None of the other "Little House Years" books are as good as the ones about Laura but other then the Laura books I prefer the Martha books but the Charlotte books are a close third for me. I am from the Boston area so I enjoy reading about this region of the world plus the descriptions are excellent. ( )

I loved this. Reading any of the Little House books has such nostalgia for me, and I’m glad people have expanded it to include the women that came before Laura Ingalls. Though much of this had to be pieced together through research and it doesn’t accurately reflect who Charlotte may have been as a person, it’s interesting to see how someone might have lived in the early 1800s in Boston. I especially liked how it isn’t sugarcoated to be without conflict; the War of 1812 is a hot topic with Charlotte’s family and is actively talked about.

Overall, I found this book to be a nice, quick read that was in keeping with the other Little House books. Charlotte has such a curious and adventurous spirit — she’s a joy to read about, and I’m sure that children will appreciate her imagination (I certainly would have devoured this book as a child!). The incorporation of little history facts is also well done; the book details how to make certain foods and how a brick oven was used at this time. I love when good stories can also be educational. Anyone with an interest in history will find this story fascinating for that reason.

Definitely pick this up if you have a little one around in need of a good book! Laura Ingalls and historical fiction fans will especially enjoy this one.

Also posted on Purple People Readers. ( )

Surprisingly rich with political and cultural history, but ultimately not engaging enough to rate higher - it ended on a 'cliffhanger' and yet I don't feel motivated to find the next book. ( )

love this series!!!!!! ( )

This is the story of 5 year old Charlotte, who eventually became the grandmother of Laura Ingalls Wilder. She lives in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Her parents were both Scottish immigrants. The grownups are all talking about the War of 1812, particularly about the blockade in the Boston Harbor. She goes to school for the first time, making a new friend. Still the war rages on. It's a nice story, but I found it less engaging the Wilder's books. ( )