Farmer Boy facts for kids
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Front dust jacket with Sewell's illustration
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| Author | Laura Ingalls Wilder |
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| Illustrator | Helen Sewell Garth Williams (1953) |
| Country | United States |
| Series | Little House |
| Genre | Children's novel, farm life |
| Publisher | Harper & Brothers |
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Publication date
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October 1, 1933 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 230; 371 pp. |
| OCLC | 15872400 |
| LC Class | PZ7.W6461 Far |
| Preceded by | Little House in the Big Woods |
| Followed by | On the Banks of Plum Creek |
Farmer Boy is a children's historical novel written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It was published in 1933. This book is the second one in the Little House series. However, it tells a story that is separate from the first book. Instead, it focuses on the childhood of Laura's husband, Almanzo Wilder. The story takes place before Laura Ingalls Wilder was even born!
What is Farmer Boy About?
This novel tells the story of Almanzo Wilder when he was a boy. It is based on his real childhood. Almanzo grew up in the 1860s near Malone, New York. The book covers about one year of his life. It starts just before his ninth birthday.
Life on a Farm in the 1860s
The story describes a full year of farm life. It shows all the many chores needed to run the Wilder family farm. Back then, there were no cars or electricity. Young Almanzo had to wake up before 5 AM every day. His first jobs were milking cows and feeding the farm animals.
During the growing season, Almanzo helped plant and care for crops. In winter, he worked hard too. He hauled logs and helped fill the ice house. He even trained young oxen. Sometimes, if his father could spare him, Almanzo got to go to school. The book also shares stories about his older brother, Royal, and his sisters, Eliza Jane and Alice.
When Did the Story Happen?
Almanzo Wilder was born in February 1857. So, the story in Farmer Boy is set in the years 1866 and 1867. This was before Laura Ingalls Wilder was born in 1867. The book features Almanzo's older brother, Royal. It also includes his sisters, Eliza Jane and Alice. These are the family members who lived with him on the farm during the time of the story.
