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43 pages 1 hour read

Big Red

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1945

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Book Brief

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Jim Kjelgaard

Big Red

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1945
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Wintapi Forest • Mid-20th century

Topic
Publication Year

1945

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

910L

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Super Short Summary

Big Red by Jim Kjelgaard follows Danny Pickett, who lives with his father, Ross, in the Wintapi wilderness. Danny, longing for a friend, is thrilled when their boss, Mr. Haggin, hires him as the caretaker for his show dog, Red, who moves in with Danny. Together, Danny and Red navigate various challenges, deepening their bond and teaching Danny about responsibility, compassion, and respect for nature. Depictions of hunting, wilderness survival, and complex portrayals of human and animal interactions appear in the book.

Adventurous

Heartwarming

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.5

18,233 ratings

77%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Big Red by Jim Kjelgaard receives mixed reviews. Fans praise its vivid descriptions of the wilderness and the bond between man and dog, which captivate readers young and old. However, some critics find the plot predictable and believe character development is lacking. Overall, the novel remains an enduring, heartwarming classic in children's literature.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Big Red?

Fans of Where the Red Fern Grows and Old Yeller will enjoy Big Red by Jim Kjelgaard. This novel appeals to readers who appreciate adventurous coming-of-age stories set in the wilderness, featuring strong bonds between humans and animals. Ideal for middle-grade to early teen readers who cherish themes of loyalty, bravery, and nature.

4.5

18,233 ratings

77%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Wintapi Forest • Mid-20th century

Topic
Publication Year

1945

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

910L

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