"Sounder" is a powerful and iconic novel written by American author William H. Armstrong, first published in 1969. The book tells the story of an African American sharecropper family living in rural Louisiana during the Great Depression. The family consists of a father, mother, and their three children, including a young boy.

The titular character, Sounder, is a loyal and beloved hunting dog owned by the family. When the father is arrested and sent to a prison camp for stealing food to feed his family, Sounder faithfully follows his scent to the camp. The dog is shot and wounded during his journey, but he eventually finds his way back home.

"Sounder" is a poignant and moving story that explores themes of poverty, racism, resilience, and the enduring bond between humans and animals. The novel has been praised for its powerful depiction of the African American experience and has become a classic of children's literature. In 1972, "Sounder" was adapted into a film that was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture.