First published in 1961, a modern-day classic for children follows the friendship between a boy and his two dogs as they search out adventure along the dark hills and river bottoms of Cherokee country. Reprint.
Author Wilson Rawls spent his boyhood much like the character of this book, Billy Colman, roaming the Ozarks of northeastern Oklahoma with his bluetick hound. A straightforward, shoot-from-the-hip storyteller with a searingly honest voice, Rawls is well-loved for this powerful 1961 classic and the award-winning novel Summer of the Monkeys. In Where the Red Fern Grows, Billy and his precious coonhound pups romp relentlessly through the Ozarks, trying to "tree" the elusive raccoon. In time, the inseparable trio wins the coveted gold cup in the annual coon-hunt contest, captures the wily ghost coon, and bravely fights with a mountain lion. When the victory over the mountain lion turns to tragedy, Billy grieves, but learns the beautiful old Native American legend of the sacred red fern that grows over the graves of his dogs. This unforgettable classic belongs on every child's bookshelf. (Ages 9 and up)
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Not my cup of tea, but a real classic. This is a classic that I should have read much earlier in life, but it was only recommended to me now. I think there are a lot of good lessons for children in it: such as how if you make a plan and stick to it, you can accomplish whatever you dream to accomplish. It teaches about the bond between canines and humans, and delves into how rewarding that can be. Rawls style reminds me a little of Twain. He writes from the boy's point of view and he stays true to the characterization. You never forget while... more info
BEST BOOK EVER!!! I have been an avid reader for most of my 59 years, but I STILL say
that this is my FAVORITE book of ALL TIME...no matter what genre...
It matters not that it is "recommended" for 9-12 year olds, if YOU
have not discovered this wonderful story, then you must! So many of
us can identify with Billy, the young boy, reared during a time
of great poverty, and his love and devotion to his two pups and the
adventures and lessons they brought into his life. Believe me,
this... more info
Boy and his dogs I used to read this book over and over again as a child and it's sad that I went for so many years without touching it! Upon rereading I was swept away to the backwoods South in a boyhood adventure of hunting, childhood, and friendship. On the surface it appears to be the usual boy-and-dog story, but it is so much more gripping as it explores Billy's relationship with the world around him as he grows up in a classic coming-of-age scenario. It's fun, gripping writing full of personality and passion... more info
Exactly what I was looking for This was my favorite book as a child and I was very happy to purchase it to read for myself and also for my children.
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