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62 pages 2 hours read

John Reynolds Gardiner

Stone Fox

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1980

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In John Reynolds Gardiner's beloved children’s novel, Stone Fox, Little Willy, a determined young boy living on a farm in Wyoming with his ailing grandfather and loyal dog, Searchlight, enters a dog sledding race to win $500 and save the family farm from tax debt. During the competition, Little Willy encounters the formidable Stone Fox, an Indigenous man with a record of never losing a race. Death of a pet occurs.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Based on various reviews, John Reynolds Gardiner's Stone Fox is praised for its compelling and emotional storytelling, appealing to both children and adults. The narrative's simplicity and the themes of perseverance and loyalty resonate deeply with readers. However, some critics consider the plot predictable and the ending too abrupt. Overall, Stone Fox is a well-loved and recommended read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Stone Fox?

Readers who would enjoy Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner are typically 8-12 years old, appreciate heartfelt stories, and enjoy tales of adventure and determination. Fans of Where the Red Fern Grows and Old Yeller will find similar themes of resilience, loyalty, and the bond between humans and animals in this moving tale.

Book Details
Pages

96

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Wyoming • 1900s

Topic
Publication Year

1980

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

610

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