THESE HAPPY GOLDEN YEARS Fifteen-year-old Laura lives apart from her  family for the first time, teaching school in a claim shanty twelve miles from  home. She is very homesick, but keeps at it so that she can help pay for her  sister Mary's tuition at the college for the blind. During school vacations  Laura has fun with her singing lessons, going on sleigh rides, and best of  all, helping Almanzo Wilder drive his new buggy. Friendship soon turns to love  for Laura and Almanzo in the romantic conclusion of this Little House  book.