1. Where the Red Fern Grows
By Wilson Rawls

2. Chapter 1 - Vocabulary Residential (adj)- A place that is mostly homes
Scalded (v)- burnt with hot liquid or steam
Cur (n) – a dog that is bad or disliked
Crude (adj) – very simple; made without skill
Coaxing (v) –talking in a gentle, friendly way
Dormant (adj)- not active but able to become active
Squalling (v)- making a loud, long cry of grief
Pangs (n)- strong physical or emotional pain

3. Chapter 1
Discussion Question: (all responses a minimum of two paragraphs)
Why, according to the man, was it a rare day? Describe a rare day you have experienced.
Why did the man believe that the dog belonged in the country?
Focus Question: (all responses a minimum of two paragraphs)
How did the man help the dog?
Describe the scene in which the dogs are fighting.
Enrichment:
Locate the following in an atlas or online: Ozark Mountains, Missouri and Oklahoma. Draw, label and color a map of the area.

4. Chapter 2 & 3 - Vocabulary
Sycamores(n)- A type of tree found in eastern North America
Game(n)- Animals under pursuit or taken in hunting
Aromatic(adj)- Having a pleasant smell
Allotted(v)- Given to someone to use or have
Sparsely(adj)- Small amounts; thin covering
Bawling (adj)- To cry or wail loudly.
Muzzle (n)- The projecting part of the head of an animal, including jaws, mouth and nose.
Commotion(n)- Noisy excitement and confusion
Whooping(v)- a loud cry or shout of joy or excitement
Stout(adj)- Having a strong thick body
Switching(v)- spanking

5. Chapter 2 and 3 Discussion Question: Focus Question: Enrichment:
How did Billy's Papa "pour cold water" on his idea?
Why does Billy ask his grandfather not to say anything to his father about his plan?
Focus Question:
What "terrible disease" was he infected with when only ten years old?
How long does it take the young boy to save enough money?
Enrichment:
Trace the Illinois River as it flows through Northeast Oklahoma. What other states does it flow through?

6. Chapter 4 and 5 - Vocabulary
Depot(n)- a train or bus station.
Riffle(n)- A shallow stretch of a river
Callused(adj)- Having hard or thick skin
Provisions(n)- Supply of food or other things that are needed.
Winced(v)- a quick expression of pain or embarrassment
Amends(v)-to do something to correct a mistake
Muster(v)- to work to get the courage to do something.
Anvil(n)- a heavy block of iron where heated metal is shaped.
Grit(n)- mental bravery and toughness
Shucks(n)- the outer coverings of a nut or plant, like corn

7. Chapters 4 and 5
Discussion Question: (all responses a minimum of two paragraphs)
What good news does Billy receive about the price of the dogs?
How do we know that the stationmaster is a kind man?
Focus Question:(all responses a minimum of two paragraphs)
Describe some of the things that surprise Billy when he arrives in town.
Enrichment:
Write a short biography on the author, Wilson Rawls.

8. Chapter 6 & 7 - Vocabulary
Romping(v)- Engaging in rough and noisy play
Nestled(v)- To be close to or against something
Trance(n)- A state where you are not aware of what is happening around you
Querying(v)- to question or request information
Hampering(v)- to restrict movement
Lope(v)- To run in a relaxed way with long strides
Woe(n)- A problem or trouble
Peculiarity(n)- Something not usual or normal
Persistence(v)- To continue trying even if it is difficult
Gouge(v)- To cut a deep hole in something

9. Chapter 6 and 7
Discussion Question: (all responses a minimum of two paragraphs)
How did Billy's father already know where he had been?
Why does Billy desperately need a coon skin for his pups?
Focus Question:(all responses a minimum of two paragraphs)
Describe how Billy decides to name his dogs.
Enrichment:
What is the longest distance you have ever walked? Do you think you would have been afraid to camp out overnight? How would you have reacted to a mountain lion?

10. Chapter 8 and 9 - Vocabulary
Limber(adj)- bending easily; flexible
Raved(v)- talk in an excited way
Droning(v)- to make a continuous low humming sound
Resistance(n)- effort made to fight against something
Pursed(v)- to form your lips into a tight circle
Domain(n)- land that is under control by someone
Liniment(n)- a liquid rubbed on your skit to relieve pain or stiffness
Momentum(n)- the force that something has when it is moving
Whiled(v)- to spend time doing something pleasant or easy
Hovering(v)- to float in the air without moving any distance.

11. Chapter 8 and 9
Discussion Question: (all responses a minimum of two paragraphs)
How did Billy prepare for his first hunt?
Focus Question:(all responses a minimum of two paragraphs)
Why is Billy so determined to cut down the tree?
Enrichment:
What does the term nocturnal mean? Make a list of nocturnal animals you know about. Talk to your friends and add animals from their list to yours.

12. Chapter 10 & 11- Vocabulary
Nonchalantly(adj)- a relaxed manner to show you are not worried
Belligerent(adj)- showing readiness to fight
Stunted(v)- stopped from growing or developing
Peroxide(n)- a liquid that is used to kill bacteria
Slough(n)- an area of soft, wet ground or deep mud
Feat(n)- an achievement that shows great courage or skill
Cunning(adj)- getting what you want in a clever way
Eddy(n)- a circular movement of water or air
Rile(v)- to make someone angry or annoyed
Predicaments(n)- difficult or unpleasant situations

13. Chapters 10 and 11
Discussion Question: (all responses a minimum of two paragraphs)
What did Billy's mother do with the first coon hide?
Why did Billy think that the hunting would be good that night?
Focus Question:(all responses a minimum of two paragraphs)
Describe what happened to Old Dan and how Billy managed to rescue him.
Enrichment:
Describe a pet that you have owned. What makes pets so special to people? What type of animals make good pets?

14. Chapter s 12 & 13 -Vocabulary
Protruding(v)- sticking out from something
Maneuver(v)- a clever or skillful action or movement
Sidled(v)- to move close to someone in a quiet or secret way
Leering(v)- looking at someone in an evil or unpleasant way
Prod(v)- to push at someone with a finger or an object
Sulked(v)- angry but refusing to talk
Begrudgingly(adv)- said, done or given in a reluctant way
Undermined(v)- to gradually make something or someone less effective
Taut(adj)- very tight from being pulled or stretched
Astraddle(v)- to sit with a leg on both sides of something

15. Chapters 12 and 13 Discussion Question: Focus Question: Enrichment:
Describe the Pritchard family.
What bet do the Pritchard boys make with Billy?
Why does Billy give Rubin the two dollars?
Focus Question:
Describe the ghost coon.
Enrichment:
What reason might the author have had for having the dogs fight?

16. Chapters 14 & 15 - Vocabulary
Solemn(adj)- very serious in manner
Jubilant(adj)- feeling great joy
Barring(v)- preventing from happening
Gloated(v)- showing improper happiness with yourself
Heedless(adj)- not paying careful attention
Fleeting(adj)- lasting for only a short time
Monotonous(adj)- boring because it is always the same
Stowed(v)- put something in an available place
Pruned(v)- to make something look better
Impulsively(adv)- done without planning

17. Chapters 14 and 15
Discussion Questions (all responses a minimum of two paragraphs)
Why does Grandpa blame himself for Rubin's death?
How does Billy feel about entering the championship coon hunt?
Focus Questions:(all responses a minimum of two paragraphs)
Explain the superstition about hearing the owl.
Enrichment:
Are you superstitious? Do you know someone who is? Why might people be superstitious? Do you have a favorite/lucky number?

18. Chapters 16 &17 - Vocabulary
Bawl
Gingerly
Discouraging
Flitted
Elimination

19. Chapter s 16, 17 & 18
Discussion Question: (all responses a minimum of two paragraphs)
Why did the contestants decide to move a few miles downstream?
What did the judge say to indicate that he thought it would be wise to give up the hunt?
Why did Billy decide to take the cup home?
Focus Question:(all responses a minimum of two paragraphs)
Explain how the two dogs doctored one another.
Describe what happened to Grandpa.
Enrichment:
Describe the worst storm that you have ever experienced? Did you ever feel that your life was in danger? What are some of the most common natural disasters in the United States?

20. Chapter 17 - Vocabulary Rhythmic Mackinaw Lull Baying Canebrake Loomed
Gawking

21. Chapter Vocabulary
Haggard
Engraving
Stock
Pane

22. Chapters 19 & 20 - Vocabulary
Predatory
Foliage
Berserk
Jugular
Trance
Ghastly
Canyon
Cleaved
Pry
Entrails

23. Chapter 19 & 20
Discussion Question: (all responses a minimum of two paragraphs)
What is the devil cat of the Ozarks?
How did the dogs prove their loyalty to Billy?
What does Billy see when he goes to say goodbye to his dogs?
Focus Question:(all responses a minimum of two paragraphs)
What does Billy discover when he examines the dogs after the fierce battle?
Do you think it is possible for animals to die from a broken heart? What about people?
Enrichment:
Read some other Indian legends? Write your own Indian legend and illustrate it. Share it with your classmates.