Where the Red Fern Grows--Wilson Rawls

Submitted By: Heather
School: South Sioux City Middle School
Grade: 8
Title: Where the Red Fern Grows
Author: Wilson Rawls
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
Wilson Rawls was born in Oklahoma in the September of 1913. Born into an extremely poor family, he never received a proper education.

His lack of education didn't stop him from writing. However, because of his grammar, he was rejected by publishers.

In 1958, before marrying his wife, he burned all of his writings. When she found out, she encouraged him to rewrite one of his stories. After he did, his wife helped him with the spelling and grammar.

Where the Red Fern Grows is based on Wilson's childhood. It's the story of Billy Coleman, a young boy with the dream of someday owning two coon hunting dogs. To fulfill his dream, he must save up fifty dollars. Finally the day arrives when his dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann arrive. None of this would have happened without the best grandpa a boy could have though.

Adventures are around every corner. When you turn the page you can expect a surprise. Wilson Rawls is able to capture the excitement of the trio and make you laugh, or cry. Where the Red Fern Grows is sure to touch your heart like no other book. This is a must read by anyone who loves adventurous stories.
Along with this book, Rawls wrote Summer of the Monkeys. Both books won numerous awards. Wilson Rawls died in 1984.