This book also with Rascal by Sterling North and My Side of the Mountain by Jeane Auell were required reading for me growing up and for my own son as well. I still at 56 cannot read Where the Read Fern Grows without crying. Unconditional love, great happiness and joy, and the sadness that death and change in life brings. And having to move on. So much wiser and better for having been there even though it hurt so much to see it all go. This book packed a LOT into a small package. It's a must read.