Where the Red Fern Grows

6C Wilson Rawls. New York: Doubleday & Company, 1969. 

Notes

Where the Red Fern Grows, first published in 1961, is the beloved novel by Wilson Rawls, telling the story of Billy Colman, a young boy in the Ozark Mountains whose determination and hard work allow him to purchase and train two hunting dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann. Blending adventure, coming-of-age themes, and a deep appreciation for the bond between humans and animals, the novel explores perseverance, loyalty, loss, and the transition from childhood to maturity. Its emotional impact and vivid portrayal of rural life have made it a cherished classic of American children’s literature, continuing to resonate with readers across generations.

Wilson Rawls (1913–1984) drew heavily upon his own upbringing in the Ozarks when writing Where the Red Fern Grows, incorporating personal experiences, regional traditions, and a love of the outdoors into the narrative. Although Rawls struggled for many years to establish himself as a writer, the novel’s success ultimately secured his literary reputation and remains his most enduring achievement. Widely read in schools and beloved by generations of readers, the book has become a lasting testament to Rawls’s ability to capture both the joys and heartbreaks of youth with honesty, warmth, and compassion.

Description 

Rust red cloth binding with white and black lettering to spine. Bumped corners and softening to head and foot of spine.

Features gutter code “L26” indicating this copy was printed in July of 1969 making it a later reprint. Fine condition overall.