"The Yearling" is a novel by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, published in 1938. It tells the story of a young boy named Jody Baxter who lives in rural Florida during the late 19th century. Jody finds a young deer, or yearling, and raises it as a pet, forming a deep bond with the animal. As the story unfolds, Jody faces the challenges of growing up, including the harsh realities of nature and the responsibilities of farm life. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the transition from childhood to adulthood, ultimately highlighting the complexities of human and animal relationships.