Little Arliss
By Fred Gipson
My thoughts on this book:
Roughly six years has passed since the last book and Arliss is now twelve years old. Frankly, he’s sick and tired of being called “little” and just wants respect from the adults in his life. Everyone’s constantly telling Arliss that he can’t do something and he’s fed up, so when the chance arises for him to prove himself, he takes it. The settlers are dealing with a crazy horse who’s actually killed a man. They need to catch it and Arliss sees an opportunity to finally prove that he’s old enough to start doing adult tasks. He offers to try, but everyone just laughs at him which makes him even more angry. Not long after, against his father’s orders, Arliss sets out to catch the horse and successfully brings him home. He has plans to work on breaking the horse without his parents permission which is extremely dangerous.
Arliss doesn’t act his age, in fact, he’s the same annoying boy from the previous books who throws rocks at humans that upset him. He’s also very disrespectful toward adults and talks back anytime he’s angry–pretty much all the time.
Arliss hates school and would quit at the drop of a hat if he could. The adults seem way too lenient with him as well. I know parts of the book are meant to be funny and this is a work of fiction; however, I feel like it’s a challenge reading his character at times because I just want to grab him and shake some sense into him.
We did enjoy reading this book and it was such a quick read. I didn’t expect it to be this short at eighty pages or so. It was nice to learn that Travis is now married and that all the previous book characters are living well. Savage Sam was mentioned a few times, but this installment is more about Arliss and the horse. I read that the story was found by Fred Gipson’s son after his death which was unexpected. It’s wonderful that they published it because it’s a nice conclusion.
I really enjoy Fred Gipson’s writing and will likely move on to his other books.
4****
Find this book on Amazon and Goodreads:
- Grade Level: 4 – 6
- Hardcover: 83 pages
- Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books; 1st edition (May 1, 1978)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0060220082
- ISBN-13: 978-0060220082
About the author:
Fred Gipson
With Old Yeller, Fred Gipson secured his place as one of the finest novelists in America. The book was published to instant acclaim and has become one of the most beloved children’s classics ever written. Since its publication in 1956, Old Yeller has won countless awards, including the 1957 Newbery Honor. Mr. Gipson’s other works include both fiction and non-fiction. He grew up in the Texas hill country and died in 1973. – Amazon
Thanks for reading my review! You can share thoughts and suggestions in the comment section if you’d like…
ReadRantRock&Roll 
Such a short book. Loved this review!
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Thank you! It’s definitely a quick read. 😉
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I wonder if it was so short because it was published after Gibson died? Do you think he would’ve added more or did it feel completely finished? Interesting! I can’t believe Arliss stayed a brat, lol. I wonder if he grew into an annoying adult…great review, Jenn! Glad you all enjoyed it! ❤
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It seemed finished to me considering it was all about Arliss proving himself and that’s how the book concludes. Lol…exactly! I was hoping maybe there’d be a lesson learned but nope. He’s still bad and even worse really. 😂 Thanks for checking out my review, Steph. If you ever read these, I’ll be very interested in your thoughts. 😉💖
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At least it was finished. I guess he just wanted to tell more of Arliss’ story. Some people never learn a lesson, maybe that was the point, lol. That’s too funny! You’re welcome! I hope to one day! 💖❤
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Wonderful review Jen! Fred Gibson died at the age of 65. I wonder if he would’ve gone on writing if he lived longer.
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Thanks! I believe it’s possible. He does have other books I want to check out. 🙂
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I’ve watched the movie a long time ago, but from what I remember I liked it a lot. The style of writing reminds of Mice and Men.
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I didn’t realize they made a movie for Little Arliss! I’m going to have to see if I can find it. Thanks!
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I know they have a movie for the first book, I don’t know about the others.
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We watched the first two, and I just saw that Little Arliss was a made for TV movie. I’m going to look for it. Thanks!
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Oh really? That’s cool, I might have to watch the other two now😂
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Awesome! Let me know what you think if you’d like. 😁
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It’s been decades since I read Old Yeller – I didn’t know that the author wrote more books with these characters. Did I get that right? I bet I would enjoy reading them!
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Yes, he sure did. 🙂 These other books follow the same family. The second book has Old Yeller’s son (Savage Sam) in it as well. I think you’d enjoy them!
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Whoa, that’s so interesting to know that the author’s son found the book & got it published after his death. I hope Arliss shapes up at the end of the book. 😉
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I found that interesting too! Unfortunately, Arliss didn’t change. 😉
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