- a 14-year-old becomes the man of the house for a time, learning new responsibilities and problem solving
- the boy bonds with a stray dog who helps him out of various predicaments
- convo: death of pets*, Indians forced onto reservations, tobacco, frequent disobedience, scalping mentioned, a murder mentioned, multiple deaths by rabies described
- language: x1 bitch (dog), mild name-calling (scamp, rascal, etc.), x1 L*rd
Type: chapter book
Ages: 10-14
Author: Fred Gipson
*In case anyone thought this was a spoiler, know that the very first page of the book says, “…later, when I had to kill him…” Hopefully, this softens the blow for your young readers when the time comes.
First published in 1958, this pioneer story set in the late 1860s is very well known! The young man, Travis, takes care of his mother and younger brother marvelously well. He has to do challenging tasks and make tough decisions.
The little boy is old enough to obey but never does. He frequently does the opposite of what he’s told and throws huge tantrums with no consequences. I don’t remember that aspect from when I read it as a child, but it certainly annoyed me reading it as an adult.
For kids extra sensitive to hurting animals, you may want to pre-read or discuss the facts about rabies (called “hydrophobia” in the story). Multiple animals are infected by it or injured in other ways.
I did appreciate how the father counseled Travis toward the end. Readers are left with encouragement and the reminder that life goes on.