Laura Ingalls Wilder - Little House on the Prairie with John Fry and LuElla D'Amico

In this episode of Christians Reading Classics, Nadya Williams talks with historian John Fry and children’s literature scholar LuElla D’Amico about Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie. They explore what makes a children’s book a classic, Wilder’s life and historical context, the collaboration with her daughter Rose, and the enduring moral and cultural resonance of the series. The conversation touches on themes of virtue, nostalgia, cross-cultural appeal, and the complexities of reading historical works through modern eyes.

Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Little House on the Prairie and Guests 02:18 – What Makes a Classic in Children’s Literature? 07:54 – Personal Connections to the Little House Books 12:02 – Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Life and Historical Context 22:02 – Story Overview and Thematic Highlights 31:38 – Advice for First-Time Readers 37:17 – Why Wilder Wrote the Books and the Role of Rose Wilder Lane 48:32 – Wilder’s Faith and Its Influence in the Series 52:02 – Reading with a Theological Imagination 55:19 – Closing Thoughts and Books the Guests Wish They Had Written

Links

John Fry, A Prairie Faith: The Religious Life of Laura Ingalls Wilder LuElla D'Amico, "The Art of Good Gossip: Unexpected Lessons About Virtue and Community from Little Women" LuElla D'Amico, "Wondrous Reading"