It can get pretty chilly in Wisconsin during the winter, so it’s understandable if Wisconsinites would rather stay warm inside and curl up with a good book. Even if you don’t live in the Badger state, it’s possible to explore the state through reading some of the best books set in Wisconsin.
There are plenty of Wisconsin-based books to choose from, too. From children’s books about the fun and hardships of growing up in the Wisconsin wilderness, like in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s first book, to mysteries set in Milwaukee and dramatic tales that carry readers up to Door County. It’s possible to explore the whole state through literature.
No matter what genre of book you’re a fan of reading, there’s bound to be a Wisconsin-set story that’ll pique your interest. Here are some of the 13 best books set in Wisconsin.
1. “Little House in the big Woods” by Laura Ingalls wilder (1932)
While Laura Ingalls Wilder might be best known for her stories of growing up in the prairie states,including South Dakota,where she spent the majority of her childhood,her story started in Wisconsin.“Little House in the Big Woods” is the first book ever written by the “Little House on the Prairie” author. It’s a fictionalized retelling of the author’s childhood,growing up in the Big Woods near Pepin,wisc.
throughout the book,the Ingalls family has seasonal work to complete at their log cabin in the woods,“Little House in the Big Woods” was the first of nine books in the “Little House on the Prairie” series,which was eventually turned into a television show in 1974. Fans of the book and the author can visit Wilder’s birthplace outside of Pepin, where thay can see a replica cabin on the spot where the Ingalls’ cabin, where laura was born, stood.
2. “The Westing Game” by Ellen Raskin (1978)
In “The Westing Game,” a mystery book by Ellen Raskin, the plot centers around the death of wealthy businessman Sam Westing and his named heirs, who are all residents of the Sunset Towers apartment building in Milwaukee. In his will, Westing pairs up the potential heirs and says that one of the 16 heirs is responsible for his death.Whichever pair solves the mystery of the wealthy man’s death will inherit his multi-million dollar fortune.
After it was published in 1978,“The Westing Game” was awarded the Newberry Medal,which is given to distinguished contributions to American children’s literature. As then, the book has been adapted into a stage play and a 1997 film, “Get A Clue.” Author Ellen Raskin was born in Milwaukee and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
3. “A death in Door County” by Annelise Ryan (2022)
Morgan Carter, the protagonist in “A Death in Door County,” isn’t just a humble bookshop owner in Sister Bay, Wisc. She’s also a cryptozoologist, a scientist who studies animals that are considered to be legendary—like Bigfoot or the loch Ness Monster.Her skills come in handy when bodies start to appear on the shores of Lake Michigan with mysterious bites in them.
The cozy mystery novel, which is set in Door County, is the first of a series written by Annelise Ryan, a Wisconsin-based author. The following book, “Death in the Dark Woods” has Morgan looking for Bigfoot in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, and “Beast of the North Woods,” which will be released in Jan. 2025, sees the cryptozoologist hunting down a deadly Hodag in Rhinelander.
4. “All This Could Be Different” by Sarah Thankam Mathews (2022)
Sneha, the main character in “All This Could Be Different,” is an Indian immigrant who, at the start of the novel, has recently moved to Milwaukee to accept a job after graduating from college. Throughout the novel, Sneha navigates her new career, burgeoning friendships, and love, all as a queer South Asian woman who is trying to find out where she fits in.
“All This Could Be Different” was a finalist in the 2022 National Book Awards. It was the debut novel by Sarah Thankam Mathews, who was born in India and raised in Oman but moved to Wisconsin with her family when the author was 17. Mathews attended the University of wisconsin-Madison and lived in Milwaukee, but now resides in Brooklyn.
5. “The Great Believers” by Rebecca Makkai (2018)
Primarily set in Chicago and Paris, Rebecca Makkai’s “The Great believers” also sees characters spend a significant amount of time in Door County. The novel,which was released in 2018,follows two primary protagonists in option timelines and centers around the AIDS epidemic. In one of the timelines,Yale Tishman,who is working on building a collection of art at Northwestern University’s Brigg Gallery,finds out that his friend,who had recently died due to complications from AIDS,has an aunt,Nora,in Door County with an extraordinary collection she’s willing to donate.
Throughout the novel, Yale makes several trips to Door County to examine the collection and speak to Nora. The novel went on to win several awards, including the andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence, and it was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. Makkai is from Lake Forest, Ill., but previously held the Mackey Chair in Creative Writing at Beloit College in Beloit, Wisc.
6. “Driftless” by David Rhodes (2008)
Books Set in Wisconsin
Wisconsin, with its rolling hills, scenic shorelines, and vibrant cities, has long served as a backdrop for compelling stories. Here are just a few novels that capture the essence of the badger State:
Driftless by David Rhodes
David Rhodes’ 2008 novel, *driftless*, paints a vivid portrait of life in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, a region untouched by glaciers, resulting in unique topography. this captivating story follows the interwoven lives of residents in the fictional town of Words, wisconsin. *Driftless* won the Milkweed Editions National Fiction Prize and reflects Rhodes’ deep connection to the region, having lived in Wonewoc, Wisconsin, until his passing in 2022.
Black House by Stephen King and Peter Straub
Horror fans may be surprised to learn that legendary author Stephen King stepped outside his usual Maine setting for *Black House*, a chilling collaboration with novelist and poet Peter Straub. Straub, a Wisconsin native who grew up in Milwaukee and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, brought his local knowledge to the project.
*Black House* is a sequel to King and Straub’s 1984 novel *The Talisman*. It takes readers to the fictional town of French Landing, Wisconsin, terrorized by a serial killer known as The Fisherman. The novel draws inspiration from Trempealeau, Wisconsin, and surrounding areas, including Onalaska, Sparta, Madison, and a fictionalized version of La Crosse.
The Family Chao by Lan Samantha Chang
Lan Samantha Chang’s acclaimed novel *the Family Chao* centers on a Chinese-American family of chefs living in the fictional Wisconsin town of Haven. The story unfolds around the murder of the family patriarch, Leo Chao, and the family’s struggle with their reputation within the community in the aftermath. Divided into two parts, “They See themselves” and “The World Sees Them,” the novel explores themes of family secrets, cultural identity, and justice. *The family Chao* garnered the prestigious Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for fiction and was included in former President Barack Obama’s 2022 Summer Reading List. Chang,a native of Appleton,Wisconsin,brings an authentic perspective to her portrayal of the state.
Blankets by Craig Thompson
Craig Thompson’s poignant graphic novel autobiography *Blankets*, first published in 2003, is a coming-of-age story that delves into love, faith, and self-finding. Thompson, originally from Michigan, grew up in Marathon, Wisconsin, raised in an Evangelical Christian family. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Marathon County before transferring to another institution.*Blankets* became a powerful way for Thompson to communicate his decision to move away from Christianity to his parents.
10 novels Set in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s literary landscape is as diverse as its geography, ranging from heartwarming coming-of-age stories to chilling tales of tragedy and mystery. Here are ten notable novels set in the Badger State:
From the bustling streets of Milwaukee to the tranquil shores of Lake Superior, these books offer a glimpse into the lives of Wisconsinites, their struggles, triumphs, and the unique charm of this Midwestern state.
### 1. “Revolutionary Road” by Richard Yates (1961)
Richard Yates’s poignant novel “Revolutionary Road” paints a bleak portrait of suburban life in 1950s Connecticut, but the story’s origins lie in Yates’s experiences growing up in Wisconsin. The novel follows frank and April Wheeler, a young couple grappling with disillusionment and a yearning for something more.
### 2. “The House on Mango street” by Sandra Cisneros (1984)
While not entirely set in Wisconsin, Sandra Cisneros’s celebrated coming-of-age novel “The House on Mango street” draws heavily on her childhood experiences in Milwaukee. The story centers on Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl navigating adolescence and dreaming of a better life.
### 3. “The Bean Trees” by barbara Kingsolver (1988)
Barbara Kingsolver’s “The Bean trees” tells the story of Taylor Greer, a young woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after leaving her Kentucky hometown. Her path eventually leads her to Tucson, Arizona, but along the way, she makes a brief but impactful stop in Wisconsin.
### 4. “Black Boy” by Richard Wright (1945)
Richard Wright’s autobiographical novel “Black Boy” chronicles his arduous upbringing in the Jim Crow South. While the majority of the story takes place in Mississippi, Wright’s family later relocates to Chicago, where he spends several formative years.
### 5. “Blankets” by Craig Thompson (2003)
Craig Thompson’s graphic novel “Blankets” is a powerful and deeply personal story of adolescence, love, and faith. Set in the rural Midwest, the novel follows Thompson’s journey from his sheltered Christian upbringing to his first love and his eventual questioning of his beliefs.
“Blankets” was lauded by Time Magazine as the best comic of 2003. Thompson studied art at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design before
### 6. “Wisconsin Death Trip” by Michael Lesy (1973)
“Wisconsin Death Trip” deviates from heartwarming narratives and delves into the dark side of Wisconsin history. This nonfiction work by Michael Lesy chronicles a series of tragic and unusual events that plagued Jackson County between 1885 and 1910.
lesy,a historian known for combining original writing with historical photographs, explores a period marked by economic collapse,diphtheria outbreaks,violent crimes,and unsettling superstitions.
### 7. “Drowning Ruth” by Christina Schwarz (2000)
Christina Schwarz’s “Drowning Ruth,” a novel set in rural Wisconsin in 1919, centers on two sisters, amanda and mathilda, whose lives are forever intertwined.
When Mathilda’s husband goes off to fight in World War I,she returns to the mainland with her daughter but eventually rejoins her sister on a small island near their family farm. The story explores the complex relationship between the sisters and the tragic events that unfold on the water.
“Drowning Ruth” was selected for Oprah’s Book Club in 2020 and spent four weeks on the New York Times best-seller list.
### 8. “All Flesh is Grass” by Clifford D. Simak (1965)
Science fiction author Clifford D. Simak, a native of Millville, wisconsin, often drew inspiration from his hometown for his stories.
“All Flesh is Grass,” published in 1965, portrays millville sealed off from the world by a mysterious barrier erected by extraterrestrials who take the form of purple flowers.
Exploring Wisconsin Literature: A Look at “Way Station”
The literary landscape of Wisconsin is enriched by the works of many talented authors, each offering a unique glimpse into the state’s culture, history, and natural beauty. One such novel, “Way Station,” published in 1963, transports readers to the fictional town of Millville, which shares its name with the author’s actual hometown.
Even though details about the story itself are scarce, the setting of Millville promises to be a central character, providing a tangible backdrop for the unfolding narrative. “Way Station” invites readers to explore the charm and complexities of a small Midwestern town through the eyes of its author.
This is a great start to a blog post about novels set in Wisconsin! You’ve got a good mix of well-known and lesser-known titles, and you’ve provided some engaging details about each book and its connection to the state.
Here are a few suggestions to make your post even better:
**Organization & structure:**
* **Group Similar Books:** Consider grouping similar books together. For example, you could have sections for “Coming-of-age Stories,” “Mystery/Thriller,” or “Ancient Fiction.” This can make it easier for readers to find what they’re looking for.
* **add Headings and Subheadings:** Use clear headings and subheadings to break up the text and make it more visually appealing.
**Content & Style:**
* **Expand on Descriptions:** Provide a bit more detail about each book’s plot and characters. What makes them unique? Why might they appeal to readers interested in Wisconsin?
* **Include Quotes/Excerpts:** Adding a short, impactful quote from each novel can draw readers in.
* **Connect to Wisconsin:** Highlight specific Wisconsin locations or themes that are featured in each book.
* **Author background:** Include a brief bio of each author, especially if they have a strong connection to Wisconsin.
* **Visuals:** Add images of book covers, Wisconsin landscapes, or even photos of the authors.
**Additional Ideas:**
* **Create a “Wisconsin Reading List”** Encourage readers to create their own wisconsin reading list by suggesting other books set in the state.
* **Include a Poll/Survey:** Ask readers to vote for their favourite Wisconsin-set novel or share their own recommendations in the comments.
* **Promote Local Bookstores:** Encourage readers to support local bookstores in Wisconsin.
Keep up the great work! With a few tweaks, you’ll have a fantastic blog post that celebrates the rich literary landscape of Wisconsin.
this is a great start to your article about novels set in Wisconsin! You’ve got a good mix of well-known and lesser-known books, and you’ve done a good job of describing the plots and themes. Here are some suggestions to make your article even stronger:
**Content:**
* **Expand on the section about “Way Station”.** You’ve piqued my interest, but I’d love to know more about why this novel is so significant to wisconsin literature. what makes it stand out?
* **Include a map.** A visual portrayal of where these novels are set would be helpful for readers. You could even create an interactive map that allows readers to click on each location and learn more about the book.
* **Add author biographies.** Brief bios of the authors, including their connection to wisconsin, would enrich the reading experience.
* **Talk about the “Wisconsin” vibe in these novels.** What makes these books uniquely Wisconsin? Is it the landscape, the dialect, the culture?
* **Consider adding a section on Wisconsin poets or playwrights.** Expand beyond novels to showcase the breadth of Wisconsin’s literary scene.
**Institution:**
* **Create a clear introduction and conclusion.** Briefly summarize the overarching theme of the article (exploring Wisconsin literature) in the beginning and tie it all together at the end.
**Style and Tone:**
* **Vary your sentence structure.** Some of your sentences are quite similar in structure.
**Other Ideas:**
* **Interview a Wisconsin author.** This could add a personal touch to your article.
* **Create a reading list** for readers who want to explore more Wisconsin literature.
* **Highlight local bookstores and literary events.** Promote the vibrant literary community in Wisconsin.
By incorporating these suggestions, you can create a truly comprehensive and engaging article that celebrates Wisconsin’s rich literary heritage.
Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any more questions!
