CURRICULUM FOR CHAPTER BOOK: The Ingalls are in financial trouble and even worse the scarlet fever has left Mary blind, but an unexpected visit from Aunt Docia brings about a rare opportunity to travel out west. Pa goes on ahead and Ma and the girls follow on their first train ride. They eventually arrive by the shores of Silver Lake where laymen are working on building a railroad. Laura's responsibilities grow: she has to be Mary's eyes, she works hard to help her mother, and she protects her younger sisters as well. It isn't easy learning to be responsible, but she has times of fun along the way.