Yes, it is based on the author's real-life experiences growing up in the Midwest during the 19th century, but some elements might be fictionalized for literary purposes.
The real story involves the Ingalls family's struggles and adventures while living on the prairie. They had to build their own house, deal with harsh weather, and face shortages of food. For example, they often had to hunt for food to survive.
In the 'Little House on the Prairie' story, there are several important themes. Firstly, there is the theme of adaptation. The family had to adapt to the new prairie environment, from the climate to the wildlife. Then there's the theme of perseverance. Despite facing hardships like diseases, bad weather, and food shortages, they kept going. The theme of simplicity in life is also there. They lived with very basic necessities and found joy in the simple things like a warm fire on a cold night or a good harvest. Their relationship with nature is also a key theme, as they depended on it for their livelihood and also respected it.
Well, 'Little House on the Prairie' isn't strictly true. It takes inspiration from historical times but incorporates fictional characters and events to create an engaging narrative.