Old Yeller (HarperClassics)

This book was magnificent. I cried ugly tears at the end, and, if you've seen the movie or read it before, you know why I cried. The last 10 pages are an emotional roller coaster. In just the last 10 pages, I cried over words on a piece of paper, then learned a life lesson, then the next thing I know, I'm laughing my butt off. Great book! If there was an option to give this 6 stars, I would consider it. I'm reading Where the Red Fern Grows next!

What a marvelous story! Written primarily for teens and young adults in 1956 by Fred Gipson "Old Yeller" is a difficult book to categorize. On the one hand it's a Western novel about a family's efforts to build a homestead for themselves in the wilds of Post-Civil War Texas. On the other hand it's a "coming of age" story about a boy who's left in charge of the ranch, while Pa goes on a cattle drive to Kansas, and the stray dog that wanders into their lives and changes everything. Life on the frontier was hard and Gipson's narrative seems to offer a fresh look at the problems a family could face. With Pa away for most of the summer Travis and his mother must deal with the every day issues that crop up; harvesting their crops, tending the stock and dealing with local wildlife-- some of them dangerous, not to mention a half-wild little brother who is a real handful. The narrator of the story is Travis, as an older man looking back on the events of that fateful summer. Fred Gipson, the author, was born on a farm in the Texas Hill Country where he often worked as a farmer and rancher before attending college for a degree in journalism and becoming a full time writer, as a result much of the narrative is based on his personal, first hand, experience. I like Gipson's writing style, it's graphic without being overly violent, reminds me of Will James and Zane Gray. This is a great book that also made a classic Disney movie with the same title. If you're looking for exciting novel about a boy and his dog in an old-west setting, well "Old Yeller" just might be the ticket. I had no downloading or technical problems with this Kindle edition. Last Ranger

I barely remember watching the movie as a child but had never read the book. Even though you know how it's going to end, it still brings a tear to your eye. Great book! Should be required reading for every boy.

Must read and a true classic. I read this or it was read to me in fifth grade by my teacher and I fell in love with it. About that time, I was introduced to the old movie made by Disney. I fell in love with that too. If you read this you will not be disappointed because althoughIt’s a little different, the book and the movie are close enough that you could introduce it as a teacher Or a parent. If you’ve ever had a dog or a pet of any kind that you grew up with, this book will definitely touch your heart!

I liked it first i read where the red fearn grows then I read this I like the books but the end is so sad

Great gift

I am a grandmother of four who loves educational books that combine history with a great story. Old Yeller provides children with the insight of what it was like to live in the days of horse pulled wagons, early farming, and living in the wilderness. In addition, Old Yeller tells the story of a young boy meeting the challenge of taking on his fathers responsibilities while his father is away and about the dog who helps him. You may be searching for books that capture your children's attention because they do not like to read and you may also tend to seek books filled with sarcastic phrases, double meanings, slang, etc. to entice your non-reader into reading. Keep the faith! There are classic stories out there that also target these children and Old Yeller is one of them. This book is best enjoyed in a cozy surrounding, just you and the kids. Read the story to your children and have them return the favor. No gadget, computerized instrument, or cartooned book will ever replace a classic Like Old Yeller.

Classic book and nice addition to our collection!!