Module 2 - Old Yeller

Summary:

This book is about a boy and his undying friendship with a yellow dog they name Old Yeller.  Old Yeller is actually a thorn in Travis’ side.  However, over time, the stray dog proves his worth to Travis and the two become inseparable.  Travis and Old Yeller go on many adventures together.  Old Yeller ends up saving his brother’s life and is a huge help around the farm with his dad gone for the season.  This is a sad story because the bond between Travis and his dog will be tested when a hydrophobia outbreak threatens the safety of many around the area.  Rabies is not familiar to Travis but he knows it’s dangerous.  In the end, Old Yeller gets bitten by an infected wolf and has to be put down.  Travis is the one that has to shoot his best friend.  This is very difficult for him but he understands that he must do it for the safety of him and his family. 


APA Reference:


Gipson, F. (1956). Old yeller. New York, NY:  Harper & Row, Publishers, Incorporated.

My Impressions:

This is one book that I had never read growing up but should have.  Everyone knew about Old Yeller.  I really loved this book!  I felt like I was taken back to a very simple time.  This was a time when technology and noise did not rule the world.  I finished it in one sitting because I loved how the author put the setting into perspective.  It was if I was there on the farm, at their home and smelling the home cooked food.  The family dynamic of this time period is something that I admire.  This was a very difficult time period to grow up in but the strength of family and friendship balanced this nicely.  I thought I was going to cry when Travis realized he had to shoot his dog.  I was waiting for it but then the actual moment he did it was so brief and a little cold.  Of course I understood why it felt that way.  Travis had to separate himself from this.  It was too hard.  But then you realize that life goes on and some things that seemed like the end of the world actually can work themselves out.

Professional Reviews:

Booklist Review

In this 1957 Newbery Honor winner, 14-year-old Travis is the “man of the house” while his father is away. He desperately wants a horse, and so when a big stray dog shows up, Travis has no use for him. But over time, the dog, Old Yeller, saves Travis’ life and the lives of his mother and brother and becomes Travis’ best friend. But an outbreak of hydrophobia threatens Old Yeller’s life and their friendship. The recording begins and ends with guitar and fiddle music, reminiscent of the frontier. Narrator James adopts a slight southern accent, appropriate to the Texas hill country setting. He reads slowly and carefully and in earnest tones, clearly reflective of Travis—a simple, hardworking boy. This heartwarming story about the love between a boy and his dog is recommended to a new generation of listeners unfamiliar with the classic tale. – Anna Rich

Rich, A. (2010, July). [Review of the book Old yeller]. Available from Booklist Website:  http://www.booklistonline.com/Old-Yeller-Fred-Gipson/pid=4049756

Library Uses:

a.       This book would be a great example of for students to read and learn a heartfelt lesson about life and death.

b.      History lessons could be taught from this about the life and economy of the Old West.