From tales of unbreakable friendships to stories of remarkable loyalty, these books like Where The Red Fern Grows will tug at your heartstrings, leaving you with that same indelible feeling of connection and love for our furry companions. So, whether you’re longing to revisit the world of Billy and his two faithful dogs or seeking new heartwarming narratives to cherish, our list will guide you to heartwarming stories that celebrate the beauty of love, loyalty, and the enduring human-animal bond.
Books Like Where The Red Fern Grows
Island of the Blue Dolphins (1960)
by Scott O’Dell
‘Island of the Blue Dolphins’ tells the story of Karana, a young Native American girl who lives on the island of San Nicolas. When her tribe leaves the island, she’s accidentally left behind. Karana must adapt to her solitary life, learning survival skills, building shelter, and forming a connection with the island’s wildlife. She names her animal friends and faces challenges from harsh weather, predators, and her own loneliness. Over the years, she transforms from a scared girl into a skilled and independent woman.
As time passes, Karana’s hope of rescue diminishes, and she makes a life for herself on the island. She tames wild dogs, cultivates fields, and even fashions weapons to defend against Aleut hunters who come to the island. Her resilience, determination, and bond with nature become central to her existence. Eventually, she rescues a wild child, and they form a sibling-like relationship.
“Island of the Blue Dolphins” captures the spirit of human endurance and the power of the human-animal bond in the face of adversity, making it the perfect read for those who liked ‘Where the Red Fern Grows.’
Total Pages– 194 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.86
Amazon Rating– 4.7
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 6 hours and 28 minutes to finish Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell.
Black Beauty (1877)
by Anna Sewell
This classic novel is narrated from the perspective of a horse named Black Beauty. The story follows Black Beauty’s life as he moves from one owner to another, depicting his experiences and relationships with various humans and animals. From his early days of gentle care under Squire Gordon to his challenging times as a cab horse in London, Black Beauty’s journey exposes the reader to the different treatment of horses and their impact on their well-being.
Throughout the novel, Sewell uses Black Beauty’s perspective to advocate for the fair treatment and humane treatment of animals. The book highlights the significance of kindness and empathy towards animals and addresses social issues related to animal welfare and human behavior. Through a series of encounters, both positive and tragic, the narrative showcases the diverse ways that humans interact with animals and how these interactions can shape both the animals and the people involved.
‘Black Beauty’ is not just a story of one horse’s life, but also a powerful call for compassion, highlighting the ripple effects of kindness and cruelty. The book’s timeless message continues to resonate with readers, emphasizing the importance of empathy, responsibility, and understanding in our relationships with animals and each other, which is what makes it such a compelling read for all fans of ‘Where the Red Fern Grows.’
Total Pages– 245 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.99
Amazon Rating– 4.6
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 8 hours and 10 minutes to finish Black Beauty by Anna Sewell.
Shiloh (1991)
by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Similar to ‘Where the Red Fern Grows,’ ‘Shiloh’ is a touching exploration of loyalty, ethics, and the lengths one boy is willing to go to ensure the well-being of a beloved animal companion. It’s a tale that captivates readers with its emotional depth, relatable characters, and timeless lessons about compassion and doing what’s right.
It is a heartwarming and poignant story about a young boy named Marty Preston and his deep bond with a mistreated beagle named Shiloh. Set in rural West Virginia, the novel follows Marty as he discovers the injured dog in the woods, nursed him back to health, and forms an unbreakable connection with him.
Marty becomes determined to keep Shiloh safe from his abusive owner, Judd Travers, despite the challenges he faces in doing so. Throughout the story, Marty navigates moral dilemmas, family dynamics, and the complexities of standing up for what he believes is right. The novel beautifully portrays the themes of empathy, compassion, and the power of friendship.
As Marty’s efforts to protect Shiloh escalate, the story delves into the impact of his actions on both his own life and the lives of those around him. The narrative showcases the growth of characters, as they learn about forgiveness, understanding, and the true meaning of family.
Total Pages– 145 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.95
Amazon Rating– 4.7
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 4 hours and 50 minutes to finish Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.
Because of Winn-Dixie (2000)
by Kate DiCamillo
‘Because of Winn-Dixie’ is a heartwarming novel about a young girl named Opal Buloni who discovers the power of friendship, community, and healing. Set in the small town of Naomi, Florida, the story follows Opal as she adopts a stray dog she names Winn-Dixie. The scruffy dog quickly becomes Opal’s companion and helps her bridge the gap between her and her father, the town’s preacher.
As Opal and Winn-Dixie explore their new surroundings, they meet an array of quirky characters, each with their own stories and struggles. Through her interactions with them, Opal learns about loneliness, forgiveness, and the complexities of human emotions. The town’s unique personalities, including the local librarian Miss Franny, the ex-convict Otis, and Gloria Dump, a wise woman, play pivotal roles in Opal’s journey of self-discovery.
The central theme revolves around the transformative power of friendship and how it can heal wounds and bring joy to people’s lives. As Opal navigates the challenges of growing up, she discovers that by opening herself up to others and embracing their stories, she can find her place in the world and mend the broken relationships around her.
Total Pages– 182 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.08
Amazon Rating– 4.8
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 6 hours and 4 minutes to finish Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo.
The Tale of Despereaux (2003)
by Kate DiCamillo
This charming children’s novel follows the adventures of a small and courageous mouse named Despereaux. Born with abnormally large ears and a heart full of bravery, Despereaux doesn’t fit the mold of a typical mouse. He is captivated by stories of knights and damsels, and his unorthodox behavior sets him on a path of extraordinary destiny.
In the castle of Dor, where Despereaux resides, he falls in love with the princess, Pea. His interactions with her lead to dangerous consequences, leading him to confront the castle’s dark and ominous rats. Meanwhile, Roscuro, a rat, is tired of his underground life and yearns for the light. Their stories intersect in unexpected ways.
The narrative also follows Miggery Sow, a simple girl who dreams of becoming a princess, and Gregory, the jailer who seeks redemption for a past mistake. Their lives intertwine as the story navigates themes of bravery, forgiveness, and the power of being true to oneself.
Total Pages– 272 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.06
Amazon Rating– 4.7
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 9 hours and 4 minutes to finish The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo.
Song for a Whale (2019)
by Lynne Kelly
‘Song for a Whale’ tells the touching story of Iris, a young Deaf girl who feels disconnected from the world due to her inability to communicate with others effectively. Iris becomes captivated by Blue 55, a real-life whale who sings at a frequency different from other whales, rendering him unable to communicate with his kin. Drawing a parallel between her own isolation and the whale’s predicament, Iris becomes determined to help Blue 55 by composing a song at a frequency he can hear, hoping to bridge the communication gap.
With the help of her grandmother, her science teacher, and a new friend named Wendell, who is also Deaf, Iris embarks on a journey to Alaska to find a way to play her song for the whale. Along the way, she faces personal challenges, navigates her own sense of identity, and learns the power of friendship and determination.
This novel is a great read and is strongly recommended for all those who liked reading ‘Where the Red Fern Grows.’
Total Pages– 303 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.24
Amazon Rating– 4.7
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 10 hours and 6 minutes to finish Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly.
Summer of the Monkeys (1976)
by Wilson Rawls
This heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the 14-year-old Jay Berry Lee in rural Oklahoma during the late 1800s. Jay Berry dreams of owning a pony and a .22 rifle, but his plans are disrupted when a troop of escaped monkeys, previously used for circus shows, appears in the nearby woods. The monkeys are considered a treasure due to a reward offered for their return.
Jay Berry, driven by the prospect of using the reward money to fulfill his dreams, embarks on a challenging and often humorous quest to catch the monkeys. Along the way, he receives guidance from his grandfather and forms an unexpected friendship with a girl named Daisy.
As Jay Berry’s attempts to capture the monkeys become increasingly elaborate and daring, he learns valuable life lessons about determination, family, and understanding. The novel explores themes of perseverance, the bond between generations, and the importance of empathy and compassion.
Total Pages– 288 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.07
Amazon Rating– 4.7
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 9 hours and 36 minutes to finish Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls.
Bridge to Terabithia (1977)
by Katherine Paterson
This poignant and touching coming-of-age novel follows the friendship between two fifth-grade students, Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke.
The two outsiders form a deep bond and create a magical imaginary kingdom called Terabithia in the nearby woods. This realm becomes an escape from the challenges they face in the real world. Together, they rule over Terabithia, facing mythical creatures and personal fears.
However, one morning, Leslie goes to Terabithia without Jess and a tragedy occurs. Jess eventually finds solace and learns to cope with his grief through the lessons Leslie taught him about imagination, friendship, and bravery.
Like ‘Where the Red Fern Grows,’ this novel is an emotionally charged tale of loss and grief, and overcoming it.
Total Pages– 190 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.04
Amazon Rating– 4.7
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 6 hours and 20 minutes to finish Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson.
Hatchet (1986)
by Gary Paulsen
This gripping survival novel follows the story of Brian Robeson, a thirteen-year-old boy who finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness after his plane crashes. Stranded in the vast and unforgiving forest with only a hatchet salvaged from the wreckage, Brian must rely on his wits and resourcefulness to stay alive.
As Brian faces the challenges of finding food, building shelter, and battling nature’s elements, he also confronts his inner fears and loneliness. He grapples with memories of his parents’ recent divorce and the haunting image of the pilot’s death in the crash. With time, Brian learns to adapt, gradually developing survival skills and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Throughout the story, Brian experiences moments of triumph and setback, forging a resilient spirit. He learns to make fire, spear fish, and defend himself from wildlife threats. His evolving relationship with nature becomes a central theme, as he gains respect for the environment and its rhythms.
Total Pages– 208 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.77
Amazon Rating– 4.7
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 6 hours and 56 minutes to finish Hatchet by Gary Paulsen.
A Lantern in Her Hand (1928)
by Aldrich
‘A Lantern in Her Hand’ offers a poignant exploration of the sacrifices and contributions of women in shaping the American West.
It follows the life of Abbie Deal, a strong and determined pioneer woman, as she navigates the challenges and triumphs of life on the American frontier during the 19th century. The novel traces Abbie’s journey from her dreams of becoming a concert pianist to her marriage to Will Deal, a homesteader, and her subsequent life as a mother and homemaker.
As Abbie and Will build their lives together, they face hardships, including economic difficulties, the loss of loved ones, and the struggles of raising a family in a harsh environment. Abbie’s unwavering determination, resourcefulness, and commitment to her family serve as a driving force in overcoming these challenges.
Throughout the novel, Abbie’s character evolves, and her dreams take a back seat to the demands of frontier life. The narrative portrays her sacrifices, joys, and personal growth, showcasing her as a symbol of the strength and resilience of pioneer women.
Total Pages– 251 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.17
Amazon Rating– 4.6
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 8 hours and 22 minutes to finish A Lantern in Her Hand by Aldrich.
Esperanza Rising (2000)
by Pam Muñoz Ryan
This novel tells the story of Esperanza Ortega, a privileged young girl living a comfortable life on a ranch in Mexico in the 1930s. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when her father dies, and she and her mother must flee to the United States to escape their oppressive circumstances. They settle in a Mexican labour camp in California, where they face harsh working conditions and discrimination.
Stripped of their wealth and social status, Esperanza and her mother must adapt to their new life as laborers and face challenges such as labour strikes and racial tensions. As Esperanza navigates this difficult reality, she learns the value of hard work, empathy, and resilience. Through her experiences, she develops a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by migrant workers and gains a renewed appreciation for her family’s strength and unity.
The novel explores themes of social injustice, economic disparity, and the power of community and family bonds.
Total Pages– 262 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.03
Amazon Rating– 4.7
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 8 hours and 44 minutes to finish Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan.
Conclusion to Books like Where the Red Fern Grows
And that concludes the list for books like Where the Red Fern Grows!
The above list with books like Where the Red Fern Grows, share the heartfelt bond between people and animals, taking you on emotional adventures. Whether it’s the loyalty of a pet or the courage of young characters, these stories will tug at your heartstrings. So, grab one of these reads, cozy up, and get ready to feel a mix of emotions, from happiness to sadness. Each book is a journey filled with love and connection that fans of ‘Where the Red Fern Grows’ are sure to cherish.