Grades 4-7

1. Where the Red Fern Grows
By Wilson Rawls

2. Wilson Rawls – author
Born in 1913, grew up in Oklahoma
Did not attend school; learned to read by
listening to his mother read aloud
Began writing at the age of 10
In 1958, he burned everything he’d ever
written
Later he rewrote Where the Red Fern Grows
and it was published in 1961

3. The Ozarks
Located in parts of
Arkansas, Missouri
and Oklahoma
Known for thick
forests, deep valleys
and mountain
streams
The Ozarks cover
50,000 square miles

4. Daily Life in the Ozarks (1920’s)
 Daily farm life was
difficult
 No running water or
electricity for most
 Most kids did not attend
school due to the long
commute
 Some parents taught
their kids to read or write
if they themselves were
able

5. Old Dan and Little Ann
Both dogs are
redbone hounds
Best known for their
loud voice, strong
nose, persistence
Strong hunting sense

6. Raccoons
Raccoons are common
animals in the Ozarks
region
Considered to be
intelligent animals,
raccoons try to confuse
predators by creating a
maze of tracks
Raccoons will fight
viciously to survive