Fred Gipson (1907–1973)

Old Yeller is yet another children's classic I'd never read before now. I don't think I've watched the movie either, but of course I knew how it ends. However, I didn't expect the entire book to basically be just about getting to that ending. It's even stated on the first page that the narrator, Travis, would end up having to kill this stray. For me, that definitely dampened the enjoyment of the story of Travis and Old Yeller becoming good friends. What bothered me the most, though, was Travis's little brother Arliss. Oh my goodness, that kid is annoying! Every time he gets upset about something, he gets violent, even with his own mother. And it basically goes unchecked. It just all seems extreme and unnecessary. And in the end, I was left wondering what the author's intention was in writing this book. And would it have been such a classic if it weren't for the tragic ending? Take that away, and you just have the story of a boy and his dog, which has been done.… (meer)

Published in the 1950's, Old Yeller has been a household book that families have enjoyed for decades, and I'm sure it will be a classic for many more years to come in the future. The main character in this book is Travis Coates a 14 year old boy who has been given a request by his dad to take care of the family while he is gone from the family farm. Travis slowly learns what love, responsibility, and loyalty are all about. Will he do everything at his young age to be considered a man in his father and mother's eyes. Only the pages will reveal the answers.… (meer)