Where the Red Fern Grows : Wilson Rawls

This is the only book that has made me cry. It was sad but very good. Definitely a 10!
TAD

In Where the Red Fern Grows, Billy and his precious coon hound pups romp relentlessly through the Ozarks, trying to "tree" the elusive raccoon. In time, the inseparable trio wins the coveted gold cup in the annual coon-hunt contest, captures the wily ghost coon, and bravely fights with a mountain lion. When the victory over the mountain lion turns to tragedy, Billy grieves, but learns the beautiful old Native American legend of the sacred red fern that grows over the graves of his dogs.