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Stone Fox
John Reynolds Gardiner's classic action-packed adventure story about a thrilling dogsled race has captivated readers for more than thirty years. Based on a Rocky Mountain legend, Stone Fox tells the story of Little Willy, who lives with his grandfather in Wyoming. When Grandfather falls ill, he is no longer able to work the farm, which is in danger of foreclosure. Little Willy is determined to win the National Dogsled Race—the prize money would save the farm and his grandfather. But he isn't the only one who desperately wants to win. Willy and his brave dog Searchlight must face off against experienced racers, including a Native American man named Stone Fox, who has never lost a race. Exciting and heartwarming, this novel has sold millions of copies and was named a New York Times Outstanding Children's Book.
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
About the author
John Reynolds Gardiner
13 books64 followersJohn Reynolds Gardiner was an American author and engineer. Born in Los Angeles, California, he earned his master's degree from UCLA. He was a successful engineer before working on his first children's book. Always creative, in his younger years he ran Num Num Novelties, home to such originals as the aquarium tie. He lived in West Germany and Central America, and taught writing workshops around the world. In Idaho he heard of a legend on which he based his first book, Stone Fox. Gardiner also edited children's stories for television. He lived out his final years with his wife, Gloria, in California and died of complications from pancreatitis at a hospital in Anaheim, California. He is survived by three daughters, Carrie, Alicia, and Danielle.
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December 9, 2020I honestly have not gotten whiplash like that in years.
The First 95%
Me: This is a classic novel. A book to be read with dignity and grace. Young William needs to save the farm, the crops and above all, his grandfather.
Also me: They call him Little Willy. *uncontrollable giggles*
The Last 5%
What. The. Absolute. Hell.
That was NOT how you do a book.
The Summary
Little Willy's grandfather gives up on life.
Willy holds down the farm, brings in the crops and cares for his depressed grandfather all at the tender age of ten, with the help of his faithful dog, Searchlight.
The farm is going under (Grandfather hasn't paid taxes in years) and the only way Little Willy can come up with the money is to enter himself and Searchlight into a dog sled race.
Stone Fox, an Indian who races dogs, also entered. Will Willy win? Or will Willy lose the farm?
My issue(s)
I'm so angry with the author about that ending.
It was about a 2.5 star book - pretty bland writing, characters telling rather than showing, and a fairly unbelievable plot (ten year old handles an entire farm in his own.... really? )
And then we get to that shit ending. I'm beyond furious with the author.
Willy should be locked up for animal abuse.
It was disgusting.
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August 19, 2022
I have NEVER read aloud a story to children unless I have read it first to myself; however, when I was substitute teaching for a Grade 4 teacher back in December 2020, she asked if I could finish reading the last 3 chapters of this book before the students went on Christmas break. Because I had never read this book before, imagine my surprise at its SHOCKING ending! I looked up at the class, and their expressions matched mine - eyes wide open and mouths agape (under our masks, of course!)
Since then, I chose to listen to the audiobook (a quick read at 96 pages or 66 minutes.) I would have given this story 5 stars, based on these students' reactions to this adventure story of perseverance and compassion; however, I dropped a star for the moments I cringed at the references of Stone Fox, the "Indian", and to Dusty, the "town drunk" (although, I did appreciate that Doc Smith was female.) Then again, it was published in 1980.
Since then, I chose to listen to the audiobook (a quick read at 96 pages or 66 minutes.) I would have given this story 5 stars, based on these students' reactions to this adventure story of perseverance and compassion; however, I dropped a star for the moments I cringed at the references of Stone Fox, the "Indian", and to Dusty, the "town drunk" (although, I did appreciate that Doc Smith was female.) Then again, it was published in 1980.
August 27, 2022
Oh, that ending! As you read you know how you want it to end, and then you think you know how it will end, and the moment arrives and your heart just stops!
A story of love, courage, community, and determination building in gradual suspense towards its emotional end.
A story of love, courage, community, and determination building in gradual suspense towards its emotional end.
December 6, 2019
Note, Dec. 6, 2019: I edited this just now to correct a minor typo.
My oldest grandson Philip (age 10, the same age as Willy, the protagonist of this very short kid's chapter book) is an avid reader who reads above grade level, an interest I obviously encourage. He recently read this book himself, and was excited about it enough to want to share his copy so I could read it too. Being about to be between books anyway, and being interested in connecting with him in a shared reading experience, I agreed. It proved to be a very quick read --an adult could read it inside of a half hour. (It has 81 pages, but they're small pages with relatively large text and wide margins, and lots of black-and-white illustrations, this 30th anniversary edition reproducing the original ones by Marcia Sewall.)
The deceptively simple but extremely emotionally evocative story was suggested to Gardiner by an actual legend handed down in the area, though vague on names and dates (no date is given in the book, though the details suggest the late 19th century). Jackson, Wyoming is a real town and the annual sled dog race depicted here is also a real event (it was apparently the precursor of today's International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race, though the modern race covers a much wider area in two states). Gardiner tells his story with skill, and with an economy of words. His vocabulary and diction should be well within the command of intelligent middle school kids, but the style doesn't have a feeling of being condescending. The characters are easy to like and care about, the stakes in the conflict are high, and the narrative pace perfect for sustaining tension. As short as the book is, it won't bore adult readers; I responded to the story-line basically the same way any reader, young or old, would.
In some ways, the premise here is similar to that of the later Disney movie for adults, Iron Will, though the two story-lines and the settings and exact circumstances are different. The idea that Willy's beloved 10-year-old sled dog Searchlight could be a serious contender in a race like this isn't implausible; Gardiner ably brings out the facts that she was extremely fast and that both dog and boy knew the course well and ran it frequently, while he also makes the points that a one dog sled is lighter and less awkward to handle than the more cumbersome outfits of the adult mushers and their teams. It's impossible to fully understand the emotional impact of the book without a spoiler. There are those who wouldn't favor letting kids read this, and would brand it as part of "the Marquis de Sade school of children's literature." It was hard for me to take, and I'm 63! But it might also be said that constantly shielding children from the reality of tragedy in the world may produce children (and later, adults) who don't handle the reality of a tragic world very well.
My oldest grandson Philip (age 10, the same age as Willy, the protagonist of this very short kid's chapter book) is an avid reader who reads above grade level, an interest I obviously encourage. He recently read this book himself, and was excited about it enough to want to share his copy so I could read it too. Being about to be between books anyway, and being interested in connecting with him in a shared reading experience, I agreed. It proved to be a very quick read --an adult could read it inside of a half hour. (It has 81 pages, but they're small pages with relatively large text and wide margins, and lots of black-and-white illustrations, this 30th anniversary edition reproducing the original ones by Marcia Sewall.)
The deceptively simple but extremely emotionally evocative story was suggested to Gardiner by an actual legend handed down in the area, though vague on names and dates (no date is given in the book, though the details suggest the late 19th century). Jackson, Wyoming is a real town and the annual sled dog race depicted here is also a real event (it was apparently the precursor of today's International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race, though the modern race covers a much wider area in two states). Gardiner tells his story with skill, and with an economy of words. His vocabulary and diction should be well within the command of intelligent middle school kids, but the style doesn't have a feeling of being condescending. The characters are easy to like and care about, the stakes in the conflict are high, and the narrative pace perfect for sustaining tension. As short as the book is, it won't bore adult readers; I responded to the story-line basically the same way any reader, young or old, would.
In some ways, the premise here is similar to that of the later Disney movie for adults, Iron Will, though the two story-lines and the settings and exact circumstances are different. The idea that Willy's beloved 10-year-old sled dog Searchlight could be a serious contender in a race like this isn't implausible; Gardiner ably brings out the facts that she was extremely fast and that both dog and boy knew the course well and ran it frequently, while he also makes the points that a one dog sled is lighter and less awkward to handle than the more cumbersome outfits of the adult mushers and their teams. It's impossible to fully understand the emotional impact of the book without a spoiler. There are those who wouldn't favor letting kids read this, and would brand it as part of "the Marquis de Sade school of children's literature." It was hard for me to take, and I'm 63! But it might also be said that constantly shielding children from the reality of tragedy in the world may produce children (and later, adults) who don't handle the reality of a tragic world very well.
May 20, 2014
My nine-year-old "assigned" this book to me. We are getting more of that of late...she is unimpressed by my reading piles and I love that she wants to share the books she enjoys with me. This was a book her third-grade teacher read aloud to the class this year. It's based on a legend that may be true (but may not be), and I think reading it aloud is just the way to read it. It's almost too short for me to count here (I would have read it in one sitting if not for the fact that it was late at night and I couldn't stay awake any longer).
Not a bad book, and I'm guessing it transcends the gender line. Little Willy is one tough kid, and who doesn't want a dog like Searchlight? Beyond that, though, is the underlying story of love and hope. For me, this was a story about how we can learn from the children in our lives, and it's a reminder of Jesus's admonition to be like children.
Not a bad book, and I'm guessing it transcends the gender line. Little Willy is one tough kid, and who doesn't want a dog like Searchlight? Beyond that, though, is the underlying story of love and hope. For me, this was a story about how we can learn from the children in our lives, and it's a reminder of Jesus's admonition to be like children.
September 11, 2023
✰ 5 stars ✰
“I’m going to race against you tomorrow. I know how you wanna win, but…I wanna win too. I gotta win. If I don’t, they’re gonna take away our farm. They have the right. Grandfather says that those that want to bad enough, will. So I will. I’ll win. I’m gonna beat you.”
Stone Fox remained motionless. And silent.
Little Willy backed over to the barn door, still holding his eye. “I’m sorry we both can’t win,” he said.”
3rd Grade Treasures
1996-1997. 3rd Grade. The year Mrs. Lorraine said I was a shoo-in for choir. (I couldn't join, but I maintained my soprano vocals throughout my school years 🎤). The year my 5th grade older sister was elected elementary student council president and I was known only as the 'younger sister of the student school president'. (A term which continued, even when I was in 6th grade - and she was AGAIN elected middle school student council president! 😩) The year I had my first taste of a root beer float, when our class teacher, Mr. Paul, treated us all to it in our farewell party. (I am always forever relieved that root beer is halal for Muslims to drink). The year I brought my VHS copy of Matilda as our class entertainment during our Valentine's Day Party. (Still - such a classic film! 📚) And it is the year, one of the books assigned for our reading class was Stone Fox.
This is my 3rd grade copy of Stone Fox - literally . It has seen better days - much like the story of my life. A little worse for wear - rough around the edges, weathered down, and the pages are being held together by tape - but it's a reflection of how often this book has been passed through my hands over the years - just how many times I let myself get lost in the story of a small ten-year-old boy Little Willy and his willful spirit. 🤍🤍
It's a short book - it takes about 1O-15 minutes max to read. But, re-reading it again over the weekend - by the half way point - I could not see beyond the tears that were threatening to spill over. Maybe, because I know already how his story is going to end. But, it is as fresh as ever - seeing Little Willy's determination, his fighting heart, his optimistic courage, his considerate sacrifices, his love for his grandfather and his farm, and most of all, his love for his precious, loyal, most faithful of dogs, Searchlight - is what keeps me coming back, time and time again to have my heart burst into tears. 😢😢
“Little Willy knelt down, took Searchlight by the ears, and looked directly into her eyes. She had the greenest eyes you’ve ever seen. “I won’t ever give you away. Ever. I promise.” He put his arms around the dog’s strong neck and held her tightly. “I love you, Searchlight.”
And Searchlight understood, for she had heard those words many times before.”
When his ailing Grandfather loses the will to live, because he's failed to pay the five hundred dollars required for the taxes on the farm, Little Willy takes it upon himself to meet the payment - even when all of chance is against him. But, fate would have it, that there was soon to be a national dogsled race during the blistering cold of Jackson, Wyoming. 🛷❄️ Covering a span of ten miles, over a track, Little Willy has raced over countless times with Searchlight, in his heart of hearts, he knew he could win the five hundred dollars prize money to keep their farm. But, there was one stone in his path - standing in his way to victory. Stone Fox, an Indian who no one has ever heard speak a single word, and his own sled-racing dogs - five beautiful white Samoyeds that Searchlight was certainly no match for.
“Little Willy sucked in the cool night air and felt the sting of the wind against his face. It was a race all right. A race against time. A race against themselves. A race they always won.”
To say that I love this book is too flimsy a way to convey the level of emotions it always stirs within me. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 The beautiful and heart-felt bond that Little Willy has for his family - the caring way he nurtures his Grandfather to good health - to keep his spirit alive. The way Searchlight stands steadfast at his side - aiding him in any way he can. Your heart will feel his struggle and wariness and weariness of his situation and want to do anything to get him to the finish line. Searchlight's heart was full for her love for her master - her resilience to make him happy and so very proud. 🥺🥺
For the race to the finish line is not without it's plight or warning. That haunting meeting with Stone Fox - how it evokes the foreboding feeling of what is to come - his words to him that resonated with him - that for a staunch strong man, who had never ever lost a race - to look at at the kindness and innocence of this little boy - and have his heart of stone to melt for Little Willy. 🤧🤧 There's nothing quite like holding that paperback in your hand - seeing the big bold words meant for young children to easily grasp - to see the remnants of my underlines to words that may have been too difficult for me - and to cheer in your bones that Little Willy will succeed - that it is all not for naught. 😟😟
This is a story for children, but in my eyes, it stands the test of time.
“Yes, sir,” he remembered Grandfather saying. “There are some things in this world worth dying for.”
Yes, this was my face - when I reached the last chapter - words can indeed cut you right through the heart.
Perhaps, not much wiser, but still much older since the first time I read it, I understand now why this book upsets so many people - how they feel that too much responsibility was placed on a young boy, the burden that he should never have shouldered - the incessant spirit of a dog that pushed her to her limit. 💔💔 But sometimes, I think, that maybe, readers are hurting more - that after all that struggle and hopeful chance - this was the tragic ending to the Rocky Mountains legend Gardiner was told that has captured the hearts of so many since it was first released. 😔😔
I could read this again and again and every time the heart-break will be as raw and real as the first time I had to answer the comprehension questions for it. My third grade edition also has some lovely pencil illustrations that captured the intensity of Stone Fox's stony expression, Little Willy's heart and Searchlight in a very beautiful manner that heightened the magic of this book. For this story is heart-breaking and rare - it is writing so easy to read, but will tug at your heartstrings like nothing else - at either the injustice of the ending or the marvel of the purest truest form of courage and love and sacrifice. It is a story that no matter how many times I read it - the heart-wrenching gut to the heart that it evokes - it will never fail to reduce me to an absolute crying mess. 😭😭
“I’m going to race against you tomorrow. I know how you wanna win, but…I wanna win too. I gotta win. If I don’t, they’re gonna take away our farm. They have the right. Grandfather says that those that want to bad enough, will. So I will. I’ll win. I’m gonna beat you.”
Stone Fox remained motionless. And silent.
Little Willy backed over to the barn door, still holding his eye. “I’m sorry we both can’t win,” he said.”
3rd Grade Treasures
1996-1997. 3rd Grade. The year Mrs. Lorraine said I was a shoo-in for choir. (I couldn't join, but I maintained my soprano vocals throughout my school years 🎤). The year my 5th grade older sister was elected elementary student council president and I was known only as the 'younger sister of the student school president'. (A term which continued, even when I was in 6th grade - and she was AGAIN elected middle school student council president! 😩) The year I had my first taste of a root beer float, when our class teacher, Mr. Paul, treated us all to it in our farewell party. (I am always forever relieved that root beer is halal for Muslims to drink). The year I brought my VHS copy of Matilda as our class entertainment during our Valentine's Day Party. (Still - such a classic film! 📚) And it is the year, one of the books assigned for our reading class was Stone Fox.
This is my 3rd grade copy of Stone Fox - literally . It has seen better days - much like the story of my life. A little worse for wear - rough around the edges, weathered down, and the pages are being held together by tape - but it's a reflection of how often this book has been passed through my hands over the years - just how many times I let myself get lost in the story of a small ten-year-old boy Little Willy and his willful spirit. 🤍🤍
It's a short book - it takes about 1O-15 minutes max to read. But, re-reading it again over the weekend - by the half way point - I could not see beyond the tears that were threatening to spill over. Maybe, because I know already how his story is going to end. But, it is as fresh as ever - seeing Little Willy's determination, his fighting heart, his optimistic courage, his considerate sacrifices, his love for his grandfather and his farm, and most of all, his love for his precious, loyal, most faithful of dogs, Searchlight - is what keeps me coming back, time and time again to have my heart burst into tears. 😢😢
“Little Willy knelt down, took Searchlight by the ears, and looked directly into her eyes. She had the greenest eyes you’ve ever seen. “I won’t ever give you away. Ever. I promise.” He put his arms around the dog’s strong neck and held her tightly. “I love you, Searchlight.”
And Searchlight understood, for she had heard those words many times before.”
When his ailing Grandfather loses the will to live, because he's failed to pay the five hundred dollars required for the taxes on the farm, Little Willy takes it upon himself to meet the payment - even when all of chance is against him. But, fate would have it, that there was soon to be a national dogsled race during the blistering cold of Jackson, Wyoming. 🛷❄️ Covering a span of ten miles, over a track, Little Willy has raced over countless times with Searchlight, in his heart of hearts, he knew he could win the five hundred dollars prize money to keep their farm. But, there was one stone in his path - standing in his way to victory. Stone Fox, an Indian who no one has ever heard speak a single word, and his own sled-racing dogs - five beautiful white Samoyeds that Searchlight was certainly no match for.
“Little Willy sucked in the cool night air and felt the sting of the wind against his face. It was a race all right. A race against time. A race against themselves. A race they always won.”
To say that I love this book is too flimsy a way to convey the level of emotions it always stirs within me. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 The beautiful and heart-felt bond that Little Willy has for his family - the caring way he nurtures his Grandfather to good health - to keep his spirit alive. The way Searchlight stands steadfast at his side - aiding him in any way he can. Your heart will feel his struggle and wariness and weariness of his situation and want to do anything to get him to the finish line. Searchlight's heart was full for her love for her master - her resilience to make him happy and so very proud. 🥺🥺
For the race to the finish line is not without it's plight or warning. That haunting meeting with Stone Fox - how it evokes the foreboding feeling of what is to come - his words to him that resonated with him - that for a staunch strong man, who had never ever lost a race - to look at at the kindness and innocence of this little boy - and have his heart of stone to melt for Little Willy. 🤧🤧 There's nothing quite like holding that paperback in your hand - seeing the big bold words meant for young children to easily grasp - to see the remnants of my underlines to words that may have been too difficult for me - and to cheer in your bones that Little Willy will succeed - that it is all not for naught. 😟😟
This is a story for children, but in my eyes, it stands the test of time.
“Yes, sir,” he remembered Grandfather saying. “There are some things in this world worth dying for.”
Yes, this was my face - when I reached the last chapter - words can indeed cut you right through the heart.
Perhaps, not much wiser, but still much older since the first time I read it, I understand now why this book upsets so many people - how they feel that too much responsibility was placed on a young boy, the burden that he should never have shouldered - the incessant spirit of a dog that pushed her to her limit. 💔💔 But sometimes, I think, that maybe, readers are hurting more - that after all that struggle and hopeful chance - this was the tragic ending to the Rocky Mountains legend Gardiner was told that has captured the hearts of so many since it was first released. 😔😔
I could read this again and again and every time the heart-break will be as raw and real as the first time I had to answer the comprehension questions for it. My third grade edition also has some lovely pencil illustrations that captured the intensity of Stone Fox's stony expression, Little Willy's heart and Searchlight in a very beautiful manner that heightened the magic of this book. For this story is heart-breaking and rare - it is writing so easy to read, but will tug at your heartstrings like nothing else - at either the injustice of the ending or the marvel of the purest truest form of courage and love and sacrifice. It is a story that no matter how many times I read it - the heart-wrenching gut to the heart that it evokes - it will never fail to reduce me to an absolute crying mess. 😭😭
Read
July 28, 2011At first, I thought this will be just another little sweet and happy ending story, which is all time Americans' favorite (like all the Disney stories). But as I read through, I was in such a shock I couldn't even think straight. Poor little Willy and Searchlight going through the toughest time of their lives without anyone's help was just pitiful enough. But the most shockingly, when searchlight's heart just bursted and died instantly right before finishing his race, my brain felt like it bursted as well. The way Gardiner wrote the book about the race was so compelling and intensive that I couldn't stop reading a line after another. After finishing the book, this shocking yet touching story was not forgetable. So I told this story to my mother and sister and they were touched (and actually cried) by the story just from listening to me. Even still now thinking about it gives me a strange feeling inside.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2010
Book Review: Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner
I read this book aloud to my kids today, and let me tell you. I was a blubbering fool. I used to roll my eyes and laugh when my mom cried at emotional stories. Now I'm her.
Except this time, Bubs (nearly 7) wasn't rolling his eyes. He was crying, too.
Are you familiar with this very short chapter book? Here's a brief overview:
Little Willy may only be ten, but that doesn't mean he can't run a potato farm. His grandfather has become very ill. Willy is determined to make everything better by harvesting the potato crop.
When that doesn't help matters, Willy discovers a debt that his grandfather owes for $500.
Against all odds, Willy enters a dog-sled race, where he'll compete against the best racers in the country, including the huge Indian, Stone Fox, who has never lost a race.
Will his determination and courage be enough?
As mentioned, this book is a tear-jerker. However, it spurred great conversation (great enough to make me forget I had an appointment...), and I'm glad we read it together.
(See hundreds of reviews of Deliciously Clean Reads at my blog: http://homespunlight.blogspot.com/ )
I read this book aloud to my kids today, and let me tell you. I was a blubbering fool. I used to roll my eyes and laugh when my mom cried at emotional stories. Now I'm her.
Except this time, Bubs (nearly 7) wasn't rolling his eyes. He was crying, too.
Are you familiar with this very short chapter book? Here's a brief overview:
Little Willy may only be ten, but that doesn't mean he can't run a potato farm. His grandfather has become very ill. Willy is determined to make everything better by harvesting the potato crop.
When that doesn't help matters, Willy discovers a debt that his grandfather owes for $500.
Against all odds, Willy enters a dog-sled race, where he'll compete against the best racers in the country, including the huge Indian, Stone Fox, who has never lost a race.
Will his determination and courage be enough?
As mentioned, this book is a tear-jerker. However, it spurred great conversation (great enough to make me forget I had an appointment...), and I'm glad we read it together.
(See hundreds of reviews of Deliciously Clean Reads at my blog: http://homespunlight.blogspot.com/ )
August 8, 2019
Time to retire this one. There are so many good books to choose from and we need to do better when we know better.
https://americanindiansinchildrenslit...
https://americanindiansinchildrenslit...
March 24, 2018
I have read this book 3 times (once with each of my daughters and now with my 2nd grade students) and each time I am a complete emotional wreck by the end. This short chapter book really tugs at the heartstrings and leaves so much to feel and discuss.
December 5, 2017
Though I finished it days ago, this story is still growing on me. While I read it aloud to my class, I had a lot of doubts. The writing is fine, but I was not thrilled with the story’s glumness. I don’t oppose that, on principle, or in general, but it just did not seem to have a point. There were also details that did not float my boat or got stuck in my craw. For example, I was confused by the grandfather’s condition, very confused, and still am.
However, the stunned silence of the children at the end, the tears of quite a few, and the ending itself, was quite extraordinary. Now there are details at the end and throughout I must savour and mull over, such as Stone Fox's actions. I’m thinking about the entire story because of that ending, and that’s a great effect to achieve despite the restraints on word choice, syntax, etc. of writing for this age group.
As I read, I swore up and down (in my head, of course) that I would not read this aloud again next year, but I’ve changed my mind.
However, the stunned silence of the children at the end, the tears of quite a few, and the ending itself, was quite extraordinary. Now there are details at the end and throughout I must savour and mull over, such as Stone Fox's actions. I’m thinking about the entire story because of that ending, and that’s a great effect to achieve despite the restraints on word choice, syntax, etc. of writing for this age group.
As I read, I swore up and down (in my head, of course) that I would not read this aloud again next year, but I’ve changed my mind.
April 17, 2022
Well, that was different. Starts off like what you expect, 10 year old living with his Grampa farming potatoes. Grampa takes ill. 10 year old harvested the potatoes with the help of his dog, then finds out he's going to lose the farm if he can't come up to pay taxes. So he finds out there is a dogsled race that conveniently pays $500. Him and his dog searchlight enter the race against a famed Indian (Native American) and his 5 Samoyeds, but it doesn't turn out the way you expect.
Short book with ok illustrations. I don't think you have to go out of your way to read it, but if you see it on shelf, you can take a few minutes to read it.
Short book with ok illustrations. I don't think you have to go out of your way to read it, but if you see it on shelf, you can take a few minutes to read it.
September 21, 2009
Don, Celeste, and I cried like babies when we read this together, many years ago. We still remember Stone Fox as one our fondest reading memories. Go, Searchlight, go!
September 16, 2016
It was really good. This was about teaching people to care for others and try to help them work things out. Willie tried helping out his grandfather and did everything he could. The ending was sad, but I still liked it a lot. Searchlight was Willie's dog, and she worked hard for him. She ran too fast, and it hurt her heart. You will love this book as much as me.
June 20, 2019
This book was required reading when I was in third grade and it killed the joy of reading in me for the next 10 years.
Slow, simple and an ending designed to emotionally manipulate the reader.
Slow, simple and an ending designed to emotionally manipulate the reader.
November 5, 2019
It started out heartwarming, gained momentum, and the finish brought tears of sadness and happiness to our eyes. What a beautiful children’s story of hope, hard work, redemption, and family loyalty.
May 26, 2013
Well now I know why teachers are known for how they can't read this book aloud to the classroom without being struck by a coughing fit or having their allergies suddenly kick up out of nowhere.
The ending was so shocking to me. I bolted up off the floor to replay it to make sure I heard it right.
I did.
I didn't see it coming.
Anyone who doesn't cry at the end of this one has a questionable soul.
This will be one I will love and reread for years to come, and most likely cry every time because I'm a sap like that.
The ending was so shocking to me. I bolted up off the floor to replay it to make sure I heard it right.
I did.
I didn't see it coming.
Anyone who doesn't cry at the end of this one has a questionable soul.
This will be one I will love and reread for years to come, and most likely cry every time because I'm a sap like that.
February 17, 2015
It is sad but i don't want to spoal it
September 1, 2022
This is a beautiful book about a boy who takes on a challenge to help save his grandfather's farm.
August 12, 2012
Very sad!
Spoiler Alert!!
The main character is a ten-year-old boy named Billy who owns a very nice dog named Stella. Billy lives with his grandfather. Life is good until his grandfather falls seriously ill. This man came to the door after the grandpa has been sick for a while. He says that the grandpa hasn't been paying his taxes so he'll have to take grandpa's farm away. Billy, unwilling to let the farm be taken away and himself thrust into an orphanage, enters him and his dog into this dog race in town. He's racing against the legendary Stone Fox who has never lost a dogsled race yet. Once the race starts he gets a good headstart, despite the fact that he has Stella and Stone Fox has 5 beautiful Samoyeds (a type of dog) who are very fast. But slowly and steadily Stone Fox advances on Billy until they're neck and neck. Suddenly Billy's dog Stella dies. Stone Fox draws a line in the snow and tells all the other racers not to cross the line or he will shoot them. Then he tells Billy to cross the finish line. Billy carries Stella across the finish line and saves the farm and his grandfather; a bittersweet ending.
Spoiler Alert!!
The main character is a ten-year-old boy named Billy who owns a very nice dog named Stella. Billy lives with his grandfather. Life is good until his grandfather falls seriously ill. This man came to the door after the grandpa has been sick for a while. He says that the grandpa hasn't been paying his taxes so he'll have to take grandpa's farm away. Billy, unwilling to let the farm be taken away and himself thrust into an orphanage, enters him and his dog into this dog race in town. He's racing against the legendary Stone Fox who has never lost a dogsled race yet. Once the race starts he gets a good headstart, despite the fact that he has Stella and Stone Fox has 5 beautiful Samoyeds (a type of dog) who are very fast. But slowly and steadily Stone Fox advances on Billy until they're neck and neck. Suddenly Billy's dog Stella dies. Stone Fox draws a line in the snow and tells all the other racers not to cross the line or he will shoot them. Then he tells Billy to cross the finish line. Billy carries Stella across the finish line and saves the farm and his grandfather; a bittersweet ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2009
A young boy enters a dog sled race in order to win the prize money. His grandfather may lose the family home unless he can pay the rest of the mortgage. Competing against former sled dog champions, the odds against Will are huge. This is an exciting story with a dramatic twist at the end. Middle school boys will like this one!
October 21, 2014
I give this 4 stars, but my 6 year old son would give it 5. His whole face dropped at the end, and I thought he would say it was too sad, but he immediately asked if we could read it again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2017
This is a great little story about courage and determination and love.
July 20, 2018
Such a sad and beatiful story very touching. Read this in third grade as a read aloud. Loved it so much that I bought the book and I stilll continue to re-read it.
September 19, 2020
Brilliant
October 30, 2020
Fun listen with the boys! Ending was more traumatic than I was expecting but touching story!
November 4, 2022
had to read this to my class for the curriculum. it did a good job highlighting the literacy skills, but the context is so far from culturally relevant for these kids.
March 12, 2016
Not into children's books? Then you may want to pass on this one. However, I think the story can be enjoyed by a reader of any level. Just realize that the vocabulary and reading level may be not what you are used to. I'm into children's books of many types because I am a teacher.
But it's decent historical fiction, coming of age writing. I couldn't sleep the other night and picked this up. It's not long. I finished it before my eyes gave out on me. It would be like reading a short story to most of you.
Little Willie, the main character, will touch your heart. It seems amazing that a young boy at his age can do so much, but since this was set in our early years, kids did more than they do now anyway. So when he starts taking care of the farm AND his sick grandfather, it didn't make me put the book down. And since it was written at a young person's level, it was really a fast read. You will fall in love with little Willie, probably get somewhat angry with the grandfather, and recognize the heart of a man named Stone Fox. Give it a try. It might just wind up on your favorites list for a short read.
But it's decent historical fiction, coming of age writing. I couldn't sleep the other night and picked this up. It's not long. I finished it before my eyes gave out on me. It would be like reading a short story to most of you.
Little Willie, the main character, will touch your heart. It seems amazing that a young boy at his age can do so much, but since this was set in our early years, kids did more than they do now anyway. So when he starts taking care of the farm AND his sick grandfather, it didn't make me put the book down. And since it was written at a young person's level, it was really a fast read. You will fall in love with little Willie, probably get somewhat angry with the grandfather, and recognize the heart of a man named Stone Fox. Give it a try. It might just wind up on your favorites list for a short read.
April 14, 2015
Personal Reflection - I chose to read this book because I’d seen it being used in the classroom when I was subbing as a Para. Each and every single student, boys and girls alike, were thoroughly enjoying the book and from what little I’d learned about it while there, I just knew I had to add it to my list of future reads. It did not disappoint! The book was easy to relate to and certainly pulled at my heartstrings. The theme of hope, hard work, and dedication are practically my motto and this book can be enjoyable and beneficial for many age groups.
Purpose – 3rd to 4th grade read-aloud or read-to-self. This book could serve many lessons. I could use it for history and geography studies. It would be great for lessons on character traits, story elements, literary devices, and personal connections (text-to-self, text-to-world, text-to-text). This book could be used for a creative writing assignment as well.
Other Comments – Super fast and easy read! A must add book to my classroom bookshelves.
Purpose – 3rd to 4th grade read-aloud or read-to-self. This book could serve many lessons. I could use it for history and geography studies. It would be great for lessons on character traits, story elements, literary devices, and personal connections (text-to-self, text-to-world, text-to-text). This book could be used for a creative writing assignment as well.
Other Comments – Super fast and easy read! A must add book to my classroom bookshelves.
January 23, 2023
Just no.
This is possibly my least favorite book that I’ve ever read. Not only did the story not seem remotely close to interesting but the fact that the dog died, not even from old age, but because Little Willy worked the dog so hard in a race it’s heart exploded. Then an Native American threatened anyone who would try and win the race, and William dragged the dog’s body to the finish line. Then the story just ends so abruptly. Would. Not. Recommend.
This is possibly my least favorite book that I’ve ever read. Not only did the story not seem remotely close to interesting but the fact that the dog died, not even from old age, but because Little Willy worked the dog so hard in a race it’s heart exploded. Then an Native American threatened anyone who would try and win the race, and William dragged the dog’s body to the finish line. Then the story just ends so abruptly. Would. Not. Recommend.
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