Middle School students, according to Terra Nova scores, still have problems with basic reading comprehension and need all the encouragement and practice they can get to keep them reading at a time when they begin to become more socially involved. This unit will fill that need by allowing them to read what is almost a modern classic in children's literature: Where the Red Fern Grows. Students will gain additional reading practice and practice skills in analyzing as they work on the enrichment activities. The unit addresses TN Curriculum Standard for Language Arts Reading Grades 6-8 which states: "The student will develop the reading skills necessary for word recognition, comprehension, interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and appreciation of the written text." Survey item #22 (My students use Internet in my class to research topics) is also applicable since most of the enrichment activities are conducted on the Internet.