Ages 8+1-min guideAnimalsLossClassic
Stone Fox
by John Reynolds Gardiner
Good fitA great fit for most kids 8 and up. A short, gripping race story. The ending is very sad, so be ready to talk.
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What it’s about
Ten-year-old Willy lives on a Wyoming potato farm with his grandfather and dog Searchlight. Grandfather owes $500 in taxes and won’t get out of bed. Willy enters a dogsled race against Stone Fox, who has never lost.
The ending
What might come up
Death and lossA lotWilly’s dog, Searchlight, dies when her heart bursts near the finish line. Willy holds her body. His mother died before the story.
Sad momentsSomeGrandfather stops talking and stays in bed because he has given up.
ViolenceSomeStone Fox hits Willy when he gets near his dogs, and Willy’s eye swells shut. A tax collector aims a gun at Searchlight.
LanguageA littleAdults say 'darn fool' and 'stupid.'
Dated wordsA littleStone Fox is often called 'the Indian.' The book says his Shoshone people lost their land.
RomanceNone
Why kids like it
A boy and his dog take on a champion in a thrilling sled race.
Free printable quiz
- 1What is the name of Willy’s dog?
- 2How much does Grandfather owe in taxes?
- 3What grows on Grandfather’s farm?
- 4Why does Stone Fox race?
Read it, then watch it
Read the book first, then watch it together and talk about what changed.
