Synopses & Reviews
John Reynolds Gardiner's action-packed canine adventure story of a thrilling dogsled race has captivated readers for more than thirty years.
Based on a Rocky Mountain legend, Stone Fox tells the story of Little Willy, who lives with his grandfather in Wyoming. When Grandfather falls ill, he is no longer able to work the farm, which is in danger of foreclosure. Little Willy is determined to win the National Dogsled Race—the prize money would save the farm and his grandfather. But he isn't the only one who desperately wants to win. Willy and his brave dog Searchlight must face off against experienced racers, including a Native American man named Stone Fox, who has never lost a race.
Exciting and heartwarming, this novel has sold millions of copies and was named a New York Times Outstanding Children's Book.
Supports the Common Core State Standards
Review
“Gardiners description of the race and sudden climax (based on legend) is fast-paced and enveloping.” School Library Journal
Review
“A superb piece of storytellingwithout doubt the most exciting and moving book this season.” The New Yorker
Synopsis
John Reynolds Gardiner's classic action-packed adventure story about a thrilling dogsled race has captivated readers for more than thirty years. This middle grade novel is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5 to 6, especially during homeschooling. It's a fun way to keep your child entertained and engaged while not in the classroom.
Based on a Rocky Mountain legend, Stone Fox tells the story of Little Willy, who lives with his grandfather in Wyoming. When Grandfather falls ill, he is no longer able to work the farm, which is in danger of foreclosure. Little Willy is determined to win the National Dogsled Race--the prize money would save the farm and his grandfather. But he isn't the only one who desperately wants to win. Willy and his brave dog Searchlight must face off against experienced racers, including a Native American man named Stone Fox, who has never lost a race.
Exciting and heartwarming, this novel has sold millions of copies and was named a New York Times Outstanding Children's Book.
Synopsis
Ten-year-old Willy has a big job to do -- he has to find a way to raise enough money to save his grandfather's farm from the tax collectors. But where can a boy get five hundred dollars in a hurry? Then Willy sees the poster for the National Dogsled Race, and he knows what he must do. But can one boy and his dog be a match for the legendary Stone Fox and his unbeatable team of sled dogs? First published in 1980, this exciting tale has been a favorite of millions of readers, and is now available in a newly repackaged edition.
Synopsis
A Race Against Time
Little Willy's grandfather is sick, and it's up to Willy to save their farm from tax collectors. Their only hope is the prize money from the National Dogsled Race. But a lot of other people want to win the race, too, including Stone Fox, who has never lost a race in his life.
Do Willy and his dog Searchlight stand a chance against the toughest racers around? Can they win the race to save the farm -- and Grandfather -- before it's too late?
Synopsis
Southern California Council on Literature for Children and Young People Award
Synopsis
Ten-year-old Willy needs to win the big dogsled race in order to pay the back taxes on his grandfather's farm'but that means beating the huge Indian mountain man, Stone Fox.
Outstanding Children's Books of 1980 (NYT)
1980 Choices (Association of Booksellers for Children)
Children's Books of 1980 (Library of Congress)
1986?87 Alabama Young Readers' Choice Award
1987 Maud Hart Lovelace Award (Minnesota)
1985 Utah Children's Book Award
1981 Notable Book of Fiction Award (Southern California Council on Literature for Children and Young People)
About the Author
John Reynolds Gardiner, an engineer by profession, has also worked as a writer adapting children's stories for television.
A native of Los Angeles, he has lived in West Germany, Central America, and the state of Idaho, where he first heard the legend that is the basis for Stone Fox, his first published work. He is also the author of Top Secret and General Butterfingers.
Mr. Gardiner lives in Huntington Beach, California, with his wife, Gloria, and their three daughters: Carrie, Alicia, and Danielle.