Stone Fox [Hardcover]

John Reynolds Gardiner (Author), Marcia Sewall (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

There's just no stopping little Willy. Determined to keep their farm going -- and to give his ailing grandfather a reason to live -- the ten-year-old boy hitches his dog, Searchlight, to the plow and harvests the whole potato crop.

Now little Willy needs five hundred dollars to pay off ten years' back taxes, or the farm will be taken away from them. Dauntless as ever, he stakes everything on one wild hope: that he and Searchlight can outrun the best dogsled racers in the country -- including the legendary Indian, Stone Fox. But the huge mountain man is every bit as intent on winning the big prize money as little Willy is. And he and his five beautiful Samoyeds haven't lost a race yet....

Based on a Rocky Mountain legend, John Reynolds Gardiner's story -- like its hero, little Willy -- has all the ingredients of a winner, right down to the unforeseen drama at the finish line.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-Two delightful short books by John Reynolds Gardiner have been paired up in this audio set. Stone Fox (HarperCollins, 1980) tells the story of a boy determined to win a dog sled race to save his grandfather's farm. No one has ever beaten Stone Fox, an imposing and silent Native American, but little Willy trains daily for the race with his beloved dog, Searchlight. It seems like Willy might even win the race until heartbreaking tragedy strikes. Top Secret (Little, 1984) also features a determined boy and his grandfather, but in a much different setting and story. Allen Brewster has a fantastic idea that might even win the silver trophy at the science fair human photosynthesis. He has several obstacles to overcome. Allen persists in his mission using the scientific method and finally comes up with a concoction that turns him into a human plant. He turns green, craves sunlight and water instead of food, and sprouts baby roots if he stands in mud too long. Everything changes when Allen is deemed a threat to national security and his project is suddenly top secret. Both books are about 20 years old, so the characters do not represent very diverse backgrounds, but the messages of loyalty and determination are timeless. Tony Award winner B. D. Wong narrates the characters to fit the emotion and suspense of each story. The fact that one sentence was left out of the narration of Stone Fox and a few words were dropped from Top Secret might deter purchase of this audiobook for a read-along program. Each story could be listened to for pleasure or as a springboard for classroom discussion.
Teresa Wittmann, St. Anthony School, Renton, WA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

“A superb piece of storytelling-without doubt the most exciting and moving book this season.” (The New Yorker )

“Gardiner’s description of the race and sudden climax (based on legend) is fast-paced and enveloping.” (School Library Journal )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; 1st edition (April 23, 1980)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0690039832
• ISBN-13: 978-0690039832
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (303 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #479,849 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #72 in Books > Children's Books > Sports & Games > Sports > Winter Sports

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Terrific Story, August 14, 2000

By 

Roz Levine - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stone Fox (Paperback)

Ten year old Willy lives in Jackson, Wyoming on a potato farm with his grandfather and his dog Searchlight. When his grandfather falls ill and the tax collector comes calling for back taxes, Willy is determined to find the money to save the farm. But where can a 10 year old boy earn $500? He sees an advertisement for the National Dogsled Race, held each year in Jackson and decides to enter. He is convinced that he and Searchlight can beat the other racers, among them, an American Indian, Stone Fox. Stone Fox has a team of five Samoyeds and has never lost a race. He races to earn prize money so that he can buy back land taken from his people. John Reynolds Gardiner has written a beautiful story of faith and courage with strong, exciting scenes that move the story along at a fast pace. With its powerful, emotional ending, youngsters begin to understand that not every story has a happy ending and you have to learn to accept the good with the bad. Stone Fox is a story of two heroes, trying to win the race for good causes and in the end, they were both winners. A must read for children age 9-12 and the perfect read-aloud family book.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A three hankie book, July 17, 2005

By 

Carolyn Rampone "Carolyn D'Amico Rampone" (Plantation, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stone Fox (Paperback)

This old tale was required reading in my son's 4th grade class last year. I had never heard of it before and it didn't look all that interesting either. I picked it up and was reading the last two chapters or so and then the tears started flowing. I mean, this was a heavy sob and I couldn't stop. Thankfully, it got better at the very end and the waterworks stopped. Not many children's books have such a powerful effect on me like this one has. I think Stone Fox can teach children of all ages (this one isn't a kid anymore) ) the meaning of love and determination like no other book can. I recommend it highly. It should be right up there on your list.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book you'll love even if your mom gets it for you, March 30, 2002

By 

bensmomma "bensmomma" (Ann Arbor, Michigan) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Stone Fox (Paperback)

This was one of the first chapter books my 7-year-old son ever read. Even though he was just learning, the exciting story about the boy racing his favorite sled dog to get prize money to save the family farm was gripping. Not too hard or too long either.

Even though I am a grown-up, the ending surprised me and moved me. It was exciting, and it made me think. Kids, read it before they assign it in school! Parents, if you have a reluctant reader, give this one a try. You will even enjoy it yourselves.