Stone Fox

This old tale was required reading in my son's 4th grade class last year. I had never heard of it before and it didn't look all that interesting either. I picked it up and was reading the last two chapters or so and then the tears started flowing. I mean, this was a heavy sob and I couldn't stop. Thankfully, it got better at the very end and the waterworks stopped. Not many children's books have such a powerful effect on me like this one has. I think Stone Fox can teach children of all ages (this one isn't a kid anymore) ) the meaning of love and determination like no other book can. I recommend it highly. It should be right up there on your list.

This was one of the first chapter books my 7-year-old son ever read. Even though he was just learning, the exciting story about the boy racing his favorite sled dog to get prize money to save the family farm was gripping. Not too hard or too long either.Even though I am a grown-up, the ending surprised me and moved me. It was exciting, and it made me think. Kids, read it before they assign it in school! Parents, if you have a reluctant reader, give this one a try. You will even enjoy it yourselves.

Ten year old Willy lives in Jackson, Wyoming on a potato farm with his grandfather and his dog Searchlight. When his grandfather falls ill and the tax collector comes calling for back taxes, Willy is determined to find the money to save the farm. But where can a 10 year old boy earn $500? He sees an advertisement for the National Dogsled Race, held each year in Jackson and decides to enter. He is convinced that he and Searchlight can beat the other racers, among them, an American Indian, Stone Fox. Stone Fox has a team of five Samoyeds and has never lost a race. He races to earn prize money so that he can buy back land taken from his people. John Reynolds Gardiner has written a beautiful story of faith and courage with strong, exciting scenes that move the story along at a fast pace. With its powerful, emotional ending, youngsters begin to understand that not every story has a happy ending and you have to learn to accept the good with the bad. Stone Fox is a story of two heroes, trying to win the race for good causes and in the end, they were both winners. A must read for children age 9-12 and the perfect read-aloud family book.

Stone Fox is about a boy named Willy;he and his family lived in a small town. When winter setteled in,the grandfather got sick. Can Willy take care of the farm and make money? To find out you must read this book. It is the best book. A child 14 years-old could still relate to Willy's issues. I recommend you read this book because you will enjoy it. There are many good charactres in this story,but the main characters are Willy,and his dog Search light. Willy is a good boy who only wants to keep his remaining family alive. Shearch light, is Willy's loyal dog who is at Willy's side all the time. I like this book because of the type of person Willy is. He was small yet determined. He was a good sport,and he played fair. He was young in the story about 10.,I like these types of stories beacause thay have good endings. This book is a must read.

The story of Stone Fox was very interesting to me. My son was required to read this book for his summer reading list. The struggle that young people go through in life is sometimes overlooked. I feel that Gardiner focuses on the struggles. Willy has decided to save the farm and what he believes to be his Grandfathers life. In this story a young boy must make adult decisions. Willy could have easily let his Grandfather stay with someone else but he chose to care for him and perform the chores of raising a crop. These are very mature decisions made by a young boy. I could feel the love Willy had for his Grandfather as well as the love Searchlight had for Willy. Although the ending was sad it allowed us to view the reality of life. Some struggles end in death and not with happy endings. I would encourage people to read and look beyond the words on the pages. This book was intense with emotional moments that would bring tears to anyones eyes.