Wildness in Jack London's The Call of The Wild
by Gary Wiener
Greenhaven Publishing LLC 2014
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 8.8 (8th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- wildness vs. civilization
- survival
- American individualism
- naturalism and the frontier
- human–animal relationships
- identity and transformation
- pastoralism and nature
- literary analysis and critical perspectives
About this book
This student-friendly collection examines Jack London’s life and his classic The Call of the Wild through the lens of nature, pastoralism, and wildness. Essays and viewpoints help readers understand how Buck’s journey reflects American ideas about survival, independence, and the pull of the wild. It’s a strong fit for high school research, close reading, and classroom discussion, offering accessible criticism and historical context. Teens who love outdoor adventure stories and want to dig deeper into themes and author craft will enjoy it.
Setting: critical essays and historical context around Jack London’s The Call of the Wild and the Yukon/turn-of-the-20th-century America
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wildness in Jack London's The Call of The Wild right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Wildness in Jack London's The Call of The Wild. The reading level is AR 8.8, 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 wildness vs. civilization, survival, American individualism.
How long does it take to read Wildness in Jack London's The Call of The Wild?
At a typical 8th grade reading pace, Wildness in Jack London's The Call of The Wild takes around 5.7h to finish. The book has 60,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Wildness in Jack London's The Call of The Wild have an AR quiz?
Yes — Wildness in Jack London's The Call of The Wild has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Wildness in Jack London's The Call of The Wild?
Wildness in Jack London's The Call of The Wild has an AR reading level of 8.8, 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.