Little Farm in the Ozarks (Little House, The Rocky Ridge Years)
Grade 3-6-MacBride, Rose Wilder Lane's adopted grandson, takes up where Little House on Rocky Ridge (HarperCollins, 1993) left off, chronicling the further adventures of Rose and her parents, Laura and Almanzo, on their Missouri farm. Eight-year-old Rose experiences the frights and wonders of nature, including a flood and a fire, as well as the challenges of meeting new friends and starting school. The story is underpinned with the authenticity of research and recollection. Although references are made to the earlier book and some familiar characters return, this title can stand alone. Readers meet some new, well-drawn characters as well: down-and-out Swiney, a boy Papa catches trying to steal eggs; the quarrelsome Kennebrew family; and a town girl, Blanche, Rose's school adversary who eventually becomes her friend. This old-fashioned read continues in the "Little House" tradition and will leave fans waiting for the next installment.Sally Bates Goodroe, Houston Public LibraryCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.