LITTLE FARM IN THE OZARKS

With a pleasing simplicity of description, MacBride portrays life in the Ozarks 100 years ago during the Wilder family's first growing season. The second of The Rocky Ridge Years books details Rose's many adjustments: to different crops, a new school, and unpredictable weather, including a storm that downs the chicken coop. Rose's worries are universal (after a day with a large, wealthier family, she confronts Mama [Laura] about her only-child status), her triumphs familiar (she bests another classmate in a spelldown). Actually, little happens; though a classmate dies, Rose seems more grief-stricken about some baby birds that don't thrive in her care. Still, it's impossible not to be overcome by the sense of continuity with the Little House books, to rejoice with Rose over the glittering prizes of the general store, to relish her pleasure in a new dress, or to revel with her at dogwoods in bloom. Peaceful, wholesome fare. (Fiction. 9-12)