Wilson Rawls wrote stories that really get to you. His books, like *Where the Red Fern Grows*, are full of heart. They often feature kids, their dogs, and adventures in the great outdoors.
If you enjoy stories with those elements, and you are looking for authors who create a similar reading experience, you might want to check out these writers.
Books by Katherine Paterson often explore themes of friendship, family, and life’s hardships from a young person’s point of view. Readers who enjoyed Wilson Rawls’ vivid storytelling might find a similar emotional connection in her novel “Bridge to Terabithia.”
This story follows Jesse Aarons, a quiet, artistic boy, whose life changes when he meets Leslie Burke, a spirited newcomer at school. They form a strong friendship and create an imaginary kingdom called Terabithia in the woods near their homes.
Together they navigate issues of school bullying, family tensions, and the ups and downs of growing up.
With strong characters and plenty of heart, “Bridge to Terabithia” offers a full range of emotions—from the joy of friendship and imagination to the pain of unexpected tragedy.
Readers who enjoyed Wilson Rawls’s heartfelt stories about adventure and the natural world may want to explore books by Jean Craighead George. She was a talented author who often wrote about wilderness survival and the close ties between humans and animals.
One of her best-known books is “My Side of the Mountain,” which tells the story of young Sam Gribley. Sam is a boy from New York City who leaves home to live alone in the Catskill Mountains.
He learns how to survive off the land, makes friends with an adventurous falcon named Frightful, and encounters various wild animals. George describes nature in vivid detail; readers can almost feel the crisp mountain air and hear the rustle of leaves.
The story captures the excitement, struggles, and triumphs of surviving alone, and it’s perfect for anyone who felt deeply connected with Rawls’s realistic adventures.
Readers who enjoy Wilson Rawls may also appreciate Gary Paulsen, an author known for exciting adventure stories set in the wilderness.
Paulsen’s novel “Hatchet” tells the story of thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson, who finds himself stranded alone in the Canadian wilderness after his small plane crashes onto a remote lake.
With nothing but a small hatchet, Brian must figure out how to survive: he learns how to make fire, build shelter, and hunt food. This powerful novel presents a vivid picture of courage and resilience against nature’s harsh elements.
Readers will connect deeply with Brian’s trials and triumphs, rooting for him at every turn.
Readers who enjoy Wilson Rawls might also appreciate the storytelling of Fred Gipson. Gipson’s writing brings readers close to richly drawn characters facing life’s ups and downs with courage and heart.
His classic book, “Old Yeller,” offers a touching portrayal of a boy named Travis and the faithful, mischievous dog who becomes his best friend and protector on their Texas farm.
The story follows their adventures through good times and hardships, including dangerous encounters with wild animals and difficult family responsibilities. Like Rawls, Gipson captures the true bond between people and animals, along with the beauty and challenges of rural life.
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings is an American author whose novels often explore the heartfelt connections between characters and the natural world.
Readers who enjoy Wilson Rawls’s stories of young heroes facing the wilderness and coming of age may find something special in her classic, “The Yearling.” This novel follows young Jody Baxter, a boy from rural Florida who adopts an orphaned fawn named Flag.
Their friendship grows strong, but life in the Florida scrub countryside soon presents Jody with hard choices and challenges.
Through Jody’s eyes, Rawlings captures the tough yet beautiful life in rural Florida, full of adventure, family bonds, and difficult lessons about growing up.
Lois Lowry is an author whose stories often touch on friendship, courage, and growing up, themes readers of Wilson Rawls usually appreciate.
Her novel “Number the Stars” follows Annemarie Johansen, a ten-year-old girl living in Nazi-occupied Denmark who must help her Jewish friend escape to safety. Lowry shows courage through Annemarie’s eyes, taking readers on a tense and emotional journey.
If heartfelt stories of bravery in tough times appeal to you, “Number the Stars” is worth a read.
Scott O’Dell is an author whose novels often explore survival, courage, and friendship in vivid historical and natural settings.
His book “Island of the Blue Dolphins” follows a girl named Karana, who finds herself alone on an isolated island after a traumatic event separates her from her people. She learns how to hunt, build shelter, and survive dangerous encounters with animals and harsh elements.
Filled with beautiful descriptions of nature and an inspiring story of resilience, O’Dell’s writing will resonate with readers who enjoyed the connection between nature and human bravery in Wilson Rawls’ stories.
Readers who enjoy Wilson Rawls might find Elizabeth George Speare’s stories equally engaging. Speare’s historical fiction often centers around young protagonists faced with challenges and adventures in difficult times.
Her book “The Sign of the Beaver” follows Matt, a twelve-year-old boy left alone to guard his family’s wilderness home in 18th-century Maine.
When Matt meets Attean, a Native American boy from the local Beaver clan, they gradually build a friendship despite their early mistrust and cultural differences.
Through Matt’s eyes, readers experience life in the untamed wilderness, witness survival skills like setting traps and hunting, and share the excitement and danger he encounters as he waits for his family to return.
Speare’s vivid storytelling and strong characters will feel familiar to those who love Rawls’ tales of friendship, courage, and survival in the natural world.
Books by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor often highlight strong friendships, meaningful adventures, and heartfelt themes, similar to the stories of Wilson Rawls. Her book “Shiloh” tells the story of Marty, a young boy who befriends an abused beagle named Shiloh.
When Marty discovers that Shiloh belongs to a cruel neighbor, he faces tough choices to protect the dog. This book beautifully explores themes of loyalty, responsibility, and courage.
Anyone fond of the emotional depth and memorable characters found in “Where the Red Fern Grows” by Wilson Rawls may find themselves equally moved by Marty’s experience in “Shiloh.”
Barbara Robinson was an American author who had a knack for creating warm and lively stories about childhood adventures and family life. If you enjoyed Wilson Rawls’ heartfelt storytelling, Robinson’s book “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is definitely worth checking out.
It’s a humorous and touching look at what happens when the Herdman family—the wildest, most unruly bunch of kids in town—takes over the church’s annual Christmas pageant.
Through funny mishaps, surprising events, and moments of genuine kindness, Robinson brings readers a charming tale of community, acceptance, and holiday spirit.
Beverly Cleary writes realistic children’s fiction full of humor and heart, centered around ordinary kids facing challenges of everyday life.
Readers who enjoy Wilson Rawls for his authentic storytelling and down-to-earth characters might appreciate Cleary’s book “Dear Mr. Henshaw.” This story follows Leigh Botts, a young boy struggling with his parents’ divorce and adjusting to a new school.
When Leigh starts writing letters to his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw, he gradually finds comfort and clarity as he shares his thoughts, frustrations, and dreams. It’s a touching tale about friendship, family, and learning to express oneself.
If you enjoy Wilson Rawls’ heartfelt animal adventures, Marguerite Henry is another author worth discovering. Henry is famous for her thoughtful, vivid books for young readers that blend real history and animal stories.
In her book “Misty of Chincoteague,” readers meet Paul and Maureen Beebe, two kids who dream of buying and taming a wild pony named Phantom.
The tale is based on true events from Chincoteague Island’s annual pony swim and auction, a tradition involving wild horses that live free on Assateague Island.
The story follows the challenges Paul and Maureen face as they strive to make Phantom part of their lives, especially when the pony surprises everyone with a beautiful foal named Misty.
The bond between the kids and the pony brings warmth to the tale, highlighting bravery, dreams, and friendship.
Laura Ingalls Wilder shares a similar warmth and heartfelt storytelling style with Wilson Rawls, centered around adventures of simpler times. Her book, “Little House in the Big Woods,” takes place in Wisconsin’s frontier forests during the late 1800s.
It recounts the life of young Laura and her family, showing how they handle daily chores, seasonal changes, and unexpected challenges with courage and optimism.
Wilder creates vivid scenes of maple syrup harvests, animals roaming in dense woods, and festive family gatherings filled with songs and stories.
For those touched by Rawls’ moving tales of rural life and companionship in books such as “Where the Red Fern Grows,” Wilder’s vivid, gentle writing will feel both familiar and engaging.
Readers who enjoy Wilson Rawls’ heartfelt stories could also appreciate author Richard Peck. Peck writes engaging young adult fiction filled with humor, insight, and a genuine sense of place.
His novel “A Long Way from Chicago” introduces us to Joey and Mary Alice, two siblings who spend summers at their grandmother’s eccentric small-town home during the Great Depression.
Each visit unfolds into unexpected adventures, humorous schemes, and colorful encounters with townsfolk.
Grandma Dowdel emerges as the unforgettable center of the story, a tough, clever, and big-hearted character whose resourcefulness often brings surprising lessons to Joey and Mary Alice.
In each chapter, Peck builds vivid moments that capture both the hardships and quiet joys of Depression-era life.
If you enjoy the heartfelt storytelling and outdoor adventures found in Wilson Rawls’ novels, Ernest Thompson Seton is an author worth exploring. Seton combined deep insights into nature with sensitive portrayals of animals and wilderness experiences.
His book “Wild Animals I Have Known” shares vivid stories of animals portrayed realistically and thoughtfully. Each tale invites readers into the animals’ worlds, highlighting their instincts, struggles, and remarkable intelligence.
The story of Lobo, the strong and clever wolf who continually outsmarts hunters, will stay with readers long after they finish. Seton’s genuine appreciation of wildlife makes his writing timeless and meaningful.