Where the Red Fern Grows

Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls
ISBN: 0440412676
Publisher: Yearling, 1996

Billy lives in Ozark country with his parents and three little sisters.  He catches fish and traps skunks and wanders in the river.  But this is perfect hunting land, and Billy feels his life will be incomplete without a pair of hunting dogs.  A pair of red hounds is $50--more money than his family can afford.  Despite his whining and begging, his parents can't buy Billy his dogs.  Determined, Billy saves up for two years until finally reaching $50.  With help from his grandpa, Billy sends away for two red hound pups.  Where the Red Fern Grows follows Billy and his hunting adventures with Old Dan and Little Ann, his pair of hunting dogs.  People have low expectations for a 12-year-old boy and two puppies, and Billy easily surprises everyone with his determination and his dogs' smarts.