Wilson Rawls was an American author best known for his children's novels, particularly Where the Red Fern Grows. Born on September 24, 1913, in Scraper, Oklahoma, he grew up in a rural environment that greatly influenced his writing. Rawls had a deep love for nature and animals, which is reflected in his stories. His most famous work, Where the Red Fern Grows, tells the tale of a young boy and his two hunting dogs, exploring themes of friendship, perseverance, and loss. Rawls faced challenges in his early life, including a lack of formal education, but he eventually became a celebrated writer, inspiring generations of readers.