By the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder (published 1939) is a difficult book in the Little House series for me, and certainly not my favorite, because it seems to be such a jump between Laura’s childhood and her maturing roll as young woma in her family. This jump is obvious from the very beginning, where we learn that a few yeras have passed since the events of Plum Creek. When the family dog, Jack, dies within the first few chapters, the reader is introduced to the theme of change and “growing up”, which clearly is Laura’s role throughout this book. The family’s move to Silver Lake in the book is the physical example of change.
Another major part of Laura’s sudden growing up process is learning to deal with Mary’s disability. Shortly before the novel began, the entire family had scarlet fever, and it unfortunately left Mary blind. Right away Laura is burdened not just with her own chores but also those that had once been Mary’s. Even sadder, now the sisters can’t share the meaningful glances that gave them such a cute sisterly relationship they enjoyed in previous books.
As the family packs up and moves, Laura’s “growing up” experiences are many. Laura joins with a cousin for a free day of wild abandon riding horses on the plains, only to find that this is no longer okay: she has to be one of the women to take care of cooking, cleaning, and more. This was like her last “hoorah.” Other new things: Laura takes the train. Laura sleeps on the ground full clothed. Laura must avoid the rainlroad men (since she is a young woman). Laura’s new friend, who is Mary’s age, is married!
As Laura takes the new responsibilities in stride, one can’t help but love the young person she is becoming. Some of her other adventures still show playfullness and fun, even while Laura herself recognizes the lack of wisdom of some of them. The fact that she is growing only let’s us appreciate more those fun moments, as I’m sure Laura herself did while going through this time of change.
By the Shores of Silver Lake is an essential part of Laura’s story. While I feel it does lack some of the cohesion and familiarity that the other books provide (the family moves multiple times and has five habitations throughout the book), that disjointedness kind of mirrors Laura’s own coming to terms with her new responsibilities. It’s still a engaging historical fiction novel about life on the prairie, well worth recognition today.
I rate By the Shores of Silver Lake 1940 Newbery Honor book as “fantastic” and say “keep it and read it.”
Newbery rating scale: FANTASTIC | REALLY GOOD | PRETTY GOOD | OKAY | BLAH
What to do with this Newbery: KEEP IT AND READ IT | MAYBE IF YOU HAVE TIME | DON’T BOTHER
