Stone Fox facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | John Reynolds Gardiner |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Marcia Sewall |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novellas |
| Published | 1980 Harper & Row |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| Pages | 96 pages |
| ISBN | 0-06-440132-4 |
| OCLC | 9333615 |
| Fic | |
| LC Class | MICS 2006/42188 (P) |
Stone Fox is a popular children's book written by John Reynolds Gardiner. It is a short novel, also called a novella, and it was the first book Gardiner wrote. When Stone Fox came out in 1980, people loved it. It sold millions of copies! Later, it was even made into a television movie in 1987. The book was recognized as a special book by The New York Times. It was also listed in "100 Best Books for Children."
The story is about a brave boy named Little Willy. He enters a dog sled race to win money. He needs the prize money to save his grandfather's farm from taxes. The book is written in a simple way. It takes place a long time ago in the American Old West. John Reynolds Gardiner got the idea for Stone Fox from an old legend. He heard this story when he visited Idaho in the Rocky Mountains.
The Story of Stone Fox
What Happens in the Book
The main character is ten-year-old Willy. He lives on a potato farm in Jackson, Wyoming, in the 1880s. He lives with his grandfather and his loyal dog, Searchlight. One cold winter, Willy's grandfather becomes very sick. A tax collector visits the farm. He says they owe $500 in unpaid taxes. If they don't pay, they will lose their farm.
Willy believes he and Searchlight can win the National Dogsled Race. This race happens every year in Jackson. The winner gets $500, which is exactly what they need. But Willy will race against a very strong opponent. This is Stone Fox, a Native American racer. Stone Fox has never lost a race. He uses his winnings to buy land for his tribe. He usually does not speak to white people.
As the race nears the finish line, Willy and Searchlight are in the lead! But then, something sad happens. Searchlight's heart bursts, and she dies right before they cross the finish line. Willy is heartbroken and cries over his dog. Stone Fox sees Willy's sadness. He draws a line in the snow. He then pulls out his pistol to stop the other racers. For the first time, he speaks to the white people. He says, "Anyone crosses this line—I shoot." Stone Fox then allows Willy to carry Searchlight's body across the finish line. This moment shows that people from different backgrounds can understand and respect each other.
Main Characters
- Little Willy - He is the main character of the book. Willy lives with his grandfather on a potato farm in Jackson, Wyoming. He is a brave and determined boy.
- Searchlight - This is Willy's loyal black dog. She is a very important part of the story.
- Grandfather - Willy's grandfather is sick for much of the story. He relies on Willy to help save their farm.
- Doc Smith - She is the town's only doctor. Doc Smith is a good friend to Willy and his grandfather.
- Stone Fox - He is a Native American racer. Stone Fox is known for never losing a race. He uses his prize money to buy back land for his people. He is usually very quiet around white people.
- Mr. Clifford Snyder - He is the local tax collector. He tells Willy about the unpaid taxes on the farm.
- Mr. Foster - He is the bank president. Mr. Foster helps Willy with the paperwork for the race.
- Lester - He is a kind store clerk. Lester works at Lester's general store.
The Stone Fox Movie
Stone Fox was also made into a TV movie in 1987. It first aired on NBC on March 30, 1987. The movie stars Buddy Ebsen as Grandpa, Joey Cramer as Willy, and Gordon Tootoosis as Stone Fox. Belinda Montgomery plays Doc Smith. The film was made by Allarcom Limited and Taft Broadcasting. It was also made with Hanna-Barbera and directed by Harvey Hart.
The movie's story is a little different from the book. In the film, Grandpa has a stroke. Willy needs to win the race to save his Grandpa's cattle ranch. Also, after Searchlight dies, Stone Fox leaves Willy a puppy. Willy names this puppy "Morgan" in the movie. The film was shot in Alberta, Canada, at places like Fort Edmonton Park.
