Writing a new ending to an existing story can be fun and challenging! When Stone Fox, a riveting, sad, yet heartwarming story ended abruptly, students in Book Clubs each wrote their own next sentence, (and next and next…) When they shared their sentences aloud, we realized that everyone had included great ideas and captivating story elements, but none of us is as powerful as the whole, so we decided to weave 16 students’ literary ideas together (no small feat!). Here’s our own ending to John Reynolds Gardiner’s beloved classic, Stone Fox:

Stone Fox, Chapter 11 (By Book Clubs)

Cheers came from all directions!

Everyone was shocked by what both Little Willy and Stone Fox had done. Little Willy, though tears streamed down his face, had never felt so proud!

Doc Smith walked up to Little Willy crying. She was holding the $500 prize money.

“She was a good dog. She was a good dog,” Doc Smith said, wiping away the tears.

Little Willy slowly took the money, counted it, and swam through the crowd to Clifford Snyder. Little Willy handed the money to Mr. Snyder, feeling overjoyed. Little Willy wanted to go check on Grandfather…

He rushed to the Farmhouse, carrying Searchlight in his arms. When little Willy arrived bursting through the door, Grandfather came out of his room playing a cheerful tune on his harmonica. As soon as they made eye contact, Little Willy burst into tears of joy,

“Grandfather! I did it!”

“Did you win the $500?” Grandfather asked. Little Willy hugged Grandfather.

It had been hours since the win, and Little Willy was surprised that no one had come to see him. But outside, Willy heard noises. Noises of people busily talking.

“Shhhhh!” And then someone knocked on the door. There was Lester, Stone Fox, Clifford Snyder, Dusty the Drunk, Doc Smith, and Mayor Smiley all holding a small, black Samoyed with white paws, his little black tail wagging. His name was Snowshoes.

After that, Little Willy did save the farm and Grandfather by paying the taxes with his win. The following year, the potatoes grew bigger than ever.

Searchlight was buried at the finish line with all of her admirers watching, including Stone Fox. And some even thought they saw a tear roll down his stony cheek.

Thank you, John Reynolds Gardiner! We loved your story! Hope you don’t mind us adding to it. ~ Book Clubs