- “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum: This beloved children’s book is set in the imaginary land of Oz, which Dorothy and her companions reach after her house is whisked away by a tornado from her farm in Kansas.
- “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote: This non-fiction novel reimagines the true story of the brutal murder of a Kansas family in their farmhouse, exploring the dark underbelly of rural America.
- “The Virginian” by Owen Wister: Though not entirely set in Kansas, parts of this classic Western novel take place in the state, as the protagonist travels across the American West.
- “Dandelion Wine” by Ray Bradbury: Set in the fictional town of Green Town, Illinois (loosely based on Bradbury’s hometown of Waukegan, Illinois), this coming-of-age novel mentions Kansas as the birthplace of the main character’s father.
- “Perfume River” by Robert Olen Butler: While primarily set in Vietnam, this novel includes flashbacks to the protagonist’s childhood in Kansas, exploring the effects of the Vietnam War on American families.
- “Angle of Repose” by Wallace Stegner: Partly set in Kansas, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel examines the lives and struggles of a couple living in the American West during the late 19th century.
- “Little House on the Prairie” by Laura Ingalls Wilder: This beloved children’s series follows the Ingalls family as they settle in various locations, including Kansas, offering a glimpse into pioneer life.
- “The Bean Trees” by Barbara Kingsolver: While the majority of the story takes place in Arizona, the protagonist’s journey begins in rural Kentucky, and she passes through Kansas on her way.
- “Getting Rid of Matthew” by Jane Fallon: This contemporary novel follows Helen, who embarks on an affair with a married man, including a memorable road trip from London to Kansas.
- “The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate” by Jacqueline Kelly: Although primarily set in Texas, this novel includes references to the protagonist’s ancestral town of Vassar, Kansas, where her ancestors first settled.
WANDERLIST: Ten famous novels set in Kansas
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