They Made Me an Addict

Views From My Schoolroom Window is the true coming-of-age story of a 19th century schoolgirl who became a teacher upon turning 15 years old. Laurentine's nonfiction, historical account, in the form of edited diary and supplemental writings, was based in Janesville, Wisconsin 1856 -- 1870. Because Laurentine was a prolific writer and an insightful chronicler of change around her, readers are provided, through the lens of her "father confessor" (her diary), with an engaging, richly detailed and unique set of views of family life, social relations, community debates, education standards, and the face of war -- the Civil War. Laurentine, a surprisingly modern young woman for her time, challenges us to reconsider what we think we know about 19th century women, their expectations in life, and their attitudes towards roles and duties. Laurentine's humor and escapades help us shed misconceptions of the dark and dour cloaks of this era in history. While it may be difficult to imagine, Laurentine's descriptions of prairie life as a schoolteacher in Janesville, Wisconsin preceded those many of us have known from lives in the Little House books by more than a generation!