Where the Red Fern Grows, Teaching Guide

by Scholastic Inc.

Each teaching guide includes a story summary, discussion questions, vocabulary builders, cross-curricular activities and more!

Genres: Young Adult, Classics, Fiction, Childrens

16 pages, Paperback

Published August 28, 1997

About the author

For more than 100 years, Scholastic has been meeting children where they are – at school, at home and in their communities – by creating quality content and experiences, all beginning with literacy. Scholastic delivers stories, characters, and learning moments that empower all kids to become lifelong readers and learners through bestselling children's books, literacy- and knowledge-building resources for schools including classroom magazines, and award-winning, entertaining children's media.

Reviews

[Siya Kalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most amazing book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can only read it if you LOVE dogs otherwise you won't feel the book. You won't understand it as well and you will just be left thinking, 'Why did the character do this? Why would they care so much? Why do they keep feeling that much pain over rubbish?' My point is, you can only read it if you LOVE dogs and then you will feel the book.

SO THIS BOOK IS A RECOMMENDATION FOR ALL THE DOG LOVERS OUT THERE!!!

[Mary Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written book about a boy ages about 10-15 and his two coon hounds in the Ozarks. His three little sisters never have names. Just “the oldest one” , “the youngest one”. “The two older ones”. Learned a lot about pioneer life.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilson Rawls has told a touching coming of age story about a young boy and his dogs that people of all ages can appreciate.

[Becky Engelhardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book about trust, determination and the love of a boy for his dogs.

[Mikejencostanzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took one look at this book and wrote it off as "just another animal story." I have always considered animal stories -- even animal movies -- as being boring (after all, how can you have any character development?!)

However, this book thoroughly surprised me. It's the best animal story I've ever read. The two dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann, were described with almost human qualities. Running through the book was love, loyalty, and faithfulness held between the two dogs and shared with their owner Billy.

I was also surprised at the bold references to God and answered prayer in this book. Much of the mention of God, however, was mixed freely with superstition. Even the title of the book was based on superstition.

The way the story was told was riveting and enjoyable. The author described coon hunts in a way that brought the reader into the scene. I think because the story was told so vividly, I reached the end of the book thinking it was a true story. In fact, the story is fiction.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dang this book made me cry. And all I wanted was a good huntin dog after I read it. Then I got a dog, didnt take care of it and ended up pawning it off on my sister.

This book really was a great story. I still remember reading it and thinking how awesome it was that the dogs could be trained to follow trails and scents and all the adventures the kid and his dogs experienced. Too bad I didnt have a sweet gun, a lantern and live somewhere I could go exploring with my dog. I think things would have been different...

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a 'mandatory' reading selection in, I think 7th-9th grade. I dont remember much except at the end the dogs die and its sad. Its often a required book for middle-school-age kids and such but its also a classic so I am basing my review on those criteria mainly because I don't remember the story so well.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

When people ask me about my favorite book, this one is it. I remember my mom reading it to me when I was a child, and I've re-read it numerous times. I can't read it aloud to my kids without all of us crying! A classic.

[Winesjn]

I liked this book because its a good book. Im a hunter and the little boy was a hunter and he wanted some bultick hound pups. I have some but i've always wanted some redbone puppies but i finnaly got one and his name is OLD RED!!!!!!!!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in the 4th grade and got sent to the principal's office for crying. But I was at that point in the book, and its not my fault that it happened during reading period.

[Amy Vandenbroucke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love those dogs.

[Gayle Lewallen · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible. The way the author combines adventure with the love and frienship of billy and his two dogs is outstanding. I'd read it over and over again.

[Destiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

When my 4th grade teacher read this book to us, it made me cry. I am currently reading it with my 9 year old. Just a great book!

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Childhood Classic!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read it since I was a kid, but it was one of my favorites!

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book to any age to any gender. A book for all times. You'll love this one. Have this one on video as well. The family loves it. "Ace"

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

My beloved teacher read this to our class in the 3rd and 4th grades and I am reading it with my 3rd grader now. Now this is a classic! And still a tear jerker. But oh so worth it, again.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saddest book ever. Love It!

[Alanna Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Late Elemetary. Still one of my favorite books ever!!!!

[Jackie]

I believe I read this book back in grade school. I loved it...I remember crying so hard. It's a story about a boy and his dogs.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK!

[Angela D · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of my favorite books as a child

[Lesli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Currently reading to my 7 yo and we are both loving it! I am reading it aloud with a slight, Southern, country accent (can't help it!) I think it's going to be great....

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a dog-lover, it's a two tissue box book

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my top 5 favorites of all time!

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a tear jerker.

[Laura Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such as an amazing story to re-read again.