Where the Red Fern Grows Reading Level: A Comprehensive Guide

Where the Red Fern Grows is a beloved classic novel that tells the story of a young boy named Billy and his two hound dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann. It's a heartwarming tale that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. One question that often comes up when discussing this book is what reading level it is. As someone who has read the book, I can confidently say that it is a middle-grade novel with a Lexile score of 700L.

For those who are unfamiliar with Lexile scores, they are a measure of a book's reading level based on its vocabulary and sentence complexity. A score of 700L is typically associated with books that are appropriate for readers in grades 4-6. However, it's important to note that reading level is just one factor to consider when choosing a book for a child. The content and themes of the book are also important to consider, as some topics may be more appropriate for older or more mature readers.

Overview of Where the Red Fern Grows

Where the Red Fern Grows is a classic novel written by Wilson Rawls. It was first published in 1961 and has since become a beloved children's book. The story is a coming-of-age tale that follows the life of a young boy named Billy Colman and his two hunting dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann. The novel is set in the Ozark Mountains during the Great Depression and is told from the first-person point of view of Billy.

The novel is a work of historical fiction that captures the essence of childhood, family, friendship, hope, love, and loyalty. It is a compelling story that explores universal themes that have resonated with readers for decades. The bond between humans and animals is a central theme in the novel, as Billy's relationship with his dogs is a major part of the story. The novel is also known for its vivid descriptions of the natural world and the Ozark Mountains.

The novel has been adapted into a film and a stage play. The film was released in 1974 and was directed by Norman Tokar. The stage play premiered in 2014 and was produced by the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. The novel has also been adapted into a graphic novel, which was illustrated by DC Comics artist, Shane Davis.

Where the Red Fern Grows is a beloved classic that has touched the hearts of readers of all ages. It is a story that captures the spirit of childhood and the beauty of the natural world. The novel is a testament to the enduring bond between humans and animals and the power of hope and love.

Plot Summary

Where the Red Fern Grows is a novel by Wilson Rawls that follows the story of Billy, a young boy who lives on a farm in the Ozarks during the Great Depression. As a young boy, Billy dreams of owning two coonhounds that he can train to become excellent hunting dogs. However, his family cannot afford to buy him the dogs, so Billy works hard selling fruit and bait to fishermen to save up enough money to buy them himself.

Eventually, Billy saves enough money to buy two dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann. He trains them tirelessly and takes them on many hunting adventures in the woods. The dogs prove to be exceptional hunters and quickly become a valuable asset to Billy.

Throughout the novel, Billy faces many challenges, including dangerous hunting expeditions and the death of his beloved dogs. Despite the hardships, Billy remains determined to continue hunting with his dogs and to fulfill his dreams.

The novel is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of loyalty, perseverance, and the power of friendship. It is a heartwarming tale that will leave readers feeling both inspired and emotional.

Author and Publication Information

Where the Red Fern Grows is a popular children's novel written by Wilson Rawls and published in 1961. Rawls, who grew up in the Ozarks, wrote the book as a work of autobiographical fiction based on his own experiences as a child.

The book was published by Doubleday and illustrated by Maurice Sendak, who is best known for his work on Where the Wild Things Are. The editor of the book was Frances Keene. The list price of the book is $8.99, but it can often be found for less on various websites.

As of the current date, the book is out of stock on some websites, including Amazon and Books-A-Million, but it is still available for purchase on other sites such as IndieBound, Target, and Walmart. The product detail page on Amazon provides an ISBN13 number of 978-0440412670, which can be used to search for the book on other websites.

The book was released on January 1, 1961, and it is still widely read today, more than 60 years later. The copyright for the book is held by the author's estate.

Overall, Where the Red Fern Grows is a beloved classic that has been enjoyed by generations of readers. Its timeless themes and relatable characters make it a great choice for children of all ages.

Reading Level Information

Lexile and Guided Reading Levels

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls has a Lexile measure of 700L. This means that the book is appropriate for readers with a reading level of 700 Lexile or above. The guided reading level for this book is V, which is equivalent to a DRA level of 50-60 and an ACR level of 4-5.

Appropriate Age and Grade Levels

Where the Red Fern Grows is a children’s novel that is appropriate for readers in grades 5-7. The book is recommended for readers aged 9 and up. It is important to note that reading level and interest level are not always the same. While the Lexile measure and guided reading level suggest a reading level of 700L and a grade level of 5-7, the book's content may be more appropriate for older readers due to its mature themes.

In terms of subject matter, Where the Red Fern Grows is a coming-of-age story that deals with themes of love, loss, and the bond between humans and animals. The book's content may be too mature for younger readers, so it is important for parents to use their discretion when deciding if the book is appropriate for their children.

Collections, Format, and Price

Where the Red Fern Grows is available in paperback format and can be purchased on the Scholastic Teacher Store website for $6.95. The book is also available in collections with other classic children's novels such as Old Yeller.

Parents and educators who are interested in using this book in their classrooms or at home can find additional resources and lesson plans on the Scholastic website.

Overall, Where the Red Fern Grows is a classic children's novel that is appropriate for readers in grades 5-7 with a reading level of 700L or above. While the book's content may be too mature for younger readers, it is a beloved story that has touched the hearts of readers of all ages.

Themes and Messages

Where the Red Fern Grows is a novel that explores various themes and messages, including determination, loyalty, and the harsh realities of life. As I read the book, I was struck by how the author, Wilson Rawls, weaves these themes together to create a powerful story that resonates with readers of all ages.

One of the most prominent themes in the book is determination. Billy, the narrator, demonstrates great determination in his quest to own two hunting dogs. He works hard for two years to save enough money to buy the dogs, and he walks all night to pick them up. Throughout the book, Billy's determination is tested, but he never gives up on his dream.

Another theme that runs throughout the book is loyalty. Billy's dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann, are fiercely loyal to him, and he is equally devoted to them. The bond between the three of them is unbreakable, and it is this loyalty that ultimately leads to their tragic end.

The book also explores the harsh realities of life, including poverty and the Great Depression. Billy's family is poor, and they struggle to make ends meet. The book is set in the Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma, a region that was hit hard by the Great Depression. The author does not shy away from depicting the hardships that people in this region faced during that time.

Finally, the book is about animals and the bond between humans and their pets. The hunting dogs in the book are not just tools for hunting, they are beloved members of the family. The author captures the essence of the relationship between humans and animals, and he does so with great sensitivity.

In conclusion, Where the Red Fern Grows is a book that explores themes and messages that are relevant to readers of all ages. The book is about determination, loyalty, the harsh realities of life, and the bond between humans and animals. The author's skillful weaving of these themes together creates a powerful story that is both moving and thought-provoking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age group is Where the Red Fern Grows appropriate for?

Where the Red Fern Grows is a classic coming-of-age novel that is appropriate for children between the ages of 10 and 14. The book deals with themes of loss, love, and loyalty and is a great choice for young readers who are looking for an engaging and emotional story.

Is Where the Red Fern Grows a true story?

Where the Red Fern Grows is a work of fiction and is not based on a true story. However, the author, Wilson Rawls, drew inspiration from his own experiences growing up in the Ozarks and his love of hunting dogs.

How many pages does Where the Red Fern Grows have?

Where the Red Fern Grows has 208 pages in the paperback edition. The book is divided into 20 chapters and includes illustrations by Maurice Sendak.

What is the genre of Where the Red Fern Grows?

Where the Red Fern Grows is a children's novel that falls under the genre of realistic fiction. The book is set in the Ozarks during the Great Depression and tells the story of a young boy and his two coonhounds.

What is the reading level of Where the Red Fern Grows?

The reading level of Where the Red Fern Grows is around 5th to 7th grade. The book has a Lexile score of 700L, which means that it is best suited for readers in grades 4 to 6.

What is the Lexile score for Where the Red Fern Grows?

The Lexile score for Where the Red Fern Grows is 700L. This means that the book is best suited for readers in grades 4 to 6. The score is based on the book's vocabulary, sentence complexity, and other factors that determine its difficulty level.