Synopses & Reviews
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.
Review
“A superb piece of storytelling-without doubt the most exciting and moving book this season.” The New Yorker
Review
“Gardiners description of the race and sudden climax (based on legend) is fast-paced and enveloping.” School Library Journal
Synopsis
John Reynolds Gardiner's classic action-packed adventure story about 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.
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
Three million readers can t be wrong! Stone Fox is an action-packed canine adventure story that s as popular today as when it was first published twenty-five years ago. It s a race against time as Little Willy tries to win the prize money from the National Dogsled Race that could save the family farm. But he has to beat Stone Fox, who has never lost a race in his life. The story of Little Willy and his brave dog Searchlight is sure to touch the hearts of millions more.
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.