Stone Fox, by John Reynolds Gardiner
Willy and his grandfather live on a potato farm in Wyoming.
One morning grandfather refuses to get out of bed. At first, Willy thinks that Grandfather is playing a joke on him. He likes to play jokes and does it frequently. When his grandfather does not respond to Willy’s plaintive requests, Willy goes for Dr. Smith. Dr. Smith finds nothing physically wrong with Grandfather. He has simply given up, and Willy wonders why.
When the tax collector comes, Willy understands. They owe $500 in back taxes. Everyone urges Willy to sell the farm, pay the back taxes, and put his grandfather is a rest home. Then, Willy sees a poster announcing the annual dog-sled race, and he knows what he must do.
Willy and his dog, Searchlight, practice the course every day. When race day comes, Willy is confident he will win even though he will have to beat Stone Fox and his five Samoyeds to do it. For the first five miles of the course, Willy is far out in the lead. When they reach the straight stretch, Stone Fox makes his move. Close to the finish Searchlight and Stone Fox’s lead dog are nose and nose. Then, the unthinkable happens, and an act of great kindness helps Willy finish the race.
(Cautions: The book ends in a tragic event which may be difficult for young readers to understand. It may trigger some sad feelings.)
