Dickens & Rumi

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Where the Red Fern Grows with Connections

Wilson Rawls; Rafe Martin; Borden Deal; Felix Salten; Battle, Kemp P.; Robert D. Bethke; Harold Courlander; Maya Angelou; Nicholasa Mohr; Dick Perry · 2000

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Where the Red Fern Grows with Connections by Wilson Rawls; Rafe Martin; Borden Deal; Felix Salten; Battle, Kemp P.; Robert D. Bethke; Harold Courlander; Maya Angelou; Nicholasa Mohr; Dick Perry. This book is recommended for ages 11+; content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Graphic injury; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Good role models.

Ages 11+Source checked

Why this age? The prose and anthology format suit middle-grade readers, but hunting, animal injury, death, grief, poverty, and emotionally intense loss may be difficult for younger children. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age11+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Graphic injury2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Good role models4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The death of the two dogs is a central, emotionally heavy part of the story, depicted with significant grief.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

There are descriptions of animal injuries and death consistent with the hunting theme, which can be upsetting.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Language is mild and reflects the period and setting, with no significant profanity.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

Religion plays a minor, background role as a part of the cultural life of the rural community.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

There is no significant romantic content in the story.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Predators, nighttime hunting, dangerous animals, storms, and threats to the dogs create sustained tension.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

The story focuses on raccoon hunting; while not gratuitous, the hunting process is central to the plot.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Billy shows great bravery, particularly during his nights hunting alone and in his efforts to protect his dogs.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The story encourages imagination through wilderness adventure, animal relationships, and problem-solving, with literary connections extending those ideas.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

While the primary cast is white, the 'Connections' edition adds diverse perspectives via essays and related literary pieces.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

The anthology supports literary study and offers context for rural life, hunting, perseverance, and themes across related readings.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

The bond between the boy and his dogs is a poignant example of devotion and care.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes the value of hard work, persistence, loyalty, and coping with the loss of loved ones.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Billy serves as a strong, determined role model, though his decisions sometimes reflect his youth.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Where the Red Fern Grows with Connections would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Where the Red Fern Grows with Connections, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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