By the Shores of Silver Lake (Little House) by Laura Ingalls Wilder accounts the Ingalls family adventures in a railroad camp.

Every book in the Little House on the Prairie series will capture the imagination of elementary, tween and teens. They tell of a slice of American history and bring it to live.

In this book, every member of the family, except Laura and Pa, contracts scarlet fever. Eventually, Ma, Mary, Carrie and Grace are on the mend.

BUT

Unfortunately, the fever leaves Mary sightless. In addition, Pa Ingalls has financial woes and has worries about how he will be able to pay the medical bills?
Laura is saddened because her loyal, trustworthy and dependable dog Jack is showing signs of aging and pain.

Out of the clear blue they receive an unexpected visitor. It is Aunt Docia, and she offers Pa employment. The wages will be fifty dollars a month!

BUT – it requires a move!

Although Ma is not thrilled with the thought of moving she acknowledges the prospect of the opportunity. Consequently, the Ingalls family move from the house on the Banks of Plum Creek.

This series by Laura Ingalls Wilder tells of life in the late 1800's. They allow us to look at the stories of pioneers; including the hardships and small joys that exist. No dull moments are in the series’ books.

By the Shores of Silver Lake continues the tradition. Laura encounters an exciting train ride to the Dakota Territories. Later in the story, while in the railroad camp, she meets cousin Lena. She has met her match – they are both adventurers at heart.

Ready for any adventure, the two young girls camp outside and ride ponies bareback. They encounter horse thieves, camp riots and wild wolves. These happenings do little to quench their curiosity. They will be enjoyable for the reader of any age. True to pioneer life at the end of the day the family will gather to spend time together enjoying each other with song, dance and music.





Note: I read this series first in 1960 and have enjoyed having them on my personal book shelf.