Wisconsin, with its enchanting forests, historical towns, and distinctive seasons, provides an appealing backdrop for storytelling.
From quaint pioneer life to mystical realms, various authors have tapped into Wisconsin’s charm and its potential as a locale for their compelling narratives.
Let’s take a literary tour of several remarkable novels that are set in the picturesque landscapes of America’s Dairy State.
One of the most treasured American classics, “Little House in the Big Woods,” is the first in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s autobiographical series about her childhood in the late 19th century.
This delightful novel introduces us to the Big Woods of Wisconsin, where young Laura lives with her Pa, Ma, sisters Mary and Carrie, and their trusty dog, Jack.
The story richly portrays pioneer life through the eyes of a child, capturing the essence of the Wisconsin wilderness and the Ingalls family’s everyday struggles and joys.
“Caddie Woodlawn,” another enduring classic, brings readers into the life of a spirited 11-year-old girl in 1860s Wisconsin.
This children’s novel is based on the real-life adventures of the author’s grandmother, Caddie Woodlawn.
Set in the Dunnville area near Menomonie, the book radiates warmth and humor as it recounts tales of a young tomboy who prefers plowing fields and hunting over traditional domestic duties, thus challenging the gender norms of her time.
Taking a sharp turn into the realm of horror and fantasy, “Black House” is the sequel to the highly acclaimed collaboration “The Talisman.”
Set in the fictional town of French Landing, Wisconsin, the novel features a retired Los Angeles homicide detective, Jack Sawyer, who must face his unresolved past and an otherworldly force known as “The Fisherman.”
King and Straub blend the chilling atmosphere of Wisconsin’s small town with the supernatural, resulting in an eerie and engrossing read.
“The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” is a poignant family saga infused with hints of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”
The novel follows a boy named Edgar who, born mute, is able to communicate effectively with dogs.
His peaceful life on a dog-breeding farm in northern Wisconsin takes a dramatic turn when a family tragedy strikes.
Wroblewski’s vivid descriptions of the Midwestern landscape and Edgar’s emotional journey make this novel a touching and atmospheric tribute to the state.
Neil Gaiman’s “American Gods” is an ambitious work that uses Wisconsin as one of its key settings.
The novel, which delves into the concept of old gods from various mythologies existing in contemporary America, takes its protagonist, Shadow, to the quiet town of Lakeside in Wisconsin.
The snowy winters and quaintness of small-town life serve as a stark contrast to the novel’s fantastical elements and the looming battle between the old and new deities.
In “Thimble Summer,” a Newbery Medalist novel for children, Elizabeth Enright tells the story of a young girl named Garnet Linden who discovers a thimble that seems to bring unexpected luck during a hot Wisconsin summer.
The book exudes an idyllic feeling of country life, exploring themes of family, growth, and simple pleasures, while the Wisconsin setting perfectly captures the magic of summer on a farm.
“Drowning Ruth” is a gripping historical mystery set in the early 20th century on a remote Wisconsin farm.
Upon the tragic death of her sister, nurse Amanda Starkey takes on the responsibility of raising her niece, Ruth.
Christina Schwarz masterfully unravels the layers of family secrets across different timelines, complemented by the eerie and overwhelmingly silent Wisconsin winters that envelop the characters and their hidden truths.
Published in 1942, “Seventeenth Summer” is often regarded as one of the first novels in the young adult genre.
The story takes place in the city of Fond du Lac, where 17-year-old Angie Morrow experiences her first love during the summer after her high school graduation.
Author Maureen Daly, herself a Wisconsin native, authentically captures the innocence of youth and the bittersweet nature of growing up.
Perfectly capturing Wisconsin’s deep connection to dairy farming, “Dairy Queen” is the story of D.J. Schwenk, a high school girl who helps run her family’s farm.
When Brian Nelson, the quarterback of her school’s rival football team, comes to work on the farm, D.J. not only teaches him agriculture but also learns about her own strength and dreams.
Gilbert Murdock’s incorporation of rural life and an evolving personal journey amidst the landscape of Red Bend, Wisconsin, resonates with many readers.
Carolyn Keene, the pseudonymous author of the Nancy Drew series, takes the iconic teen detective to Wisconsin in “The Treasure in the Royal Tower.”
Nancy Drew travels to the Wickford Castle Ski Resort to decipher historical puzzles and uncover the treasure hidden within a castle transplated from France to Wisconsin.
Keene gives readers a taste of Midwestern winter sports alongside classic mystery-solving thrills.
Wisconsin’s diverse settings, from its cozy homesteads to its eerie Spirit Wood, continue to serve as the perfect canvas for novelists across various genres.
Its rich history, culture, and landscapes offer an assortment of tales that enlighten, entertain, and evoke emotions, making Wisconsin more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character in itself in each of these memorable stories.