for crops, and the RR business in town and they are feeling good financially. Story ends with Rose swimming on a hot day with Paul, but then she gets Pneumonia and almost dies, but recovers and his happy to be alive.

[Jovelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely not my fave of the series. I put a bookmark in the book every time I found a comment that was either sexist or ridiculously romantic for a ten year old. There are a lot of bookmarks in this book. For example: "When it comes to arguing, there's not a woman alive couldn't hold her own." That is a man putting his wife up to represent a team at a debate. Wow. Or, "The way he brushed his hair from his forehead made her heart melt." Did I mention she's ten?
I have to admit, the dramatic moments, such as when everybody thinks she's going to die or rolling in a barrel down a hill and ending up very descriptively bloody (don't ask), were a lot better than the other books.
Overall, I would not judge the series based on this book.

[Viola Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all really enjoyed following Rose as she moved to town. It's amazing how used you get to seeing characters in a particular setting and then how it can be jarring to see those characters have to change where they live and how they live.

My girls and I enjoyed seeing Rose in town, though. We especially liked seeing Mama use her wits in the debate and the terrible thing that happened at the pie auction.

See this review and more on my Substack: https://momsmusings.substack.com/i/14...

My girls really liked the last chapter, which was more terrifying to me as a mother than I'd like to admit. But the chapter and book end with such a lovely sunbeam of hope that I can understand their sentiments. Again, the writing is well done and I enjoyed the book as much as my 9-, 7-, and 5-year-old girls did.

[Erika RS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life in town is different than life out on the farm, and it takes Rose time to adapt to that. She eventually does, and she starts to grow up, gaining more interest in the broader world and life beyond what she's currently living. I will admit that in this book, especially in the commentary on the Spanish American war, you see a lot more of Rose Wilder Lane and her protege Roger Lea MacBride's politics coming through, but it's a small enough plot point to not be annoying.

[Laura Bazal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book overall, as you weren't always sure what was going to happen after the family moved to town and personal relationships, rather than the man-vs-nature theme, took center stage. Rose, on the whole, becomes a bit less likeable as the series goes on, and that really begins here for me.

[Jacque Ayala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series, stories of farm life for the Wilder's and their sacrifices they had to make in order to keep their farm afloat. Feeling their pride and love of the land is told throughout this book, in particular.
Also, in the background, America coming into the new future of the late 1800's into the new beginnings of 1900.

[Kris Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my favorite book in the series so far. I wasn’t sure how I’d like the time the Wilders had to live in town, but it’s just as interesting as their lives on Rocky Ridge Farm. Rose is growing up and experiencing many “growing pains,” but she comes through them with love and support from her dear Mama, Laura, as well as learning faith in herself. Looking forward to the next book!

[Zoë Rogers Byerly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose is 12 now. She's in the 5th reader.
Her family lives in town and there are loud noises she's never heard. The biggest noise is the train. People in town say, "You'll get used to it in time."
There are many challenges and many happy moments she faces.

[Aubrie Shank · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a few years since I read this book. I think I enjoyed it more now than I did when I was ten. I loved the simplicity of the story while still telling a wonderful story of a young school girl. I now want to reread all of the little house books!

[Elizabeth Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

My girls and I enjoyed this a lot more than the previous book. Maybe because Rose moved to town and non-farm things happened? We aren't against farm life books, but it did seem as though book 4 was a lot like book 3.

[Katina stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose is a teen and it's interesting to see how different things were a bit over a hundred years ago and how many things are the same.

[IrishFan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another quick read in this series. This one takes place when the Wilders have to move back into town and take work to help survive. Rose is growing older and has adventures in town.

[Bogormen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Still mainly reading them for the sake of Almanzo and Laura. Difficult to like Rose and the author after reading about them in Prairie Fires by Caroline Fraser.

[Minetta Slattery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these stories about days gone by,when life was hard work,but usually full of happiness.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting to read about national events going on during this time

[GheenGirls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turtle: great! Return to library.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice story, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first 4 books of this series.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent, nostalgic book, but a little too mushy. Could have done with a bit less of Rose pining over Paul. 😂