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The Call of the Wild,
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Michelle
I think this book is great for all ages, although the language and style are older, so it could be difficult for a child to understand and get into without some guidance. Children will understand it as a grand adventure story told through the eyes of a dog. Adults will see the deeper themes about society, human nature and justice.
There is quite a bit of violence in the book (dog fights, dog deaths, animal abuse), so that is something to consider if giving it to a child to read, as well.
There is quite a bit of violence in the book (dog fights, dog deaths, animal abuse), so that is something to consider if giving it to a child to read, as well.
Claude Bouchard
I guess it depends on the version you're reading. Some versions have been abridged/sanitized for young readers. As for the original version, with all its brutal violence and death, I'd say 13+.
Emil
13+
A lot of bloody violence and hurt animals.
A lot of bloody violence and hurt animals.
Bee
I read this book to my boys when they were seven and nine. They loved it. As far as hard-to-understand language, I figured if they could be enthralled reading Great Expectations with Charles Dickens's famous long, complicated sentences, they would have no issue catching the meaning. (They're now in their 30's and we still talk about Wemmick's Post Office Mouth.)
Racykona11
Probably young teen could handle the content of the novel without much struggle. I have read some literature with our six year old with emotional subjects; such as Lord of the Flies and Black Beauty. If concerned; read the novel first and be prepared for any discussions.
I wouldn't recommend this novel as a gift unless they are much older because you won't be there to have conversations about the violence. Don't be dismayed though; this novel is a masterpiece about perseverance and stamina!!
I wouldn't recommend this novel as a gift unless they are much older because you won't be there to have conversations about the violence. Don't be dismayed though; this novel is a masterpiece about perseverance and stamina!!
StephenMartin
Good storyline but hard for me (7th grader) to read.
Wesley Ostrander
My first reading was about at the age of nine. It's a great book, with a story that has some soul. Nine year olds will catch the theme and moral of the story.
Craig Wanderer
I grew Camping and Horseback riding in the "Wild" so as a young man reading this it was amazing.
As as an adult I still think it resounds in me today.
While its been decades since I read it, I believe it to be a good story for any age.
As as an adult I still think it resounds in me today.
While its been decades since I read it, I believe it to be a good story for any age.
Andrew Parker
It depends on the child. I read this at age 10, and loved it. I grew up in a different time, in the country, and spent a lot of time in the woods. You know the child. Read it yourself and then decide.
Audri
how old do you think you need to be to read this book???
Alma
I read this book many times (in Swedish) when I was about 11, 12. I loved it back then and I thought it was quite easy to read but it could have been because of the translation. I read this book in school and I do not remember reacting too badly to the violence.
I would love to read it again and see if I still like it.
I would love to read it again and see if I still like it.
Rebecca Jane Price Bonito
I just read this to my 6.5 year old and he loved it. He loved that it was from the dogs point of view. The language is a bit archaic and I asked half way through if he wanted me to read it and tell him what happens (we had to do this with Treasure Island) but he wanted to keep going with it. It is sad near the ending but comes back with a powerful life affirming message.
Vmar
This was the first grown up book that I ever read at the age of 11. I was quite a poor reader at school and detested being asked to read aloud. However, I loved animals and I believe our school librarian recommended it to me. I consider myself to be an avid reader now and always have 1 or 2 books on the go.
Becki at Becki's Bookshelf
I read this book when I was 10 or 11 -- unabridged -- and loved it. I'd say that it's appropriate for mature children who can handle the language and the violence (and sadness) of the story.
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