Where the Red Fern Grows Christein McTeacher By Wilson Rawles
Character Traits Determined Billy worked tirelessly to earn money for his dogs. Billy trained his dogs thoroughly, repeating the same process over and over until Anne and Dan caught on. Dedicated Billy risks his life to save Anne from the river Billy buys clothes and goodies for his family with the extra money when he is in town
Plot Ruben dies Reaction: Billy is initially distraught Change: He goes to bring flowers to Rubin’s grave, sees his mother, and eventually feels better Old Dan dies Reaction: Billy is heartbroken Change: Anne also dies. Billy’s family moves, but the red fern on the grave brings Billy closure.
Theme Faith in a higher power can help one endure painful experiences and find meaning in life's challenges. Billy’s believes God had a hand in helping fall the big tree because the wind seemed to only touch this tree. The Red Fern’s growth over the graves of his two dogs (supposedly planted by an angel) helps Billy fully recover from the death of his beloved dogs. Hard work, perseverance, and self-denial can bring success. Billy and his coon’s refusal to give up allows them to win the competition and earn the money his family desperately needs. Billy works hard selling fruit and bait to fisherman to earn the money for his dogs and then travels far on his own to retrieve them.
Recommendation For People who like drama books People who like gut wrenching books Animal people People who like realistic fiction People who like books about nature/the wild Not For People who like happy books People who like fantasy books People who like sports books People who like science fiction books