Skip to main content
Back to Show
American Masters

The letter from NY that changed Laura Ingalls Wilder's life

At age 64, Wilder received unexpected news from a New York editor: She was on her way to becoming a children’s author. The manuscript she had mailed had eventually turned into “Little House in the Big Woods.” Wilder said that upon the book’s success and reading all the letters she received from children around the country she began to think “what a wonderful childhood I had had.”

Sign up now for inspiring and thought-provoking media delivered straight to your inbox.
Support Provided By
Season
Floyd Abrams: Speaking Freely
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:22:45
Follow the 50-year career of First Amendment lawyer and legal expert Floyd Abrams.
Jerry Brown: The Disrupter
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:33:44
Experience the political and personal journey of California governor Jerry Brown.
Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:29:31
Experience the meteoric rise and enduring legacy of Little Richard.
Nam June Paik: Moon Is the Oldest TV
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:45:01
See the world through the eyes of Nam June Paik, the father of video art.
In The Making
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:51:39
Follow two performers as they break down barriers in opera and country music.
Dr. Tony Fauci
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:53:11
Join Dr. Anthony Fauci as he reflects on his life and career as a public health advocate.
Roberta Flack
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:43
Discover music icon Roberta Flack’s rise to stardom and triumphs over racism and sexism.
Groucho & Cavett
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:21:59
Discover the enduring friendship between legendary comedians Dick Cavett and Groucho Marx.
The Adventures of Saul Bellow
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:22:55
Explore Nobel Prize winner Saul Bellow's impact on American literature.
Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:29:33
See the story of the Indigenous singer-songwriter, social activist, educator and artist.
Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:22
Explore the life of the legendary singer, songwriter and co-founder of The Beach Boys.
Waterman – Duke: Ambassador of Aloha
1:23:57
Jason Momoa narrates the story of five-time Olympic medalist and surfer Duke Kahanamoku.
Active loading indicator