Book Review Carrie Ingalls The Forgotten Sister

 

Clarissa Willis's new book,  "Carrie Ingalls: The Forgotten Sister," is sure to be a winner for all those dedicated Little House on the Prairie fans. This book was written with a high level of interest suitable for children in grades second through fifth. The text is written in a simple, straightforward manner. As a former teacher, I found it to be an excellent classroom resource with many opportunities for discussion, particularly on empowerment and embracing the pioneer spirit. The book is also a valuable resource to supplement activities for Women's History Month. 

While this book is an excellent overview of the Ingalls family, their financial struggles, hardships, and frequent moves throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, it gives the reader a glimpse into the life of the third sister, Caroline Celestia Ingalls, otherwise known as Carrie. 

Despite being portrayed as frail by her sister, Laura, who chronicled their family life on the frontier, Carrie forged her own path. She was quite the adventurer and trailblazer. Through her perseverance, she secured jobs that few women had held during this time period in a male-dominated society. She developed a career in the newspaper business. She started as a typesetter but quickly became skilled in all aspects of the printing industry, while also excelling at writing as a journalist. Later, she moved up to several editorial positions. In addition, Carrie was a landowner homesteading, a rarity for women in the late 1800s. She proved herself resilient, hardworking, and compassionate, and remained devoted to her family throughout her lifetime.  A little-known fact is that Carrie married widower David N. Swanzey in her 40s. He was among the local leaders who helped the sculptor Gutzon Borglum select the mountain where he would carve his famous monument, Mount Rushmore. Carrie became stepmother to Swanzey's two children: Mary and Harold. Harold was one of the workers who helped carve Mount Rushmore, and his name is inscribed on the granite walls below the monument. 

Kudos to author Clarissa Willis for taking a deep dive into the Ingalls family history and bringing to the forefront Carrie Ingalls Swanzey, the forgotten sister whose achievements embodied the true pioneer spirit. 

Artist/Illustrator Kashif Qasin's simple woodcut drawings were the perfect accompaniment to the story. Willis wisely included a short glossary of terms at the end for young readers who might find some words unfamiliar. 

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Clarissa Willis is an author, consultant, and professional developmental specialist. She provides workshops, keynote addresses, and customized professional development both nationally and internationally. She writes early childhood curricula, teacher resource books, and children's books. Willis is the author of six picture books and a captivating chapter book! She is a Will Rogers Medallion Award Winner and was a finalist for the Women Writing the West 2025 WILLA Literary Award. For more information about the author and her books, see her website.
https://clarissawillis.com/