Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls is a classic coming-of-age novel about perseverance, friendship, and the bond between a boy and his dogs. Summary: The story follows Billy Colman, a young boy growing up in the Ozark Mountains during the Great Depression. Billy dreams of owning his own hunting dogs but his family cannot afford them. Determined, he works tirelessly for two years to save enough money to buy two Redbone Coonhounds, which he names Old Dan and Little Ann. Billy trains his dogs to be exceptional raccoon hunters, and together, they become well-known for their skill and teamwork. He enters them in a hunting competition, where they prove their worth by winning the championship. However, tragedy strikes when a mountain lion attacks Billy and his dogs. Old Dan fights bravely but is fatally wounded. Grieving, Little Ann soon dies of a broken heart. Heartbroken, Billy buries his beloved dogs, but later, he discovers a rare red fern growing between their graves. According to legend, red ferns are planted by angels and symbolize sacred love and devotion, giving Billy comfort and a sense of closure. Themes: • Perseverance and Hard Work: Billy’s dedication to earning his dogs teaches the value of persistence. • Loyalty and Friendship: The deep bond between Billy and his dogs highlights themes of trust and companionship. • Loss and Maturity: Billy learns to cope with grief and move forward, marking his transition into adulthood.