Old Yeller

Old Yeller
by Fred Gipson

Genre: Historical Fiction

Honors:

Literary Prizes - Book Links

Literary Prizes - Booklist

Literary Prizes - Child Study Children's Book Committee

Literary Prizes - Elementary School Library Collection

Literary Prizes - Horn Book

Literary Prizes - Newbery Honor

Literary Prizes - Reference and Research Book News

Literary Prizes - Wilson's Children

Literary Prizes - Wilson's Junior High School

Review: With his father away working out of the area, Travis is given the role of man of the house at his family's ranch in Birdsong Creek, Texas, a role which means he must look after the chores and take care of his mother and younger brother, Arliss. He is told he ought to think about getting a dog, for security, but when a mangy mutt with one ear missing appears in their hog house one night and makes himself at home, Travis feels nothing but contempt for the dog and tries to discourage the dog from sticking around despite his brother's protestations to keep him as a pet. The dog, nicknamed "Old Yeller," comes to Arliss' rescue and, over time, proves himself to be Arliss' most faithful guardian. His determination to help Travis be a good rancher in place of his father wins Travis over. Always honest and plain-spoken, Travis uses no exaggerations in his narrative of Old Yeller's transformation from uninvited guest to member of the family, and his audience will find it difficult to come to terms with the fatal consequences brought upon Travis' new friend when he puts himself between Travis and a pack of rabid hogs, eventually succumbing to the disease himself.

Opinion: It doesn't seem to matter how many times I had heard of this story or seen the movie. I was never as touched by the tale of Old Yeller until I picked up this Newbery winner during my work on Assignment 1. I felt my eyes mist up several times. I appreciated the tone with which Travis describes the characters of his mother and brother, and through Gipson's authorship, he does a fantastic job characterizing the unique behaviors of each of the animals on the ranch and the way they interact with each other. Some of the scenes were very amusing, and I couldn't help laughing at the ridiculousness of the hogs even when I had the feeling, in the back of my mind, that at least one of them was sick and that something bad was going to happen. This story balanced humor with the burdens of dealing with death very eloquently.

Ideas: It seems that this book is often used for literary lessons in public education. I can think of several good writing prompts that would suit this book. Since the ending is so sad, I would solicit alternate ending ideas for perhaps a better end for Old Yeller or to see what may have happened with Old Yeller's son as a sequel to the story.