Old Yeller by Fred Gipson

 Old Yeller (Paperback) - Walmart.com - Walmart.com

Old Yeller by Fred Gipson 

  • Western Fiction 

  • Grade: 4th - 6th

  • Awards: 1957 Newbery Honor Award



Summary:

Old Yeller is a story about a young boy named Travis Coates who is tasked with taking care of his family and maintaining the farm while his father is away. One day, he finds a big, starved dog who has eaten all their meat. When he tries to chase it away, Travis's little brother, Arliss, defends the dog. Travis is wary of Old Yeller, the dog, until he saves Arliss from a bear. Old Yeller becomes Travis's little assistant around the farm until his real owner, Burn Sanderson claims him. Burn ends up leaving Old Yeller with Travis because he sees how much the dog is loved. Old Yeller and Travis later get into an accident with a pack of wild hogs and take much time to recover. Mama and one of the neighbors go out for firewood one night and get attacked by a diseased rabid wolf but Old Yeller saves them. Sadly, the story ends as Old Yeller catches rabies and must be shot by Travis who becomes numb and depressed. Finally, Travis's father returns home and tells him that he must move on. Arliss's new puppy gives him feelings of joy and sorrow all at once as he remembers his best friend, Old Yeller.

Evaluation:

This book is more age-appropriate for fourth graders; therefore, I would not use it in my classroom. It was a touching story and the ending was so heart-breaking. The plot of this story was detailed and attention-grabbing. Children at a young age are often interested in stories with animals so they would enjoy this easy read. This book could be used in a unit on reading, writing, and thinking using multiple texts. The students should be able to analyze the plot elements and explain the interactions of the characters and the changes they undergo.

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