Young Billy has always dreamed of having a dog. Not just any dog, and not just one dog. Billy dreams of having two raccoon hounds and raising them to hunt. Billy works and works to save money to buy himself these dogs, and has no idea the true value that they will bring to his life.
Have students identify and illustrate examples of themes in Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
Storyboard Text
LOYALTY
FAMILY
I am going to help you, Billy.
Oh, thank you, Grandpa!
Billy’s dogs are extremely loyal to him and to each other. One example of this is when Little Ann falls in the ice and Billy and Old Dan don’t give up until they rescue her.
Billy and his family are very close and would do anything for one another. Billy’s relationship with his grandpa is very strong, and Billy learns all about perseverance and hunting from him.