The Call of the Wild novel study

The Call of the Wild opens in theaters today, and we are so excited!  This is a family movie that is especially boy-friendly as it brings to life a dog and his journey from pampered pet to sled dog.  The movie is a hybrid of actors and animation, and it includes some great effects that make you feel like you're really in the wilds of Alaska!

The book is set in Yukon Territory just prior to the turn of the 20th century.  At this time, the area was flooded with gold prospectors seeking their fortunes.  When three men found gold in the Klondike River in 1896, it set off another huge gold rush!  Thousands of hopefuls set off for Canada’s Yukon Territory, hoping to strike it rich.  The Alaskan towns of Skagway and Dyea became boomtowns, as these were the starting points of the 600-mile journey to the riches.

Both members of the Canidae family, wolves and domesticated dogs share many characteristics, but have been bred over thousands of years to differ in their sizes and temperaments.  Scientists believe that dogs were the first animal to be domesticated, as archaeologists have found evidence that dogs were living alongside humans more than 8,000 years ago!  It is believed that the dogs were domesticated from wolves...how does this relate to Buck's change throughout the course of the story?

Learn more about the Klondike Gold Rush!

Our spine novel for this unit is The Jack London collection - Includes The Call of the Wild, White Fang, and Sea-Wolf.

Access the complete unit in the Fantasy & Fiction Novel Studies Bundle!

Includes eight novel studies covering the fantasy and fiction genre. Each novel addresses a new topic, primarily falling into social studies and language arts categories.

• Each unit has introductory text, which will give the student basic background information about the topic at hand.
• There are photographs and illustrations, and we have also included primary documents when available.
• After this text, there are featured videos, which augment the background information and help make the topic more accessible for more visual students.
• You will also find a short list of reading books, including one featured novel – the spine of the unit.
• There are vocabulary words, places, and people to identify.
• Reading comprehension, critical thinking questions, and writing assignments are included.
• We add fun with hands-on activities and extra videos to watch that will bring the era to life.
• Some units also have cooking projects.

These studies are directed toward upper grades students, but some have resources for younger students so that the whole family can work together. Our family has used unit studies as curriculum for many years, and we hope that your family will enjoy these, too!

Product Sample:  Serafina and the Black Cloak & Appalachian Folklore