Where the Red Fern Grows is a classic, timeless story of a young boy and his love for his dogs and their love
and loyalty to him. Growing up in the Ozarks, young Billy wants nothing more than two dogs, so that he can hunt racoons.
Saving his money for two years, Billy finally earns $50 - enough money to purchase Old Dan and Little Ann, the two pups who
will grow into his loyal companions.
The lifestyle of Billy and his family will not be familar to most readers, and it does run the risk of seeming so out
of date that it has lost its relevance completely. Yet the story of growing up and the love of a pet will not be so
foreign to readers after all (Braun 1995). Anyone who has loved (and perhaps lost) a pet will understand the bond that
grows between Billy and his dogs. As a central character, Billy displays such persistence and fortitude that it would
be difficult not to admire him and root for him during the story.
One aspect of Where the Red Fern Grows that would make it appealing to young adults is the pace of the story. The
book is action packed with stories of hunting, family dynamics, and quick escapes from predators. The fight in the forest
between Billy and the neighbor boys ends sadly and tragically, yet the tragedy seems to be a part of the time and a result
of the neighbor's actions and not Billy's. The incident seems to be a tragic part of life, one that Billy and his
grandfather must comes to terms with and move on from. Through all of his circumstances, Billy seems to rise to the
occasion, truly becoming a man. Since the narration reflects Billy's emotions throughout the story, it draws the reader
in that much more.
The most touching part of the story was the loyalty of the dogs not only for Billy but for one another. It seemed
inevitable that if one dog died, the other one would not be far behind. Where the Red Fern Grows is a novel of great
power and depth, revealing so much about young Billy, his dogs, and his life. I think young readers will appreciate
the power of the story, as I did, even if they don't quite identify with all that goes on inside of it.
Rawls, Wilson. Where the Red Fern Grows. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1961.
Braun, Linda. "Audiovisual Review: Recordings." School Library Journal 41, no. 6 (1995):
71.
