Rams Readers Spring 2014 discussion
Where the Red Fern Grows
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I have read this book now 4 times and it is still one of my most favortie books along with Old Yeller and Big Red. I love this story and even when I know what is coming I still enjoy it. I think it has some powerful lessons on determination, not giving up on a goal and what it means to work hard for something you want really bad. All of which are things any child of any age can learn from. I don't see any secondary ed. students reading it nowadays but upper elementary school kids would enjoy it. I too cried like a baby. I love dogs and I have had a couple of great loyal smart and loving ones. I once owned two labrador retrievers and they were 2 of the best dogs I ever had and boy did they love the water. Everytime we took them to the lake house they would make a bee line for the water.
I wanted to add that this could be a great choice for boys. It still has a very tender side to it(boys may act tough but they are softies still) and has heart but it is also a book with some action and gore and of course the hunting! It's a book I would have in my library.
This was the first time I have read Where the Red Fern Grows, but I did see the movie a long time ago so I was familiar with the wonderful ending. I enjoyed the story, but I wonder if it will hold the attention of students who don't have a connection to life in the country or to hunting. The freedom that Billy had with his dogs to hunt at night and walk into the town by himself are really unknown in our generation. If the incident with Rubin Pritchard occurred today, it would be so very different - investigations, lawyers, child protective services - Why do you let your child run around with an ax? The time period was so different from ours. I thought it was touching when Billy took his Decoration Day flowers to Rubin's gravesite. I think Billy was right when he said his grandfather was the best grandfather a boy could have. I liked the idea that making sure her children were educated was important to Billy's mom and that was the reason for the move to town. She set a goal, focused on it, and achieved it. In the About the Author section in my copy it says, "Not until Rawls's family moved to Muskogee and he could attend high school did he encounter books." Limited exposure to books until high school results in you becoming an author and writing novels that become classics! Wow!
So this is a true story? How neat! I didn't realize that. I also saw that the movie was coming on tv yesterday so I set it to record. I had never seen it and I'm curious how much like the book it is. I see your point about relatability with today's kids. I didn't relate at all to the book but still enjoyed it and was engaged. I think there is some awe in reading about another lifestyle and time. There are themes we can all relate to like love and friendship.
No, I think it is fiction, but maybe he used that part of his life in the story. I'll try to find out for certain. I am always impressed when someone who didn't have a formal education becomes a writer. If I remember correctly, Ray Bradbury didn't go to college, but he spent a lot of time in the library reading profusely.
Mod
I really enjoyed this book, it reminds me of 'Because of Winn Dixie'. The story is all about determination and love. I remember reading this book and bawling my eyes out, and the re read was just the same. The author does a great job of captivating the audience into the relationship with the characters and makes you love both little Ann and old Dan just as if they were your own. There are important themes throughout the story such as hard work, determination, and love. I think this would be a great book for a group read or read aloud.
I loved this book. I have always heard about it but I don't think I ever read it. This book has so many lessons for students that I would definitely use this in my classroom. I cried like a baby at the end. I can see how students can relate to this book and I plan on reading it in my classroom and to my son. When I was at the end of the book and started crying my son asked me why and I told him he had to read the book himself.
Jenna I also wondered what Billy thought about the city once he got there and I think he didn't go back to his dogs' graves because it still hurt him even though he sort of understood it happened for a reason.
Nope, nope, no and no. I actually do not like a heart-wrenching story, especially one that deals with animals. Hachi, Old Yeller, My Dog Skip, Marlee and Me, even Homeward Bound, and this one too: way too emotional! I actually don't like to read super sad dog stories. I know there is mroe to the story, and those are redeeming qualitites, but the pain is not worth it to me. I am too sensitive I guess. On the book itself, I do think the setting is very specific and would be good to use when studying setting.
Maira, it's great for your son to see you wrapped up in a book, leading by example! :)
Well, Tricia, I guess the book "No More Dead Dogs" was written for you. LOL
What a terrific book!!! I had heard many times about the book, but had never read it in fact, I had once but the movie but gave it away to someone because I didn't think I would like it. This is definitely a book I would add to my personal collection. It is a great book to read in upper elementary and perhaps through eighth grade. The best lessons that can and should be learned is his determination. For instance, the way Billy worked Hard for what he wanted. He wanted his parents to buy him the dogs however, he finally realized it was difficult and was determined to buy them. I believe his longing for the dogs was an important factor but his love for Old Dan and Little Ann was more powerful because of his hard work. I understand that the times were different and that some students may have a difficult time relating. However, this would give us an opportunity for students to write an essay and compare those times to the present. I hope I can encourage other young readers to pick up this book, definitely worth reading.
Maira, what a wonderful way to interest your son in reading this book. Often times few boys are interested in reading but I hope he enjoys this book.
Ha ha, Tricia! You know, I thought about my daughter reading this book but she may feel like you. She is a total animal lover but she cried for two days over Charlotte's Web so... maybe not the best idea. I love books that can evoke emotions this strongly. I love a good cry, laugh, or even anger (I've gotten pretty mad at characters before!).
I found this book to be very interesting. I am shocked that I enjoyed reading this book. The beginning of the book reeled me in from the moment I read that the hound had given his life for the narrator , Billy I was eager to find out what happened next. I couldn't relate to the book however I thought it was a wonderful read. I found myself growing attach to old Dan and little Ann, I wanted them both to remain with Billy forever. The ending was sad however I'm glad Billy was able to receive the closure that he needed in order to move on and start a fresh new life in a different part of town.My heart broke for Billy because he witnessed a ton of life changing events especially watching a young boy and later his dog, take their last breath. Throughout the whole story I was hoping he would one day get the hounds that he most desperately wanted and he did. I loved how the book implemented Billy's faith in God. This would be a wonderful read for students in 4th grade on up. I believe the students will find it interesting. This tells a story of a dog being a boy's best friend, most boys would appreciate a story about a boy and his pet. (In my opinion)
This book is a true story written by Wilson Rawls about his boyhood. The story is set in the Ozarks during the Great Depression. Billy is a typical boy who really wants a dog. He works to save money and after 2 years he gets his two coonhounds to hunt with. This is one of the best boy and dog books of all time.
Erin said: " This is one of the best boy and dog books of all time. "I agree. Best book ever!!!!
Maira wrote: "Erin said: " This is one of the best boy and dog books of all time. "I agree. Best book ever!!!!"
Yes, I enjoyed this book as well. I found the movie on Demand and it was okay. The book was better though and there were a few differences in the movie.
I cried like a baby at the end. I was so mad at Old Dan for even trying to get at that mountain lion! Those dogs were everything to him and it seemed like they were together for such a short time. It was heartbreaking. I was surprised that Billy hadn't been back to their grave since they moved and wondered how he adjusted to town life afterward.