Ages 10+1-min guideAnimalsLossClassic
Where the Red Fern Grows
by Wilson Rawls
Read togetherBest read together, for most kids 10 and up. One of the saddest classics for kids. Both dogs die, and there’s a sudden, graphic accident.
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What it’s about
Billy saves money for two years to buy two hound puppies in the Ozark Mountains. He trains them to hunt raccoons, and they win a championship together.
The ending
What might come up
Death and lossA lotBoth dogs die at the end.
ViolenceA lotA boy falls on an axe during a fight and dies; hunting scenes.
Big feelingsA lotDeep grief.
Scary momentsSomeA mountain lion attack.
LanguageA littleMild.
RomanceNone
Why kids like it
A boy and his dogs, and a story about working hard for a dream.
Free printable quiz
- 1How long does Billy save to buy his dogs?
- 2What are the dogs’ names?
- 3What animal do they hunt?
- 4What grows between the dogs’ graves?
Read it, then watch it
Read the book first, then watch it together and talk about what changed.
