Old Yeller

Reach for this book when your child is beginning to navigate the transition from childhood to adolescence, particularly when they are wrestling with the heavy responsibilities of growing up or facing the loss of a pet. Set in the rugged landscape of 1860s Texas, the story follows young Travis Coates as he manages his family farm and forms an unbreakable bond with a stray yellow dog. This is a quintessential coming of age story that explores the dual nature of nature: its beauty and its harshness. While famous for its heartbreaking ending, the book serves as a powerful tool for teaching resilience, courage, and the reality that loving something often requires making incredibly difficult choices. It is best suited for children aged 9 to 13 who are ready for a realistic, emotionally honest look at life and loss.