Where the Red Fern Grows

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

In 1916 The Saturday Evening Post serialized a story, "The Hounds of Youth" by Wilson Rawls, which was then published in hardcover as Where the Red Fern Grows. Now Delacorte Press has published a special anniversary edition of the book which is considered to be a modern classic to commemorate its having been in print for more than fifty years. A limited survey of local libraries in the Brunswick area reveals that several do have a circulating copy of Rawls' book on their juvenile fiction shelves. One library has a copy that was replaced in July of 2016 and has been checked out eight times since as well as a large print edition that also circulates. However, this story of a ten year old boy's adventures with two hound puppies he raises himself to become champion coon hunters in the Ozark Mountains now leads a relatively quiet life. While the story remains an exciting one, simply and engagingly written, much has changed in the years since it first appeared. Where the Red Fern Grows, for example, no longer shows up on "must read" lists as often as it once did. This anniversary edition is therefore especially recommended to libraries wanting to retain a historically significant book in children's twentieth century fiction or to anyone wanting a fresh copy of a still timeless story to share with a new generation of young readers. The brief historical materials appended in this anniversary edition are rewarding to read, particularly Rawls' encouraging letter to aspiring writers.

Overall Book Score: very good