The Call of the Wild
by Jack London
Aerie 1986
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 8 (8th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- nature vs. civilization
- instinct and identity
- loyalty and love
- leadership and power
- cruelty and resilience
- freedom
- man vs. nature
About this book
Jack London’s classic follows Buck, a powerful house dog stolen from California and thrust into the brutal world of Yukon sled teams during the Klondike Gold Rush. As Buck faces cold, hunger, and harsh masters, he learns to survive and lead while feeling the deep pull of the wild. The story blends high-stakes adventure with questions about instinct, loyalty, and what it takes to endure. Ideal for strong readers who enjoy survival stories, animal protagonists, and vivid nature writing.
Setting: Yukon and Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush, late 1890s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Call of the Wild right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Call of the Wild. The reading level is AR 8, which is typical for 8th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include survival, nature vs. civilization, instinct and identity.
How long does it take to read The Call of the Wild?
At a typical 8th grade reading pace, The Call of the Wild takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 32,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Call of the Wild have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Call of the Wild has an AR quiz available, worth 7 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is The Call of the Wild?
The Call of the Wild has an AR reading level of 8, which places it at a 8th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.