Now, this would not be a list of devastating moments in children's literature without at least one about about a dog, and there is none more emotionally traumatic than Where The Red Fern Grows. The story follows young Billy Coleman as he saves up to buy a pair of Redbone Coonhound puppies, which he names Old Dan and Little Ann. Throughout the book, Billy trains the dogs to become the best raccoon hunters in the whole county. One fateful night, however, Billy accidentally corners a mountain lion. A fight ensues, and the intensely loyal hounds enter the fray to save Billy. Billy survives, but Old Dan dies from his injuries the next day. Little Ann is so sad at the loss of her brother that she wastes away and dies a few days later as well. Question: what's worse than a dog dying in a book? Answer: two dogs dying in a book. One out of devotion to his caretaker and the other out of heartbreak. Come on, that's not even fair.
Fiction buff and writer. If it's on Netflix, it's probably in my queue. I've bought DVDs for the special features and usually claim that the book is better than the movie or show (and can provide examples). I've never met a TV show that I won't marathon. Follow on Twitter @lah9891 .
