April 1, 2025
Stone Fox
by John Reynolds Gardiner 
Stone Fox, although a short read, was able to pack such an emotional punch in my childhood and has stuck with me ever since. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and life lessons — with an ending that will leave a scar on your heart forever.
The story revolves around a young boy named Willy and his loyal dog, Searchlight. Willy’s grandfather, who is bedridden with depression, risks losing their farm because he cannot pay the taxes anymore. In a desperate fight to save their home, Willy enters the town’s dog sled race, with a grand prize that would be just enough to cover the debt. Yet, the issue isn’t that Willy is a 10-year-old boy with no experience but, rather, that his main competitor is Stone Fox, a Native American man who has never lost a race. Willy has Searchlight, but Stone Fox has five beautiful Samoyed dogs that would leave Willy in the dust. I remember reading it for the first time in middle school and being on the edge of my seat, rooting for Little Willy and feeling every bit of his determination and fear during the race.
What makes Stone Fox so memorable to me is the sheer emotional depth that it manages to convey in less than 100 pages. The bond between Willy and Searchlight is incredibly heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. It’s one of those stories that makes you realize how powerful storytelling can be — even in a book meant for kids.
Stone Fox is not just a simple tale of a boy and his dog — it’s a story about fighting for what you love and the sacrifices you’re willing to make to achieve those goals. If I’m ever looking for a good rush of emotions, Stone Fox is the way to go.
—Katie Frank