Wilson Rawls wrote “Where the Red Fern Grows” in 1961. Wilson wasn't a typical representative of the writing class: as a young boy he didn't receive a good education, started reading only in high school and had poor command of grammar. It was his wife who motivated him to keep expressing his ideas in the writing and she herself edited the books.

“Where the Red Fern Grows” novel could be called autobiographical to some extent since the author himself used to roam the nature in a company of his dog. There isn't a better book that would describe a great role animals play in the life and upbringing of a child.

The protagonist of the book, Billy, is a young boy who has a very simple dream. He wants to have a dog, Redbone Coonhound dog to be precise. His family can't afford to buy purebred dogs and thus it's up to the boy to fulfill his dream. He has to work two long years in order to be able to buy the dogs he wanted.

Finally, Old Dan and Little Ann become part of the family. The young man spends a lot of time and effort training them. They grow into being two different but both very loyal and energetic animals. The boy goes on long hunting trips with his partners and soon even starts making money on the coonskins.

After the dogs catch a couple of very difficult coons and win a contest, they become even more of a treasure for the family. The family can finally move to a better place and give proper education to their children. One day during a walk in the woods a fatal accident happens. It is a very painful loss that undermines Billy's faith in himself and the purpose of life. Being a smart boy he learns to get a closure and find a meaning to keep living the life. It is a sad but a reassuring story that must be read.

Author: Shelly Austin