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Stone Fox / Top Secret
Long overdue unabridged audio edition of the classic – Stone Fox.
Little Willy has a big job to do. When his grandfather falls ill, it is up to Willy alone to save their farm from the tax collector. He enters the National Dogsled Race, where he must beat the Indian Stone Fox and his five beautiful Samoyed dogs.
Little Willy has a big job to do. When his grandfather falls ill, it is up to Willy alone to save their farm from the tax collector. He enters the National Dogsled Race, where he must beat the Indian Stone Fox and his five beautiful Samoyed dogs.
30 pages, Audio Cassette
First published December 1, 1996
About the author
John Reynolds Gardiner
11 books76 followersJohn Reynolds Gardiner was an American author and engineer. Born in Los Angeles, California, he earned his master's degree from UCLA. He was a successful engineer before working on his first children's book. Always creative, in his younger years he ran Num Num Novelties, home to such originals as the aquarium tie. He lived in West Germany and Central America, and taught writing workshops around the world. In Idaho he heard of a legend on which he based his first book, Stone Fox. Gardiner also edited children's stories for television. He lived out his final years with his wife, Gloria, in California and died of complications from pancreatitis at a hospital in Anaheim, California. He is survived by three daughters, Carrie, Alicia, and Danielle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
January 29, 2011
Stone Fox is a classic book.It's all about a little boy named Willy and his grandfather and they are potato farmers. In the book grandfather got sick and Willy needed to find a way to help grandfather.So little Willy went do a docter named doc Smith.Willy got doc Smith and doc did everthing she could.She went to get medicine.Willy found out that grandfather was not sick just because.It was because of the taxes.Willy went to enter a race that he could get the tax money from.But the best racer ever was going to be there.His name is Stone Fox.He never lost a race.That is why everyone is telling Willy dont do it u r going to lose.Willy did not listen he went right ahead and entered the race with his dog Searchlight.They went up against Stone Fox and Willy won!But here comes the bad part Searchlight.....died it was horibal.Searhlight ran too fast and then her heart bursts.It was at the end but everything else was good about it.I loved it.
April 9, 2026
This story starts with a boy, a grandfather, and a dog. The grandfather and the boy named Willie work as a potato farmer. The grandfather falls ill due to stress and mental strain. The stress is mostly likely caused because they do not have enough money to have basic things AND pay off taxes. While the townsfolk are understanding of this, the city folk are not. Especially if you haven't paid your taxes in ten years or more. The city folk came to collect the money on the taxes if they fail to pay then they will take the grandfather and Willie's farm. They were given a deadline although it wasn't actually spoken in the book, the deadline was implied.Willie starts to ask people what to do, being a school boy that asks a lot of questions, he asked everyone he knew and they all told him to sell the farm before it could be taken from him. Willie having lived there all his life refused to sell and started to try to figure out how to get five hundred dollars. That was answered via a poster for a dog sled race where the prize money would be five hundred dollars. There is an Indian in that race that has never lost. The Indian was named Stone Fox. We don't get that much information about this man but we come to understand that his family's land was taken from him and he doesn't speak much. If ever. There are rumors about this man but the readers are given anything to disprove these rumors.
One night after Willie's grandfather runs out of medicine and Willie retrieves it making his way back home with his loyal and faithful dog, he hears dogs barking. He locates the barking but the barking stops the moment he walks in. These dogs are Stone Fox's dogs. Willie starts to reach out to pet one, as he loves dogs, when Stone Fox hits him. Giving Willie a black eye. Willie explains that he doesn't mean any harm and he explains to Stone Fox why he must win the race tomorrow. Even being a good sportsman by saying something along the lines of "too bad we both can't win" showing Stone Fox that Willie does understand why he wins the races. Willie uses all of his college money, only fifty dollars, to enter the race.
The next day all of the townsfolk gather to root on Willie and to see how the race will turn out. Willie starts out in the lead. Stone Fox dead last. During the second stretch of the race, they pass near the farm. Willie's dog starts to go towards the house but Willie says "not yet." Stopping her from stopping there. Willie can see his grandfather in the window rooting for Willie. Telling him without words to keep going. Near the end stretch when his lead dogs nose is nose to nose with Willie's ten year old dog's nose. This goes on for a while until about ten feet from the finish line. Searchlight, Willie's dog, dies. Fast, instant. Heart just stops. The townsfolk are in shock. Sadness washes over the town. Stone Fox could have gone past Willie but he doesn't. He stops his sled, check searchlight for a heartbeat and without a word, Willie knows that searchlight is dead. His loyal companion, friend, and guide gone. Stone Fox draws a line in the snow for where Searchlight's body is, taking out his gun and stating that if anyone passes that line that he will shoot. People watch as Stone Fox lets Willie, carrying Searchlight pass the finish line.
For a 1980s book it is very well written, demonstrating many messages throughout the book. I would recommend it for elementary grade students who can handle this type of material and who are not sensitive over death, or physical attacks. I remember reading this book in elementary school in a class similar to an advanced placement class designed for kids who have great comprehensive and reading skills above their normal peers. This definitely has a fourth or fifth grade (in America), style writing and vocabulary. However, this book is one worthy of at least four stars.
One night after Willie's grandfather runs out of medicine and Willie retrieves it making his way back home with his loyal and faithful dog, he hears dogs barking. He locates the barking but the barking stops the moment he walks in. These dogs are Stone Fox's dogs. Willie starts to reach out to pet one, as he loves dogs, when Stone Fox hits him. Giving Willie a black eye. Willie explains that he doesn't mean any harm and he explains to Stone Fox why he must win the race tomorrow. Even being a good sportsman by saying something along the lines of "too bad we both can't win" showing Stone Fox that Willie does understand why he wins the races. Willie uses all of his college money, only fifty dollars, to enter the race.
The next day all of the townsfolk gather to root on Willie and to see how the race will turn out. Willie starts out in the lead. Stone Fox dead last. During the second stretch of the race, they pass near the farm. Willie's dog starts to go towards the house but Willie says "not yet." Stopping her from stopping there. Willie can see his grandfather in the window rooting for Willie. Telling him without words to keep going. Near the end stretch when his lead dogs nose is nose to nose with Willie's ten year old dog's nose. This goes on for a while until about ten feet from the finish line. Searchlight, Willie's dog, dies. Fast, instant. Heart just stops. The townsfolk are in shock. Sadness washes over the town. Stone Fox could have gone past Willie but he doesn't. He stops his sled, check searchlight for a heartbeat and without a word, Willie knows that searchlight is dead. His loyal companion, friend, and guide gone. Stone Fox draws a line in the snow for where Searchlight's body is, taking out his gun and stating that if anyone passes that line that he will shoot. People watch as Stone Fox lets Willie, carrying Searchlight pass the finish line.
For a 1980s book it is very well written, demonstrating many messages throughout the book. I would recommend it for elementary grade students who can handle this type of material and who are not sensitive over death, or physical attacks. I remember reading this book in elementary school in a class similar to an advanced placement class designed for kids who have great comprehensive and reading skills above their normal peers. This definitely has a fourth or fifth grade (in America), style writing and vocabulary. However, this book is one worthy of at least four stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2017
STONE FOX has withstood the test of time. I recall this book being on the "Battle of the Books" list almost 20 years ago. I enjoyed it then and refreshed my memory by rereading it as a possible Christmas gift for my third grade grandson. It is a high interest, heart wrenching story about 10 year old Willy, Grandfather and Searchlite, Willy's dog and ever present companion. Grandfather has given up his will to live because of years of unpaid property taxes. Willy's determination to find a way to pay the taxes is the impetus for him to register for the 10 mile annual dog sled race. Stone Fox, a Native American from the Arapaho Tribe is the favorite to win. The night before the race, Willy spots Stone Fox's five beautiful Samoyeds and walks over to admire them only to be met with a slap across the face from Stone Fox. Willy explains that he meant no harm and added that the race win was so important because he would use the winnings to pay the property tax bill. Stone Fox had won the race multiple time. He used his winnings to buy back tribe farms taken by the government. For Willy, the highlight of the race was seeing his grandfather sitting up and looking out the window as Willy and Searchlite passed. He knew then that Grandfather had regained his will to live. At the end of the race, Stone Fox saved the day as Searchlite's heart stopped and he collapsed. Stone Fox and Willy gather him up and proceed to the finish line--a wonderful win and a terrible loss for Willy. This is a story of a young boy's courage in the face of difficulty. Both the text and the interspersed charcoal illustrations will hold the interest of young elementary school age children as well as provide some life long lessons for them..
September 14, 2018
good book
March 2, 2020
Stone Fox is a quick read even for young kids. It is on the Battle of the Books list and I thought I could get through the book in a day. It is a book about a boy named Willy who lives with his ailing grandpa. They are about to lose their farm because grandpa never paid taxes on it. The boy decides to enter the National dog sled race to win the money to keep the farm. Willy’s challenge is he only has one dog, Searchlight and no one has ever won the race except, Stone Fox, the Native American. This ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star story will touch your heart. It will also provide a lot of discussion questions for your reading groups.
April 25, 2018
The Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner was a really good book! When Little Willy's grandfather becomes sick and unresponsive, Little Willy has to become a man. He has to find ways to pay for taxes before the bank takes away his grandfather's farm land. Little Willy tries many things that prove unsuccessful. However, Little Willy sees an ad to be in a dog-sledding race. He submits and races against the Stone Fox. The Stone Fox had never been defeated before. If you would like to find out if Little Willy wins the race, you will have to read the Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner.
April 27, 2018
The main character Willy realizes that the family farm is in jeopardy. After his grandfather falls ill it is up to Willy to save the farm from the tax collector. So Willy enters in dogsled race to try to make some money to save the farm. Willy and the dogsled team faces obstacles along the way and at the end of the day he saves the farm.
This book is a very good book that shows how perseverance pays off. It also shows that you can do anything that put your mind to. This is a very well written book and so I gave it a 4 star rating.
This book is a very good book that shows how perseverance pays off. It also shows that you can do anything that put your mind to. This is a very well written book and so I gave it a 4 star rating.
June 11, 2020
My favorite character was Little Willy. The reason Little Willie is is my favorite character is because he is determined to find out why his grandfathers was ill.
It surprised me that Stone Fox help Little Willie in the end, especially when he was kind of mean to him in the beginning.
I would change the end because in the end little Willie's dog dies. I felt sad when Little Willie's dog died because I like dogs.
It surprised me that Stone Fox help Little Willie in the end, especially when he was kind of mean to him in the beginning.
I would change the end because in the end little Willie's dog dies. I felt sad when Little Willie's dog died because I like dogs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2017
is a nice book but brings back like 100 years ago. plus the ending is bad because it stops at one certain part and it leaves you wondering" what would happen next after this?". and i dont like that because i like full endings not half.
August 3, 2019
Loved it. Made me cry. The connection between humans and pets is so palpable that you can feel Searchlight’s love and respect for Willy and Grandfather completely. Truly loved it. It’s a kids’ book but it’s fun and quick to read. Isla finished it super quickly too.
January 27, 2018
Very good kids book, but sad... :(
June 30, 2018
Great short read for early elementary students.
September 27, 2018
My 8 year old recommended the book to me. I of course had to read it and cried at the end. Such a good story.
December 10, 2018
It was the first book I read in English. That was in 2003. The first one, the dearest one <3
January 28, 2019
its a cliffhanger story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2019
I read this book to my son last night and he loved it. I work in a school and our 4th grade class recently read this book and watched the movie.
September 26, 2019
I read this to my 7 year old son. We both really enjoyed it but at the end we both were in tears.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2019
Its a fun childrens book
March 29, 2020
It was short but the story was well developed. The ending brought tears to my eyes.
May 5, 2020
Ending is slightly tragic and jarring. Overall a good book.
June 12, 2024
Great book really sad though
January 1, 2025
Quick read but such a sad ending!
April 14, 2026
heartbreaking
December 26, 2016
This book still breaks my heart.
April 28, 2025
Excellent book when you need a good cry. An incredible introduction (especially for younger readers) to the sudden nature of death, the reality of grief, and the importance of gratitude.
September 16, 2019
I think this is an amazing book about a boy who loves his grandpa so much. And he loves his dog just as much. It is a very sad story. But it is a great story about one very brave boy.
March 2, 2017
Book was very fun for me. It was quite sad at the end when the dog died. The race was exiting to read about. The whole book was actaully a bit sad. Fun though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2014
Book Review of Stone Fox
Imagine a boy racing for $500 dollars and racing someone who has never lost a race.
John Reynolds Gardiner did not like to read at age 14. He was a rebel.He did the opposite of what his parents told him to do.
In the book Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner Little Willy has a job to do when his grandpa falls ill. It is up to Little Willy to save the farm. His grandpa did not pay the tax bills for the farm.Little Willy decided to try to get the money in a different way.Then Little willy sees a poster of a national dog sled race.Little willy tries to join in the race but the people did not let him because those $50 dollars were for his college.Then the next day they let him join in the race little Willy got excited little willy started training for the race.Little Willy had a dog named search light it had a white spot on it's forehead. he ran ten miles each day then the day came. Little willy looked so small right next to stone fox. then they said on your marks get set go! and little willy and search light take of running in the lead. The book end in a sad way but if you want to know what happens next you have to read the book first.I rate this book a 5 star book because this book is real good
Two strong points in this book are that it is exciting and surprising ending.It is exciting because it has a surprising ending because Little
willy and search light take of running so fast that you couldn’t even
see them 2 strengths I liked the racing part because I like to imagine how fast they go.I felt happy because little willy got the money and his grandpa got back to normal.2 weaknesses I felt sad because little willy’s do had died the dog sled race.That little willy’s grandpa got so sick that
he could not talk or move his body.
Imagine a boy racing for $500 dollars and racing someone who has never lost a race.
John Reynolds Gardiner did not like to read at age 14. He was a rebel.He did the opposite of what his parents told him to do.
In the book Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner Little Willy has a job to do when his grandpa falls ill. It is up to Little Willy to save the farm. His grandpa did not pay the tax bills for the farm.Little Willy decided to try to get the money in a different way.Then Little willy sees a poster of a national dog sled race.Little willy tries to join in the race but the people did not let him because those $50 dollars were for his college.Then the next day they let him join in the race little Willy got excited little willy started training for the race.Little Willy had a dog named search light it had a white spot on it's forehead. he ran ten miles each day then the day came. Little willy looked so small right next to stone fox. then they said on your marks get set go! and little willy and search light take of running in the lead. The book end in a sad way but if you want to know what happens next you have to read the book first.I rate this book a 5 star book because this book is real good
Two strong points in this book are that it is exciting and surprising ending.It is exciting because it has a surprising ending because Little
willy and search light take of running so fast that you couldn’t even
see them 2 strengths I liked the racing part because I like to imagine how fast they go.I felt happy because little willy got the money and his grandpa got back to normal.2 weaknesses I felt sad because little willy’s do had died the dog sled race.That little willy’s grandpa got so sick that
he could not talk or move his body.
Read
October 20, 2016Eleven year old boy Willy, along with his loyal dog Searchlight, lived with his grandfather on a potato farm in Wyoming. They had little money but enjoyed living on the farm until one day Willy's grandfather fell ill and couldn't care for the farm. The tax collector demanded 500$ that they did not have. Willy soon found out out there was a dog sledding race with a reward of the money that they needed to keep the farm. Willy knew there was fierce competition and that he and Searchlight had no experienced but still entered for the sake of the farm. Willy and searchlight trained and prepared. They had Willy’s light weight and searchlight as a perfect team racing the end from heart, for his grandpa.
The author developed a great conflict, very simple but heart wrenching section in the story. For example Willy struggling with no money trying to save his sick grandfather's farm. The author made the conflict very simple for younger readers but didn’t dig deep enough and could have added more details.
The author of this book also had a great use of word choice for younger readers and to keep the book interesting for them. Younger adults may want more from this book and this wouldn't fulfill their read. For example towards the climax of the book the author was explaining the race, environments and checkpoints but could have selected better word choice to give the readers a bigger image.
The Stone Fox is a great book for young, less advanced readers or just for a short read but not so much for adults...There was plenty of interesting, heart touching sections in the book that made it a great read. The author had great word choice for young readers to keep them interested while still understanding the story. The author also had a simple but intriguing conflict that will pull you into the story.
The author developed a great conflict, very simple but heart wrenching section in the story. For example Willy struggling with no money trying to save his sick grandfather's farm. The author made the conflict very simple for younger readers but didn’t dig deep enough and could have added more details.
The author of this book also had a great use of word choice for younger readers and to keep the book interesting for them. Younger adults may want more from this book and this wouldn't fulfill their read. For example towards the climax of the book the author was explaining the race, environments and checkpoints but could have selected better word choice to give the readers a bigger image.
The Stone Fox is a great book for young, less advanced readers or just for a short read but not so much for adults...There was plenty of interesting, heart touching sections in the book that made it a great read. The author had great word choice for young readers to keep them interested while still understanding the story. The author also had a simple but intriguing conflict that will pull you into the story.
December 6, 2012
It was awesome and a little heart-breaking.(Francisco) It was also fantastic.(Julian) We love this book!(Brandon) "My favorite part was when Searchlight died at the end because it made me really emotional and I can relate to it because a lot of my dogs have died before too." (Lissete)My favorite part was when Stone Fox said, "If anyone crosses this line--I will shoot!" (Christian). When Little Willy saw his grandpa looking in the window, he was really happy. (Nathan) Stone Fox was the best story I have ever heard because it had tons of action. (Brianna) My favorite character was Little Willy because he was brave enough to race Stone Fox. (Ricardo) The book is thrilling because there is a tragic thing that happened to Searchlight. (Trinity) I think it was cool when Searchlight passed the potato farm and went faster. (Xavier) I think the book is interesting because Little Willy beat Stone Fox and they say Stone Fox has never lost a race. (Joel) Stone Fox is heartbreaking because Searchlight died. (Caleb) Stone Fox let Little Willy win because Searchlight's heart burst. (Samir) I was about to cry when Searchlight died. (Destiny) I can relate to Little Willy when he saw his grandfather get out of bed because I saw my grandfather get better and it made me happy too. (Victoria) The funny part of the story of Stone Fox was whenever his grandfather told Little Willy get up for breakfast or you will eat with the chickens! (Stephanie) Another funny part was when Little Willy's grandfather had dressed up like a scarecrow! (Anthony) My favorite part was when Little Willy crossed the frozen lake because it was very risky. (Bryan)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews