Bibliography
Rawls, Wilson. Where the Red Fern Grows. 1961. New York, NY: Delacourt Press ISBN 0-385-32330-1
Critical Analysis
Wilson Rawl’s classic novel Where the Red Fern Grows still grips young readers, even fifty years after its first publication in 1961. When we first meet protagonist Billy Colman, he’s just a young boy yearning for two hound dogs to go coon hunting with. His dreams turn to reality when, through a lot of hard work and a little encouragement from his grandpa, Billy finally earns enough money to buy two hound dogs. The work ethic Billy exudes and the restraint he shows as he pinches his pennies for two long years to buy his dogs is a great example for young readers living in an era where many expect something for nothing
The coon hunting trips Billy takes hounds Old Dan and Little Anne on almost nightly are exciting and full of surprises, pulling in young male readers who are looking for a book that is not centered around young love or vampires, but rather other realistic and more relatable experiences. That is not to say that there are not strong relationships exemplified throughout the book. The bond between Billy and his dogs is one of trust and faith as they go on their nighttime adventures that often time leads them into trouble where they have to rely on the instincts of one another to get out of the sticky situations safely with a coon to show for the trouble. Billy also bears a heavy sense of familial obligation, always sharing with his sisters, spending time with his grandfather and even giving his hard-earned hunting competition money to his family to pay the household expenses. The intense emotions and funny stories about Old Dan and Little Anne throughout the book will attract readers that may not be drawn in by the hunting themes.
Young readers may find the hunting violence and emotional conclusion of Where the Red Fern Grows difficult to stomach, but the themes are appropriate for grades 5 and up.
Discussion Questions
1. Billy worked for two years to earn enough money for his two hound dogs. What would you work that long and save your money for?
2. Why was it so important to Billy that cut down the big tree that Little Anne and Old Dan treed the coon in by himself?
3. After his experience Billy’s experience picking up his pups from the city, how do you think he will like it when his family moves into town?
4. Why was Billy’s grandpa so supportive of Billy’s dream to get hound dogs to hunt with?
5. Why did Billy let the ghost coon go?
6. Why did Billy leave flowers on Rubin’s grave? Why did he do it secretly?
7. Do you think Little Anne would have lived if Billy had gotten another dog for her to be around?
8. Why didn’t Billy keep the lost dog he found at the beginning of the book?
9. Why did Billy never buy another dog?
10. What does the red fern symbolize?
2. Why was it so important to Billy that cut down the big tree that Little Anne and Old Dan treed the coon in by himself?
3. After his experience Billy’s experience picking up his pups from the city, how do you think he will like it when his family moves into town?
4. Why was Billy’s grandpa so supportive of Billy’s dream to get hound dogs to hunt with?
5. Why did Billy let the ghost coon go?
6. Why did Billy leave flowers on Rubin’s grave? Why did he do it secretly?
7. Do you think Little Anne would have lived if Billy had gotten another dog for her to be around?
8. Why didn’t Billy keep the lost dog he found at the beginning of the book?
9. Why did Billy never buy another dog?
10. What does the red fern symbolize?
External Assessment
"An exciting tale of love and adventure you'll never forget." -School Library Journal 
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