Wilson Rawls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Woodrow Wilson Rawls
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| Born | September 24, 1913 Scraper, Oklahoma |
| Died | December 16, 1984 (aged 71) Marshfield, Wisconsin |
| Occupation | Author |
| Nationality | American |
| Genre | Children's novels |
| Spouse | Sophie Ann Styczinski |
| Children | None |
Woodrow Wilson Rawls (born September 24, 1913 – died December 16, 1984) was an American author. He is famous for his heartwarming books for young readers. His most well-known stories are Where the Red Fern Grows and Summer of the Monkeys. These books are loved by many children and families.
Contents
Early Life and Adventures
When Wilson Rawls was 16, a tough time called the Great Depression started in the United States. This made it hard for many families to find work. His family decided to leave their home in Oklahoma to find a better life in California.
On their journey, their car broke down near Albuquerque, New Mexico. Rawls's father found a job at a toothpaste factory there. During the 1930s and 1940s, Rawls worked as a carpenter. He traveled to many places, including South America, Canada, and Alaska.
While traveling, he started writing stories. He wrote five books during this time, including Where the Red Fern Grows. His early writings had many mistakes in spelling and grammar. Because of this, he kept them hidden away.
In the late 1950s, Rawls worked for a construction company. He helped build a guided missile range in the Southwest. Later, he moved to Idaho Falls for another construction job. This job was for the Atomic Energy Commission. Rawls lived in a small cabin near Mud Lake.
It was there that he met Sophie Ann Styczinski. She worked as a budget analyst for the Atomic Energy Commission. Wilson and Sophie Ann got married on August 23, 1958.
Becoming a Writer and Speaker
Wilson Rawls wrote two popular novels: Where the Red Fern Grows and Summer of the Monkeys. These books became very successful and received lots of praise.
Rawls also became a great motivational speaker. He visited about 2,000 schools in 22 states. He shared his stories and encouraged young people. In 1983, he was diagnosed with cancer.
Even though Wilson and Sophie Ann did not have their own children, Rawls felt like he had many children. He considered all his young fans to be like his own kids. He once gave advice to aspiring writers. He told them to read a lot and study creative writing. Then, he said, "start writing and keep writing." He believed that if they didn't give up, they could become writers too.
His very first stories were scribbled in the sand. The only one who heard them was his pet, a Bluetick Coonhound.
His Famous Books
- Where the Red Fern Grows (published in 1961)
- Summer of the Monkeys (published in 1976)
Audio Versions of His Books
- Where the Red Fern Grows (audiobook released in 1989)
- Summer of the Monkeys (audiobook released in 1976)
Awards and Special Recognition
Wilson Rawls's books won many awards. These awards show how much people loved his stories.
Where the Red Fern Grows received:
- Evansville Book Award (1974)
- Young Readers Award (1980)
- Flicker Tale Children's Book Award (1981)
- 12th Annual Children's Book Award (1987)
- Great Stone Face Award (1988)
Summer of the Monkeys received:
- Sequoyah Children's Book Award (1979)
- William Allen White Children's Book Award (1979)
- Golden Archer Award (1979)
- Maud Hart Lovelace Award (1980)
- Young Reader Medal (1981)
