Little Willy lives on a potato farm in Wyoming with his grandfather. When his grandfather falls ill, the local doctor gives up on saving him. Determined to help, Willy decides to enter a dogsled race to win the cash prize for the medical costs and taxes needed to keep their farm. The story follows Willy as he trains with his loyal dog Searchlight for the climactic race against Stone Fox, a Native American racer. Willy must win the race in order to save his grandfather's life and their home.

1. INDEPENDENT READING BOOK FOURTH GRADE APRIL 2nd, 2010 Book-Talk Presentation

2. I will be sharing . . .

3. Stone Fox By: John Reynolds

4. GENRE: Realistic Fiction The short novel Stone Fox is based a true story about a boy and his dog in the Wyoming country. Based on a true story . . .

5. Main Characters Little Willy He is a ten year-old boy that has lived on a farm with his grandfather ever since his mother’s death. Willy is a very caring, determined, and smart boy that would do anything to help the people he loves. Willy’s dog is his best friend, and they are inseparable. Searchlight Little Willy’s dog that he has had all his life. Searchlight was named after the white spot on his forehead. He is very loving, determined, and protective . . .

6. Stone Fox He is a Native American that belongs to the Shoshone Tribe. Stone Fox is entering races around the country with his team of Samoyeds to win prize money in order to buy back his native land. He dislikes the “white” man for stealing his native land. Grandfather loves to play the harmonica and joke around with his grandson Little Willy. He has a full beard that always fills with tears when he laughs. Grandfather and Willy both work hard to harvest the potatoes on their family farm, UNTIL he suddenly and mysteriously falls ill. Secondary Characters Grandfather

7. Setting . . . . Willy and his Grandfather live on a small potato farm in the state of Wyoming. They live in a small farmhouse in the fictitious town of Jackson. The time of the year is winter, and the surrounding rural landscape is heavily wooded.

8. Little Willy’s grandfather has fallen ill. Doc Smith has decided that he has . . . GIVEN UP ON LIFE !!! Little Willy is determined to figure out the cause of Grandfather’s illness and how to save him . . . Problem . . .

9. Rising Action . . . .

10. CLIMAX: What will happen???? Will Little Willy win the race???? Will he get the prize money??? Will he be able to pay the taxes, keep the farm, and save Grandfather??? Will Stone Fox win the race??? Will he keep the prize money to pay for his stolen land??? Or will Stone Fox show compassion and help Little Willy???

11. Turn to page 86 in Stone Fox : A Little Preview . . . .

12. To other books. . . As I read this book, I was constantly reminded of another book I read called Because of Winn-Dixie. The relationship Little Willy had with Searchlight was similar to that of Winn-Dixie and Opal. It is also another great book about a kid and their dog! Little Willy’s relationship with his sick grandfather reminded me of the time when my grandfather was really ill. I would have done anything to save him, even a dangerous dogsled race!! I am glad that Willy was so determined to win! Some Connections. . . . To my life . . .

14. Enjoys stories in which the main character is trying to solve a problem.

15. Is looking for a short and easy read, with a good plot!!!My overall rating is: