Upside Down in a Laura Ingalls Town

by Leslie Tall Manning

Sarton Women's Literary Award, North Carolina Author Project Award, Story Monster's Ink Certificate of Excellence in Literature, and a TaleFlick Road to Development Semi-finalist.

"Authentic and entertaining." Publishers Weekly/Booklife

It has been a long and difficult year for the Decker family, especially for sixteen-year-old Brooke. Her grades have plummeted. She deliberately breaks curfew. She makes out with boys she hardly knows.

And now her father has totally lost it. When Tim Decker signs up his family of three to be contestants on a Hollywood reality show, Brooke’s life turns upside down. The place: The North Carolina backcountry. The year: 1861.

Brooke is forced to trade in her Victoria’s Secret bra for a rib-cracking corset, her comfy jeans for an ugly farm dress, and her private bathroom for an outhouse. Television cameras will follow her every move as she lives the grueling life of a mid-nineteenth-century farm girl: milking a cow, churning butter, fetching water countless times a day, and riding in a horse-drawn wagon along a rutted road to spend pennies in town.

This will be Brooke’s life for four awful months. Unless, of course, she breaks the rules and the producers kick her off the show…

Other families are scattered throughout Sweet Sugar Gap. The snotty Prudence Miller soon becomes Brooke’s rival. Wendell Murphy, who works at the local mercantile, is instantly smitten with Brooke—but also makes her suspicious. Does the only cute boy in town really like her, or is he merely showing off for the cameras?

Brooke Decker may just have to find a way to make it in the backcountry, leaving behind the modern frills she can’t live without. But can a young girl’s wishful heart surrender to a time and place she believes she can never call home?

Genres: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Fiction

357 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2016

About the author

Leslie Tall Manning is an award-winning novelist who loves writing about grown-ups (GAGA, MAGGIE’S DREAM, KNOCK ON WOOD, and FERAL MARIL & HER LITTLE BROTHER CAROL) and young adults (UPSIDE DOWN IN A LAURA INGALLS TOWN, I AM ELEPHANT, I AM BUTTERFLY, and RULES OF FALLING). She especially loves digging into universal ideas such as friendship, bravery, and self-forgiveness. When she's not spending quality time with the characters in her head, she speaks at libraries, schools, and book clubs. She is proudly represented by Uwe Stender at the TriadaUS Literary Agency, and is currently working on an historical fiction bildungsroman.

A bit about Leslie the Reader: She's been reading since the age of five and creating stories since she was six. As a former English teacher and current private tutor, she gets to re-read classics as well as jump into newer books. Her personal reading tastes are eclectic, but she can get into most genres (no erotica, super fantasy, or series) as long as the book is well written.

Some writing accolades:

Indie Brag Award
Firebird Literary Award
Sarton Women's Literary Award
North Carolina Author Project Award
Taleflick Road to Development Finalist
Taleflick Top Pick
William Faulkner Words and Wisdom Finalist
Story Monsters Certificate of Excellence
Library Journal Self-e Selection
International Book Award Finalist
Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist
Readers' Favorite Bronze Medal Winner
North Street Book Prize Longlist
Historical Fiction Competition Finalist
Readers' Choice Award
CIBA Finalist
The Letter Review Longlist
Santa Fe Literary Review Longlist

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Young Adult Retelling Kindof. I have to say I love the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, so I had to read this book when I ran across it. I just finish reading this book, and it was nothing like what I was thinking it would be. It was so much better then I thought it would be. I loved it. There was so many times while I was reading this book I ask myself could I do that. I think if you loved the Little House on the Prairie then you will love this book. I loved Brooke, and the characters was so developed in this book. I loved the storyline in this story. There was twists and turns in this book that I did not see coming. This was a great book not just a good book. This book is about a teenager and her family being thrown into a 1860's town like the Little House on the Prairie. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher or author (Leslie Tall Manning) via BookSirens, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com

One of the first series that I fell in love with was The Little House on the Prarie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder and I know I’m not alone there, she’s a legend. So when I read the blurb for this book I was super intrigued by the idea of a throwback to those books with a contemporary twist. On top of that, I’m a reality TV junkie so I couldn’t have been more invested even before I turned the first page. This book was everything I had hoped for and more, it had fantastic messages and themes for young adults, witty dialogue and it brought history to life in a totally captivating manner.

Brooke is a fairly typical teenager acting out in a semi normal way. Her mother passed away one year earlier and she’s clearly struggling. Her dad is doing his best, but raising two young girls on his own is so challenging and on top of that he lost his wife. I was completely taken in by the Decker family and felt so much sympathy for them. Brooke was crying out for help in her own way, Tim was just trying to keep going, one day at a time and sweet Rebecca Lynn is only ten and totally broke my heart. When Tim signs them up for the reality show, Brooke isn’t exactly pleased as you can well imagine.

This book was so historically accurate, it’s very apparent that the author spent a good chunk of time researching the 1860’s. Entering Sweet Sugar Gap was like entering a time warp and I was enchanted by the setting she created. History was never one of my favorite subjects as a kid, but reading about the era in such a creative and fun way was amazing! I learned so much about how life was for people back then and I can’t wait until my own kids are a little bit older to read this with them. I only say I’ll wait a few years because my oldest daughter is eight and there are a few references to drinking and drugs that are a tiny bit too mature for her now, but for the teenaged crowd this is ideal.

The character development was outstanding here, especially in Brooke but every member of the Decker family grew so much over the course of the book. Living exactly as people did back in the 1860’s was not easy and stripping away the creature comforts they had become dependent upon caused them all to do some soul searching and find out what is truly important. This was one of those books that made me feel all the feelings, I laughed, cried, was mortified and scared, any emotion you can think of I probably experienced while reading this gem of a book. I highly recommend this to anyone, but especially to those with teenagers, I think it’s a story that can really resonate with them and teach some great lessons without them even realizing it.

[Rosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who has heard of Big Boss would know what it entails: going to reside in a strange locked-in apartment and managing all your work without assistance, a life with cameras all around you watching you struggle and squirm your way through life in isolation. Now picture a Big Boss kind of environment but in a different time period, 1861 to be precise. The year just before the American Civil War, when having slaves was still normal and electricity was absent. This is the life that Brooke Decker and her family are asked to adjust to for the sake of a new reality TV show. Soon Brooke finds herself bidding goodbye to Netflix and alcohol and saying hello to Dutch ovens and milking cows. Will the Deckers be able to survive for months in "1861", thereby winning the reality show?

The idea of the title and the 1861 period is taken from the Little House series by Laura Ingalls. I confess that I've not read any book of this series, but it doesn't hamper my understanding of the storyline.

The life of 1861 is depicted in such a realistic way, credit to Leslie Manning for her brilliant research on this. While we all know that comforts weren't in plenty then, it was an eye-opener for me to see the extent of the problem, especially related to personal hygiene. I'm never again going to wish that I was born in Jane Austen's England and will just be happy with reading her books.

Upside Down in a Laura Ingalls Town teaches you to appreciate all that you take for granted in your life, even simple regular things like packaged butter and soft mattresses. Not until things are missing do we realise how much we have come to depend on them.

Brooke Decker is an impressive character. After her initial resistance, her open-mindedness and grit take over and she makes a wonderful transition to the tough life of a girl living more than a century back. There were sone inconsistences in her character though. For instance, if she was aware of shows like Survivor, how come she didn't realise that all reality shows involve winning and money? Why was she so surprised to discover from her dad that there's prize money for the winner, that too after she had agreed to participate in the competition and was revolting against the status quo with her iPod? It didn't ring true for me.

I liked most parts of the book. The story moves ahead steadily. While some parts seem repetitive especially towards the second half, you don't really lose interest. The end brings a twist that took me by complete surprise. I did not see that coming!

All in all, a good steady read that gives great insight into American life of the 1860s and makes you value your comforts, no matter how much it how little you've got.

I received an advance review copy of the book from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


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[N.otabene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free from the author and booksirens. Thank you so much for this opportunity to read this amazing book.

Okay. Wait a minute. Hold up! Is that it ?
I cant tell you how much I LOVE this book.
Looking from the cover , it looks like. . . Meh. This story must be a typical , predictable kind of a novel. Boy , am I wrong.

The story started with the Decker’s family (Dad, Brooke and Rebecca Lynn) who lost their mother to cancer and their life turns upside down since then. Then , strangely their dad went to an interview /audition/ venture with some tv company to get the family back together. Plot twist after plot twist till I dont know who to trust anymore.

“Clyde, our mentally challenged rooster, decided to give us a wakeup call”

Bringing a 1980s twist into a modern lifestyle can change someone towards the better or worst. And for Brooke , well , read it yourself. I cant help but laugh along with her witty remarks , her sarcastic thoughts on how strange the villagers are. She learned how to deal with no electricity, with living less when all her life she’s got everything she ever wanted. Even now I know how to milk a cow and make a butter in the 1980s style. Yay.
This is a story of family bond, friendship, about being grateful for everything you ever have up till now thanks to our ancestors who fought for us in the wars , a story of how to deal with a heartbreak, dealing with crops and animals.

Edit : It was 1860s guys ! Not 1980s. What am I thinking. 🤦‍♀️

[CYNTHIA Fillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Terrific Read!

When I first saw this book it's title kind of reached out and grabbed my heart. I am a 65 year old great grandmother who still enjoys the Little House books. This book was simply put FANTASTIC!! I actually wished for a sequel. I couldn't put it down, and didn't want it to end. Trust me on this: You WILL LOVE IT! Believe me on this. You will learn how to appreciate what you have. And maybe wish you could have been this girl and learned her valuable lessons on what really Is important in life.

[Michael Afflerbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the real joys about reading YA fiction (at least GOOD YA fiction) is that, like in real life, there are some real opportunities for the story to blossom in unexpected ways. Appropriately written (in style and content) for the reader who is not-yet-an-adult yet who has become self-aware (and is certainly no longer a child!), a great YA book can explore what the characters are leaving behind (limited, self-absorbed ME, ME, ME) as well as jump into that future world of how to relate to all these other people who you find in your life.

Brooke Decker leaves her overly comfortable life as a high schooler in modern day New Bern, North Carolina as her family joins the cast of a reality show in the rural backcountry where they are expected to try and make it as settlers in the time running up to the Civil War. There really are so many great facets to reading this book-- my favorite is probably the dominant theme of the character development of Brooke as she begins to understand what her most primary needs and desires truly are (after stripping all the modern diversions and conveniences away). She (and her father and younger sister) are already lacking as a family unit since her Mom had recently passed away, now they will need to rebuild their lives as they learn how to adapt to a smaller world where you either had to create what you need (or make do without).

The story rolls along (and thankfully keeps the reader from being able to obviously predict everything that happens next) and it is packed with obviously well-researched details of the everyday life for the Decker family and how they learn how people lived and worked together in the 1860s. The supporting cast of characters are entertaining and really flesh out the way an entire community would function and relate. This is a perfect historical YA novel for a teacher to assign kids (as long as no one minds the fact that there are simple references to casual drinking and marijuana use by teenagers in the text, certainly not in a gratuitous or celebratory fashion).... Readers will learn about the 1860s history as well as a valuable lesson in exploring what is truly important: how it is to grow up and take the lessons you learn and synthesize them into becoming a more aware person, who takes pride in their accomplishments and learns to find the value of family and community.

That is a lot to ask of any book, but Upside Down in Laura Ingalls Town delivers on all accounts.

[Anais (atrailofpages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Did I enjoy this book! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. And thank you to the author and BookSirens because I loved this book!

We follow Brooke who is clearly not handling her grief very well(she’s quite the rebellious child), whose father realizes he needs to do something to help and decides they should sign up for a reality tv show that takes place in the 1800’s like the Little House in the Prairie(thus the title of the show). They have to live in this time period leaving anything modern behind and quite literally living like they did back in those days. So, here’s Brooke who is quite angry at life having to leave behind her makeup, her iPod, her friends, and her eyebrow piercing to become this pioneer woman for four months! And instead wear corsets!

At times, Brooke drove me nuts, but then I had to remind myself I’m pretty sure I would probably have felt the same way she did, plus she also was still handling grief. And kudos to her for sticking it out! I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have 😅 I loved seeing her grow through the series and she learned that family and some things are more important in life than let’s say makeup. She really learned to be content and to basically take things by stride. I especially was impressed with her when that twist came in the book and the way she handled it.

There was quite a bit of humor in the book that made me laugh out loud, and yet definitely a lot of family drama and some serious stuff going on that Brooke had to learn and basically get over herself and learn that it’s not always about her. And the details! The details in this book were just so well written it never felt like it was too much detail. I also loved the way the book ended. Couldn’t have done it better myself. Highly recommend this book, especially if you were like me and loved The Little House on the Prairie 😊

[Ashy Khaira · Rating 5 out of 5]

spoiler alert:the decker family is dealing with the death of one of their family members,Brooke's mother,who died due to cancer.Since her mother's death,brooke has been running wild with her friend libby,going to parties,drinking and so on so forth as well as affecting her grades.this leads to brooke's father signing them up for a reality show,which is set back in the 1860's.they are told all the other contestants are families like themselves,but it turns out that the whole town save for brooke's family are actors.while in sweet sugar gap,they are not allowed modern devices and are expected to fend for themselves just as they did in 186o,and brooke falls in love with wendell who is in love with her too,but turns out to be an actor.when they finally go back to modern life,once the four months is up,brooke's father calls her up one day telling her he got a job in germany and that they would be moving there as it is a 3 year contract and that wendell had called.All in all a very addictive read,and i could not bare to put it down...except for the 3 hours of sleep i needed :)

[P.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine you are a teenager who is struggling to find her place in life and is coping with the death of her mother. Imagine your father enters a reality contest and you, your younger sister, and your father are plunked down in a rural back country cabin, where you haul water, cook all the meals, and tend to the livestock? This creative premise is the heart of Upside Down in a Laura Ingalls Town. Leslie Tall Manning skillfully weaves together the past and the present and draws in the reader (adult or teenager) into Brooke's journey from a troubled, rebellious teenager to a confident, young woman who learns a lot about herself, grief, and love. A terrific read!

[R.T. Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I've read in a very long time! Well researched and well written, with a captivating story line that, unless life didn't get in my way, I would've read in one sitting. Manning truly captures the teenage attitudes we all know so well, and had me laughing out loud in several places. A book for young adults to seniors, I highly recommend this read!

[Rachel Boss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a wonderful, well written, charming book that explores what is important in life. Good to get these perspectives at any age. Leslie Manning once again threw in an interesting twist to the story, as she did in GaGa. I’d love to follow Brooke on another adventure!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book combined two loves for me- YA and historical fiction. I love seeing authors put well researched historical novels with interesting plots out there for younger readers. I read this book super quick because I couldn’t put it down. The characters were thought through and changed under the circumstances.

In the year since her Mom passed away, Brooke Decker has begun to seriously rebel. She has been breaking curfew, drinking, and kissing boys. She is headed to trouble when her father completely upends his family’s life. Ted Decker has signed his family up to move to a small town and live in the year 1861. Everyone in town will give up modern life and conveniences to experience what it was like during Laura Ingalls Wilder’s time. Their experience will be recorded on a reality tv show.

Brooke is horrified to realize all she will have to give up and can’t understand why her sister and father are so excited for this opportunity. She is not ready to wear corsets, give up makeup, and experience milking a cow and other back breaking farm work. As the oldest girl, she has to be responsible for her sister and must work to plan meals and feed the family using a fireplace. She struggles with honoring her father’s request to make this work for four months vs breaking the rules so she can go back to her regular life. In the end, can the family pull together and survive this four month trial?

The reader learns so much about that time in history and experiences the hardship of farm life with Brooke, Rebecca Lynn and their father. I didn’t want to stop reading as new experiences revealed more layers of motivation and character growth.

Thanks to Book Siren for a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion. I’ll be reading more of this author in the future for sure!!

[Misa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free rom Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Can you imagine leaving your modern life and going back to a life in the mid 19th century?

The 16 years old Brooke and her family (father and sister) just lost her mother after a long fight against the cancer. After such a tragedy, Brooke is no more the same girl, she just wants to have fun with her friends and not taking anything seriously as she used to. That's when her father, afraid of losing her, decides to sign them up as a contestants on a reality show where they should live for four months in the North Carolina backcountry of Laura Ingalls during 1861.

This book was so touching and very fascinating due to the theme and because you just keep putting yourself in Brook's shoes. It was a good idea and I'm not sure if I could have been as strong as Brooke was. I pretty enjoyed the story and the characters, I was really surprised to like it and to lose myself in the story and the development of the events so easily.

The author's style was so good and made such a simple story/concept less boring to follow. I have to say that the idea of the book was not such a big deal but it was so well built.

I also have to point out that the part about the slaves wasn't as enjoyable to read and I shared Brooke's opinion. The idea that for money you will get back to live such an awful situation but when you think about it there are a lot of black actors who do the same.

Anyway, I loved this story and it made me think about my life now with all the modern things that I know like Brooke, it will be difficult for me to live without.

[Pat Trattles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it started out slowly I thoroughly enjoyed this tale. 16-year-old Brooke Decker is a rebellious teenager whose world turned upside down when her father signed up their family of three to be contestants on a reality tv show. In the show Brooke, her little sister Rebecca Lynn and their father move to the North Carolina back country where they must spend four months as if it were 1861. Cell phones, televisions, microwave ovens, malls, all the modern conveniences are replaced with cooking in an open fireplace, churning butter, milking cows, growing their own food, washing in a stream, using an outhouse and having none of the luxuries Brooke has grown accustomed to. Although initially resistant, throughout the course of the four months she slowly acclimates and learns the value of family, community, and the rewards of accomplishments no matter how small. I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ravenclawedo1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read, and gave a little more insight in some ways into life at that period of time that Laura Ingalls Wilder glossed over (such as how to deal with one's monthlies and other necessities). Brooke was a strong character who I could empathize with. I really liked her, but I disagree with the way her father was basically absolved from some of his decisions and frames certain things as being due to her decisions instead. He was the adult and should have set the limits before it got to the point it did. And Brooke didn't spend all his money, he did that. I also dislike that her little sister seems to get a free pass for certain things she does (spoiler) like when she cuts her leg with the razor. She was 12. What 12 year old doesn't know to not touch a straight razor? And then Brooke is blamed because she turned her back and "let" Rebecca Lynn cut herself. Overall, I enjoyed reading this, though. It was a brush with Little House without too much saccharine sweetness.

[Judy Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brooke Decker wakes up still drunk all the time. She's in high school and lost. Her father, Tim, signs them up to participate in a show. Brooke and her entire family will be living in the North Carolina backcountry just as they would have in 1861. Brooke is forced by her father to join the family in this back to past journey. Brooke sees early on that it's hot, sweaty and a huge amount of work. She learns to cook, do laundry and care for animals. Along this journey, Brooke rediscovers herself and her family. This is a lovely read that illustrates the commitment to family and the sacrifices we are willing to make for those we love.

[Lexi Horn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book it is so much fun to read. Reading it for the second time.
1. Because I started actually watching Little House on the Prairie
2. Because I offer this book as a good read for my students if they want a fun fictional read that can give them an idea of how different the times were. The Decker family is a bit more relatable for my high schoolers.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. By the time I had passed the halfway point I knew that I had to finish it. Stayed up way past my bedtime but it was worth it! What I'd like to know is did they get the million dollars?

[KateWerners · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting historical information and fun story! I also loved that I knew all the places mentioned from New Bern, NC. Very relatable book for teens I think!

[LilliSt · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars - Quick, entertaining read about a trip back to the homestead days of the 19th century

I really enjoyed this story of Brooke and her family ending up on a reality show about the life of homesteaders in the midde of the 19th century!

Brooke's family has been through a lot after losing her mother to cancer. Brooke has been struggling ever since: in school, with substance abuse, with bad decisions. She is in a bad place and her father is worried about her. He comes up with the idea to audition with their familiy, comprised of him, Brooke and her baby sister Rebecca Lynn, for a reality show in which the contestants are assigned a role in a village of the 19th century and they have to live an authentic life for 4 months.
The more authentic, the higher the chances of winning the show.

They are picked for the show and Brooke is thrown into a lifestyle with no running water or electricity, awfully uncomfortable clothes and a huge amount of hard work to do. There's a pig to be fed, a cow to be milked, crops to be grown, chickens to be tended to, cooking to be done on a wood stove and so much more.
At first, Brooke hates everything but slowly she grows into this new life, finds out a lot about herself and what she actually needs and finally finds the space to grieve.
Of course there is also a boy her age who doesn't seem to be all that bad but also there's Prudence, the rich, spoiled girl from next door who seems to be determined to make Brooke's life as difficult as possible. Will Brooke persevere? Will her family win the show?

This coming-of-age story was well written, the characters were sufficiently fleshed out, the pacing was good with just the right amount of mysteries and plot twists thrown in to keep you turning the pages. I also very much enjoyed reading about life back then and just how much hard work and creativity was needed just to keep afloat. The details about everyday life in such a village community and the different chores to take care of seemed authentic and well-researched.

I would have liked the characterizations to have been a little bit more in-depth, a little more complex. Other than that I really enjoyed this one and can heartily recommend this book to a variety of readers!

I have received a digital review copy via BookSirens and voluntarily provide my honest opinion. Thank you!

[Michele Benchouk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful -- and not just for YA readers. I have been a lifelong fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder -- books, TV series, lectures, travel, recipes... However, nothing brought experiences of 1861 to life like this novel. Although we know it would have been quite different living in Laura's time, the book shows us just how challenging and hard it would be. Brooke's struggles were physical and emotional. Ms. Manning does a fine job fleshing her out so that she is accessible to early teen readers but also complex enough for adults to comfortably put themselves in her place. The supporting characters are also believable and assist in telling Brooke's story. I understood Brooke's father's tears, and the family's pain and stress was palpable. Prudence felt so much like Nellie early on, and you ask yourself... "Knowing what I know now, and living with today's cultural expectations, would I act like Nellie did? How is Prudence ok acting that way?"

It was so easy to slip into Ms. Manning's world in this book and see things from two perspectives in time and multiple character viewpoints. I was surprised how much I liked it. I would highly, highly recommend this book to readers both young and old who have ever imagined themselves living in the 1800s -- in a Laura Ingalls town or not. Could you survive? If given the opportunity today, would you stick it out? Wonderful read. I look forward to reading more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book to read and review. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions above are my own.

[Angela Lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me, from the cover I could not have guessed it would be a modern YA fiction. This book certainly has a bit more grit than the usual YA books. Brooke is a modern heroine that has to deal with adversity (the death of her mother) and everyday teenage dilemmas. Her way of dealing with grief is to party, drink and smoke pot. She is a normal teenager that is on the cusp of going off the rails. Her father’s rather novel solution; to drag them all on a reality TV show, I found really refreshing and original as a story line. The writer’s immaculate research into 1860’s America showed through as Brooke had to dress, cook and take care of personal hygiene with only 1860’s means. Hilarious but also brutal as an attempt at shaving legs goes pear-shaped. A stark reminder that we do live a comfortable and privileged life now. (Especially women, my god what would we do without our monthly sanitary products!)
The message of the book is firmly in YA territory; live a clean and simple life, value your nearest and dearest and don’t throw yourself at the first boy that shows an interest. I liked this book a lot and would recommend this to YA and adult readers alike. Enough plot twist and turns to keep me interested.

[Teresa Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique coming-of-age story with real characters, real history, and lots of heart, Upside Down in a Laura Ingalls Town is a captivating read.

Ever since Brooke Decker’s mother died a year ago, she’s been spiraling out of control—and doesn’t even realize it. Her father does, and comes up with an unusual solution to get her away from alcohol, sex, and bad influences and back to herself and the family: they’ll participate in a reality show set in 1861. No booze, no pot, no piercings. No phones, electricity, or toilets, either.

Though her ten-year-old sister, Rebecca Lynn, is thrilled at the idea, Brooke wants nothing to do with it. In one of the more touching scenes in the book, a rare moment of connection with her dad shows her how important this is to him, so she reluctantly agrees. Over the course of the four-month show, Brooke learns a lot more than how to wear a corset and milk a cow.

The author captures the voice of a teen, and especially a teen trying to find her way, perfectly. Anyone who knows a teen will recognize her immediately; and those who feel they don’t understand today’s young folks will gain insight by the end of this novel. Brooke’s father and sister are also well drawn, although Rebecca Lynn is a little too “good” for a typical ten-year-old sister.

The amount of research the author obviously did to recreate life in the mid-nineteenth century backcountry is impressive. She portrays enough fascinating detail to keep you grounded in the setting without overdoing it. The one thing that misses the mark is that the person they’re supposed to be living like—Laura Ingalls—wasn’t even born for another six years after 1861. The lifestyle was basically the same, so it doesn’t take anything away from the story.

A revelation by Brooke’s father in the middle and a twist at the end add surprise elements to Brooke’s struggles.

Poignant and funny by turns, Upside Down in a Laura Ingalls Town touches the heart through both the tears and the laughter.

[Bonni McKeown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed visiting with military and civilian history re-enactors and watching them craft every authentic detail of their living displays. Have also lived in the country with chickens, and no heat except a woodstove--but this is nothing compared to homesteading in the 1860s with no automobiles, electric lights, or toilet paper. When 19 year old Brooke, somewhat spoiled by 21st century ease but genuinely bereaved at her mother's passing, is forced to cope with primitive conditions to be on a TV reality show, the whole thing starts like a bad dream. The economic and morality stakes grow as the story moves, and the author helps put you in Brooke's place. Are her, her father and her sister the only ones going through real-life suffering in a make believe world?

The book held my interest, start to finish. The moral lessons felt true, and not heavy handed I would love to hear what the teens think. It might be a great homeschool follow-up if you're reading the House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Young Adult Historical Fiction novel centered around a 16 year old who has recently lost her mother. Her father, in an attempt to help the family, has them audition for a reality show set in the time of Laura Ingalls Wilder in the mid 1800's. To say they experience culture shock, is a wild understatement.

I found this book to be funny, charming, and to have a good twist. I didn't realize it was YA at the time, but honestly, that should not prevent anyone from enjoying it.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this novel; all opinions are my own.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique coming of age novel that shows together we can get through anything. The main character, Brooke, is your typical snarky teenager going down the wrong path after her mother passes away. Her Dad signs the family up to participate in a reality show where they have to live in 1861. That is correct. No TV, no phone, no electricity. They are given a scrawny cow and pig... and a dog because her little sister wanted one. They plant food. Make their own butter and cook over an open fireplace. Just like in the Laura Ingalls Wilder books.

Why would anyone in their right mind agree to do this? Brooke could see it meant alot to her Dad. So she agrees to do the show but thinks they will only last a week.

As the girls spend time doing the daily chores, Brooke's outlook on life begins to change. The situations they have to deal with and the other characters on the show make this a laugh out loud book. But the lessons Brooke and the reader learns are spot on for the world we live in today.

I will say that I thought the ending was a bit rushed. Having the storyline spread evenly out over the course of the summer would have felt more natural to me.

I am looking forward to reading other books by this author.

[The Book Granny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book! It puts such a great contemporary spin on historical fiction. The time period details were fantastic and effortlessly woven into the story. The story was interesting, the characters were engaging, and I didn't want the story to end! It would be so cool if there was a sequel. This would be a good addition to any list for book studies/literature circles becayse it will engage reluctant and avid readers alike. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having watched every single period reenactment reality show, I was intrigued by the contestants perspective even a fictional contestant. It was even more than the expected personal growth and family togetherness trope. This was a great story with a surprising ending.

[Caroline Thomson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this, bought it on a total whim as I love the 'Little House' books but also because I'd often wondered how the children felt in these historical re-live-ality shows. It is a quick read but an intriguing one and I must admit I didn't see the end twists.

[Shannon Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right side up!

I loved this book! The cover drew me in but the storyline kept me there. I appreciated the authentic struggle the characters went through, even as the book came to a slightly predictable end. Enjoyable and well writren.