The Call of the Wild (yourbooks)
Classic Children's Books Series
on Goodreads (451,127)
What’s inside...
This is an audio version of the tale of a dog's fight for survival in the harsh and frozen Yukon. Born into luxury but sold as a sledge dog, it tells of how he rises above all his enemies to become one of the most feared and admired dogs in the north. Taken from the warmth of the Santa Clara Valley to work as a sled dog in the frozen Yukon during the Gold Rush, Buck is forced to rediscover his natural instincts. He and the other dogs are brutalized and beaten, but Buck is saved from this cruelty by John Thornton, in whose care he learns how to be loved. Buck has now learned the art of survival, so that when he is free to return to the wild, he is feared, respected, and truly fit for leadership.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Buck
John Thornton
Francois
Perrault
Mercedes
Charles
Hal
Spitz
Discussion points
How do you think Buck felt when he was taken away from his home? Can you relate to his feelings?
What qualities do you think helped Buck survive in the wild?
Why is it important for Buck to be part of a pack? How does being part of a group help us in our lives?
How do you think the environment influenced Buck's behavior and personality?
What lessons can we learn from Buck's journey about adapting to new challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about how they would feel in Buck's situation, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the character's emotions.
Discuss the significance of resilience and adaptation, emphasizing how these qualities are important in our own lives.
Highlight the importance of community and teamwork by discussing Buck's interactions with the pack and how they aid in his survival.
Help your child draw parallels between the book's setting and how surroundings can influence behaviors and decisions in their own life.
Use Buck's journey as a metaphor for personal growth and overcoming challenges, encouraging your child to share personal experiences of growth.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'The Call of the Wild', the protagonist, Buck, demonstrates resilience as he adapts from a pampered pet to a sled dog in harsh environments.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of adapting to changes and overcoming challenges, whether it's moving to a new school or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: The importance of leadership and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Buck learns to lead his sled team effectively, highlighting the value of leadership and cooperation.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in group projects or team sports, teaching children how to collaborate and take on leadership roles responsibly.
Example Lesson: Survival instincts and self-reliance
Explanation: As Buck relies on his instincts to navigate the dangers of the wild, he becomes self-reliant.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to trust their instincts and be more self-reliant in solving problems independently, like doing homework or handling disagreements with peers.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: Buck's transformation and adaptation to the wild environment show a deepening respect and understanding of nature.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to appreciate and protect the natural world around them, promoting activities like recycling, conserving water, or participating in community clean-ups.
Example Lesson: Embracing one's true identity
Explanation: Buck discovers his true identity and thrives once he accepts his inherent wildness, reflecting the theme of self-discovery.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their own identities and passions, learning to be true to themselves and embrace what makes them unique.