Book Review: Mary Ingalls on Her Own by Elizabeth Kimmel Willard

Mary Ingalls has the opportunity to attend the Iowa College for the Blind, so she can learn skills to make her more independent and expand her education. It is difficult to leave her beloved family behind in Dakota Territory, but at least Ma and Pa come with her to make sure she gets settled.

The school is a large place with many helpful friends and teachers. It takes time for Mary to adjust to her new life, but she learns quickly. What she doesn't understand is why Mattie, the girl who resides in the room next to hers, hates her so much. Determined not to let Mattie's sour attitude affect her, Mary continues her studies. But one day, Mattie pushes her too far, and Mary discovers Laura might not be the only feisty Ingalls sister.

Elizabeth Kimmel Willard weaves a fascinating story of the first few months Mary Ingalls spends at the Iowa College for the Blind in Mary Ingalls on Her Own. Similar in style to the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, this book places the focus on Laura's beloved sister, Mary, as she seeks a way to become more independent. This is also a story that shows Mary confronting her feelings about being blind and the loss of the plans she had made before losing her eyesight.

Willard blends historical figures, fictional characters, and the everyday life at the college during the time Mary attended, and comes up with a superb story that imagines what Mary's experiences might have been. Part of me wishes the author had chosen to tell the story from a solid first-person point of view--since this is such a personal story--but she followed Wilder's lead and told it in third person. That caught me off guard because in the opening paragraph it talks about Mary's eyes being a mix of anxiety and excitement, and I kept wondering how Mary would know that. That said, I was captivated from the time I opened the book until I read the last word.

I truly enjoyed Mary Ingalls on Her Own and am thrilled to have it as part of my Little House collection.

Reading level: Ages 8 and up

Hardcover: 192 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins (December 26, 2007)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0060009055

ISBN-13: 978-0060009052

I purchased this book in 2011 to add to my personal collection. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.


New Book for My LIW Collection: Mary Ingalls on Her Own

I really shouldn't buy books. I have more books in  my office than I can shake a stick at. Yet, when it comes to anything Little House or Laura Ingalls Wilder, I usually plunk down my hard earned cash.

My friend Marilyn reviewed this title for us in 2008 here. Since then I've had the book on my wish list, but never bought it because I had so many other books to read. When I placed a recent order with Amazon, I needed to reach $25 for free shipping, so I picked up the book.

I'm not sure when I'll get to read it, but you'll get a chance to read my thoughts once I do.

What's the latest Little House or Laura Ingalls Wilder purchase you've made?

Mary Ingalls On Her Own by Elizabeth Kimmel Willard--Book Review

Mary Ingalls has finally arrived at the Iowa College for the Blind. Ma and Pa have brought her to be a student after the whole family worked so hard to make money to afford her this special training. She is excited and nervous all at the same time and very thankful that Ma and Pa are with her. After arriving she meets her new roommates, Hannah and Blanche. They all became fast friends. Next door to the girls lives Mattie, the only girl in the whole school who has a sour attitude. Mary decides from the beginning that she will be pleasant to her fussy neighbour.

Mary passes the entrance exam with flying colours and Pa and Ma say their goodbyes. She is on her own and happy to be able to learn new things. The classes include beadwork, braille, highter mathematics and organ. Mary loves them all but organ is her favourite.

The college is a large place and Mary has to learn where things are and how to get there. She learns how many steps it is from one room to another and from her room to the stairs. Her friends are a great help to her, showing her where each class is. Mary is grateful for their help.

Christmas arrives. Mary has been at the college for only a few months but she has learned so much. Many of the students are going home for the holidays, but Mary lived so far away that Pa could't afford to come back and get her. At first this thought made her sad but she soon discovered that many of the other out of town students would be staying as well. With a break in classes she volunteers to help some of the younger students with their geography. A package and 2 letters arrive for Mary for Christmas, which make her feel closer to her loved ones so far away.

I really enjoyed the book. While we don't know exactly what happened while Mary attended the college, this book was based on courses and life happenings taken from the school's archives. It is interesting to read what Mary may have experienced. Some of the characters really existed. It was interesting to read how Mary and Blanche may have met. I recommend this book for all Little House readers.


Title: Mary Ingalls On Her Own
Author: Elizabeth Kimmel Willard
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN-10: 0060009055
ISBN-13: 978-0060009052
U.S. Price: $15.99
Reviewed by: Marilyn Bryson