Summary
Wilson Rawls' classic novel Where the Red Fern Grows has captivated readers since its publication in 1961. This beloved children's book tells the story of a young boy named Billy and his two loyal coonhounds, Old Dan and Little Ann. Set in the Ozark Mountains, the tale explores themes of friendship, determination, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their canine companions.
The book's enduring popularity has led to multiple film adaptations, with the most famous being the 1974 version starring Stewart Petersen and James Whitmore. This heartwarming story continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, touching on universal experiences of love, loss, and coming-of-age in rural America.
Where the Red Fern Grows has sold millions of copies worldwide and is often included in school curricula. Its vivid depiction of life in the Ozarks, combined with Rawls' genuine and emotional storytelling, has cemented the novel's place as a timeless classic in children's literature. The book's impact extends beyond the page, inspiring readers to appreciate the beauty of nature and the power of perseverance.
Plot
Where the Red Fern Grows begins with a middle-aged Billy Colman rescuing a hound, which triggers memories of his childhood in the Ozarks. The story then flashes back to when 10-year-old Billy works tirelessly for two years to save money for two Redbone Coonhound puppies. After purchasing them, he names the dogs Old Dan and Little Ann and trains them to become skilled raccoon hunters.
Billy and his dogs become renowned hunters in the Ozarks. They face various challenges, including chopping down an enormous sycamore tree to catch their first raccoon and participating in a bet to capture the elusive “ghost coon.” During one hunting expedition, a tragic accident occurs when Rubin Pritchard, a local troublemaker, falls on Billy's ax while trying to attack the dogs.
The story's climax revolves around a championship raccoon hunt that Billy enters with Old Dan and Little Ann. Despite harsh weather conditions, the trio perseveres and emerges victorious, winning a substantial cash prize. However, their triumph is short-lived as tragedy strikes soon after.
One night, while hunting, Billy's dogs are attacked by a mountain lion. Though they manage to kill the beast, Old Dan succumbs to his injuries. Heartbroken, Little Ann loses her will to live and dies shortly after. The novel concludes with Billy's family using the hunting earnings to move to town, and Billy discovering a red fern growing between his dogs' graves, which he interprets as a sign from above.
Themes
Coming of age and personal growth
The bond between humans and animals
Perseverance and determination
The power of faith and prayer
The cycle of life and death
The value of hard work and sacrifice
The beauty and challenges of rural life
Setting
Set in the Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma during the Great Depression era, Where the Red Fern Grows paints a vivid picture of rural life in the 1930s. The story unfolds in the rugged, forested terrain of Cherokee County, where the protagonist Billy Coleman and his loyal coonhounds roam the hills and river bottoms in search of raccoons.
The novel's setting is characterized by its wild and untamed landscape, with dense forests, steep hills, and winding rivers forming the backdrop for Billy's adventures. Specific locations mentioned include the family farm where Billy lives, the nearby town of Tahlequah where he purchases his dogs, and the vast expanses of wilderness where most of the hunting takes place.
While the story primarily focuses on the rural Ozarks, it also touches on the broader socioeconomic context of the time. The Great Depression's impact is evident in the characters' lives, as Billy's family struggles financially and he must work tirelessly to save money for his dogs. This setting provides a rich tapestry for the coming-of-age tale, highlighting themes of perseverance, family bonds, and the deep connection between humans and nature.
Characters
Billy Colman: The protagonist and narrator of the story. A determined and hardworking 10-year-old boy living in the Ozark Mountains who dreams of owning hunting dogs. Billy's perseverance leads him to save money for two years to buy his dogs. He forms an incredibly close bond with Old Dan and Little Ann, becoming an accomplished raccoon hunter.
Old Dan: One of Billy's redbone coonhounds. Old Dan is brave, strong, and tenacious, often leading the hunts. He is completely devoted to Billy and forms a perfect hunting team with Little Ann.
Little Ann: Billy's other redbone coonhound. She is the more intelligent and cautious of the pair. Little Ann's tracking skills and loyalty complement Old Dan's strength, making them an unbeatable hunting duo.
Billy's Grandfather: The owner of the local store and Billy's mentor in coon hunting. He supports Billy's passion, enters him in the championship coon hunt, and provides wisdom and guidance throughout the story.
Billy's Parents: Supportive and hardworking, they allow Billy to pursue his dream of owning hunting dogs. They use the money from Billy's hunting success to move the family to town for better educational opportunities.
Rubin Pritchard: A local troublemaker who challenges Billy to hunt the legendary ghost coon. His actions lead to a tragic accident, serving as a turning point in the story.
Rainie Pritchard: Rubin's younger brother. He idolizes Rubin and is devastated by his death.
Quick facts
Author Wilson Rawls originally burned the manuscript for Where the Red Fern Grows out of frustration, but his wife encouraged him to rewrite it.
The book is based on Rawls' own childhood experiences growing up in the Ozarks during the Great Depression.
It took Rawls over a year to rewrite the entire novel from memory after burning the original.
The book was initially rejected by several publishers before being accepted by Doubleday in 1961.
Despite slow initial sales, the novel has now sold over 6 million copies since its publication.
There is no actual plant called a “red fern” - it is a mythical plant in Cherokee legend.
The story has been adapted into three films - in 1974, 1992 (a sequel), and 2003.
The Idaho Falls Public Library features a statue of Billy and his two dogs from the novel.
Rawls wrote the book for adults but it became popular among young readers and is now considered a children's novel.
The Redbone Coonhound breed featured in the book saw increased popularity after the novel's success.
About the Author
Woodrow Wilson Rawls, born in 1913 in rural Oklahoma, overcame a lack of formal education to become a beloved children's author. Growing up during the Great Depression, Rawls developed a passion for reading and writing despite limited schooling. His mother taught him to read, and Jack London's wilderness tales inspired Rawls to pursue a career as an author.
For decades, Rawls worked various jobs while honing his writing craft in secret. He wrote several manuscripts but, insecure about his grammar and punctuation, kept them hidden. In a heartbreaking moment before his marriage in 1958, Rawls burned all his unpublished works out of embarrassment. However, his wife Sophie encouraged him to rewrite one of his stories, which became his classic novel Where the Red Fern Grows.
Published in 1961, Where the Red Fern Grows drew from Rawls' experiences growing up in the Ozarks. The autobiographical tale of a boy and his loyal hunting dogs struck a chord with readers and became a beloved children's classic. Rawls followed this success with another well-received novel, Summer of the Monkeys, in 1976. Both books won numerous children's literature awards and have been adapted for film.
Though Rawls only published two novels in his lifetime, his perseverance and evocative storytelling left an indelible mark on children's literature. His works continue to captivate readers with their heartfelt portrayals of rural life, the bond between humans and animals, and coming-of-age experiences. Rawls passed away in 1984, but his literary legacy endures through generations of devoted fans.
