Woodrow Wilson Rawls, born on September 24, 1913, in the Ozark country of Scraper, Oklahoma, emerged as an iconic American writer, celebrated for his heartwarming novels such as Where the Red Fern Grows and Summer of the Monkeys. Rawls's journey to literary fame was not without its trials. His passion for writing was ignited after reading Jack London's Call of the Wild, which inspired him to pursue a career in writing. However, the onset of the Great Depression forced Rawls to leave home in search of work, marking the beginning of a challenging period in his life.

Despite these difficulties, Rawls continued to write stories during his travels. His efforts were initially hindered by his lack of formal education, particularly in grammar, rendering him unable to sell his work. In a moment of despair in 1958, he destroyed all his manuscripts. It was not until he confided in his wife, Sophie, about his passion for writing that his fortunes changed. Encouraged by Sophie, Rawls embarked on a fervent writing spree, culminating in the creation of his beloved novels. Rawls's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring support of loved ones in the face of adversity.