However, no matter the situation, Mama patiently allows Travis to state his intentions and then follow through – thereby enabling Travis to see the consequences of his own decisions and at the same time, to learn where to make corrections. Readers may note in his mother the urge to make corrections. Daily work for Travis includes cow milking, wood cutting, pig branding, hunting, and tending to the corn fields – that is only a portion of his day! Travis has such obvious pride in his work and responsibilities and in the honor of moving past boyhood and becoming a man. The story progresses in this manner until one task threatens the health of them both.When my thirteen-year-old son told me this month that Old Yeller is “one of the best books” he has ever read, I knew I had to look at that classic work of fiction.įred Gipson sets this story in 1860s Texas where everyday surroundings still include snakes, wolves, bobcats, wild hogs, and raccoons, not to mention fighting bulls that walk freely from one farmstead to the next! Fourteen-year-old Travis now has charge of the family (of caring for “Mama and Little Arliss”) and farm while his “Papa” is on a cattle run to Kansas. From then on, Travis and Old Yeller become inseparable, leading to Old Yeller helping Travis keep up his duties on the farm. He comes to change his mind when Old Yeller saves Travis' younger brother from a bear. Travis wants no part of this nuisance dog. The Coates family name him 'Old Yeller' in part because of his filthy yellow fur.

A short time after Travis' father leaves the farm, a stray dog wanders onto their property. The 14-year-old takes this newfound responsibility to heart and sets out to prove that he deserves the title of 'man of the house'. Travis' father promises to bring one home for him if he is able to step up and take care of the farm while his father is away. Travis Coates has no need for a dog, regardless of what his father tells him. Old Yeller tells the story of a boy, his dog, and the events that lead to their unlikely friendship. Aligned to your State Standards, additional crossword, word search, comprehension quiz and answer key are also included. Categorize the different dangers Travis faces throughout the novel on a graphic organizer. Conduct a study on women settlers and describe how you would feel if put in their position. Predict what will become of Old Yeller based on events from previous chapters. Describe how Travis' attitudes change towards certain characters from the story. Identify statements about the novel as true or false. Enter the mind of Travis as he explains his feelings after shooting the deer.

The easy-to-use format allows for lots of variety in activities to go along with the book. Both eBook & Print Book Order #: CC+P2539ĭiscover the power behind the friendship of a boy and his dog.

Fred gipson before old yeller