In Old Yeller, Gipson skillfully works believable characters into an exciting plot in which wild bulls crash into a family's cabin, a bear nearly kills a young boy, and a wolf attacks a dog.

Even though modern young readers do not tend to have such dramatic adventures, they can easily empathize with Travis Coates, the novel's fourteen-yearold protagonist, as he reacts to these experiences. Like Travis, they may find that their mother relies on them to keep the family together. They too may have a younger sibling who is both endearing and exasperating. They, too, may have to fight fear and sorrow to act courageously.

Old Yeller is also a wonderful book for those who love to read about animals.

Old Yeller, the stray dog Travis and Arliss take in, is an ugly, food-stealing mongrel. He is also intelligent, loyal, and brave. Anyone who has known the special love a pet can offer will not soon forget Old Yeller's antics and the terrible ordeal that awaits him and Travis at the conclusion.