Book Thoughts: Where the Red Fern Grows (Rawls)

  • heart-warming story about a boy who hunts raccoons with his two dogs
  • Billy is resourceful and a hard worker
  • violence: boys fight, gruesome death by ax, dogs badly injured at times
  • includes some pretty intense scenes during hunting nights
  • language: x3 damn, x2 bitch (female dog), x2 darn, x1 golly

Type: chapter book
Ages: 8-14
Author: Wilson Rawls

This is easily one of my favorite chapter books. It has a beautiful writing style that brings scenes of rural northeast Oklahoma to life and is a moving page-turner from beginning to end.

One of the best parts is the view of what family should look like. Billy’s parents raise him and his sisters very well. Everyone is respectful and thoughtful of each other. The father is a godly and manly leader. The mother has a loving and tender heart. Billy has a dear relationship with his grandpa. I could go on and on!

Absolutely expect some tears in a few scenes, but don’t let that stop you from reading it. Subliminal life lessons abound, and I can’t recommend it enough!

Keenly Kept is reader-supported. Links occasionally include affiliate products which may earn me income at no extra cost to you. I only share items I love!

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