The Yearling is the best book for capturing the bond between a youngster and a pet. A little boy named Jody takes in an abandoned deer he names Flag and raises it as a member of his family and best friend. However, due to the terrible conditions of life in the Florida backwoods, where his family must battle wolves, bears, and even alligators, as well as the failure of their precarious subsistence farming, Jody must ultimately say goodbye to his beloved animal companion. This compelling tale, a magnificent piece of great American literature, has inspired a movie and even a musical.