The Call of the Wild (Graphic Novel)

Jack London. Illustrated by Alex Nine. Adapted by Neil Kleid. Puffin Graphics, 2006. . ISBN:978-0142405710.

Plot Summary: Buck, a pet dog, is taken from his home and made a part of a sled team. He suffers abuse as he is passed from owner to owner and forced to work in the harsh conditions. He eventually becomes the leader of a pack of wolves. Along the way he learns many lessons realizes that he is capable of much more than he thought. Through Buck's adventures, London tells a gripping story of what man and humanity is capable of - both the good and the bad and the harsh realities that are a part of life.

Critical Evaluation: The artwork in The Call of the Wild really adds another dimension to the story. The thin lines of the pen and ink sketches contrast against the use of a great deal of white space adding to the wintry and cold feel of the book. The story itself is a good adaptation of the original by Jack London. There does not seems to be any important items missing from the story line and the general feel and emotions raised by the story are comparable.

Reader's Annotation: A gentle house pet named Buck, is stolen from his family and forces to be a sled dog in the wild north. He has a number of experiences as he adjusts to the harsh life. Will he ever return home or is he changed forever?

Author Information: Jack London is also the author of White Fang. He is well known for his harsh portrayals of the Alaskan gold rush and life in the north.

Genre: Graphic Novel
Curriculum Ties: English Literature, Art
Booktalking Ideas: Could you survive in the wild? How would you have to change?
Interest Level: Grade 7-9
Challenge Issues: Some may resent a classic novel being changed and abridged into a graphic format. To defend, research could be done into the graphic novel as a legitimate form of art and literature.
Selection Process: I had never read a graphic novel before and wanted to start with a familiar story.