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)
Reviews:
omymarlo (USA: NY) (2008/01/11): One of my favorite books of all time. I just reread it AGAIN- I've long since lost track of how many times. My daughter rereads it annually. My son won't read it because it's "too sad". It is, in fact, very sad, but there's also an incredible amount of love, hope and faith in this book without resorting to sentimentality. It's a must for all dog lovers, anyone young at heart, anyone experiencing a time of confusion and heartache that seems to make no sense. It's considered a "young adult" book but it definitely transcends that, much like Huck Finn. Also does a great job documenting a bygone period in America. Like Stephen King with "Carrie," this author threw his manuscript in the garbage once completed, only to have it rescued by his wife, fortunately for all of us! There's now a statue of Old Dan and Little Ann, I think in Wilson Rawls' hometown. Hell, it's just a must! HIGHLY recommend.
