62 pages • 2 hours read
Stone Fox
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Book Brief
96
Novel • Fiction
Wyoming • 1900s
1980
Middle grade
8-12 years
610L
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.
Emotional
Bittersweet
Inspirational
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
22,051 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
22,051 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Grandfather
Grandfather
The elderly caretaker of Little Willy, who falls ill and leaves the responsibility of the farm to his grandson.
Stone Fox
Stone Fox
An indigenous man known for his undefeated racing record, who enters the same dog sled race as Little Willy and plays a pivotal role in the story's resolution.
Doc Smith
Doc Smith
An elderly woman who serves as a caretaker for the community, offering medical advice and support to Little Willy and his Grandfather.
Searchlight
Searchlight
Little Willy's loyal 10-year-old dog, who works alongside him on the farm and competes with him in the sled race.
Mr. Clifford Snyder
Mr. Clifford Snyder
The state tax collector who threatens to take Little Willy's family farm if taxes remain unpaid and acts as an antagonist to Willy and his family.
Mr. Foster
Mr. Foster
The head banker who provides financial advice to Little Willy and his Grandfather, suggesting they sell the farm to settle their debts.
96
Novel • Fiction
Wyoming • 1900s
1980
Middle grade
8-12 years
610L
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