This riveting tale of strength and spirit tells the incredible story of Buck. Taken from his home and master, Buck is sold into slavery and forced to learn the ropes as a sled dog in the tough, frozen world of the Klondike during the 1900 Alaskan gold rush. Unaccustomed to the savage, unruly ways of his new world, Buck learns by trial and error. Author Jack London brings this incredible story to life with vivid, passionate details of the North.

The Call of the Wild was read by Willem Lange.
Willem is originally from upper New York State. His mother and father are deaf, so he grew up speaking sign language. He's been telling stories as long as he can remember. He always tells the truth, he says, but once a friend's mother said, "Will could tell about eating a hamburger and make it sound like a four-course meal."

What do you think?

Buck is faced with a harsh reality – learn the new rules to survive. There is little room for error, if he stumbles he may never regain his footing. Adapting to new environments can be a challenge even when we are well prepared. Have you ever been thrust into a situation where you had to adapt quickly in order to thrive? How did you feel, how did you surprise or disappoint yourself? What did you learn from the situation? How might it help you as you face challenges in the future?

Online Adventures Where should you go from here?

Jack London was a prolific writer who left over 50 books of novels, stories, journalism and essays when he died at age 40 in 1916. You can read many of them and view photographs from his life here.

Buck and the team are on their way to Dawson. Learn more about the history of this fishing camp that in two years during the 1900 gold rush grew to a population of between 30,000 and 40,000 people!

Do you hear the “Call”? Get out there and experience the wild with a hike in the Vermont wilderness! There are many wonderful hikes all over our beautiful listening area. Click here to get started on the trail to adventure.

White Fang and The Sea-Wolf are two other fantastic adventure stories from Jack London. For a detailed list of his other works, including many short stories, check out the Jack London Collection website.

Grace Greene from The Vermont Department of Libraries suggests you take a look at…

Ellis, Mel. Flight of the White Wolf. Holt, 1970.
A boy and his pet white wolf flee before a state-wide hunt to locate and destroy the animal.

George, Jean Craighead. Julie of the Wolves. Harper & Row, 1972.
While running away from home and an unwanted marriage, a thirteen-year-old Eskimo girl becomes lost on the North Slope of Alaska and is befriended by a wolf pack.

Morey, Walt. Gentle Ben. Dutton, 1965.
Traces the friendship between a boy and a bear in the rugged Alaskan Territory.