The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings is a timeless coming-of-age tale set in the rugged Florida backwoods. It follows young Jody Baxter, whose bond with an orphaned fawn teaches him profound lessons about love, responsibility, and the harsh realities of life. As Jody navigates the challenges of growing up in a world where survival is key, he must confront the meaning of loss and the inevitable end of childhood innocence. Rawlings’ vivid storytelling and rich descriptions of nature make this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel a powerful exploration of human resilience and the passage from youth to adulthood.