13 Best Books Like 'Call of the Wild': Survival Stories, Adventures, and More

Ever wondered what drives a creature to abandon comfort for the untamed wild? Literary experts like Harold Bloom have long praised Jack London's ability to capture this primal call, and the books we've gathered here continue that tradition of exploring humanity's deepest connection to nature.

If you're searching for books like 'Call of the Wild,' you've found the perfect list. From Jack London's companion tale 'White Fang' to the heartwarming loyalty in 'Old Yeller' and the survival epic 'Into the Wild,' these selections represent Buck's transformative journey, the raw power of survival, and that magnetic pull of wilderness.

Plus, the Headway app makes it easy to explore some classic books and nonfiction bestsellers through 15-minute summaries, helping you discover which adventures deserve your full attention.

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Quick guide to books like 'Call of the Wild':

1. 'White Fang' by Jack London — a companion tale of wilderness survival.

2. 'Black Beauty' by Anna Sewell — an animal's perspective on resilience.

3. 'Old Yeller' by Fred Gipson — the deep human-canine bond.

4. 'The Incredible Journey' by Sheila Burnford — the tale of three pets wandering across the Canadian wilderness.

5. 'Into the Wild' by Jon Krakauer — modern survival meets self-discovery.

Keep reading for the full list of books!

Top 13 similar books to 'The Call of the Wild'

If you enjoyed 'The Call of the Wild', try reading these books that echo its themes and spirit. From heartfelt dog stories to tragic survival stories, each carries the unique relationship between humans and animals as well as the unfiltered force of the wilderness.

Each of these selections demonstrates the extraordinary resilience and adaptability of animals and humans, much like the will of the Alaskan wilderness.

1. 'White Fang' by Jack London

'White Fang' by Jack London tells the story of a wolf-dog hybrid whose life takes him from the wild to a domesticated life. This narrative forges through the complexities of a canine's mind against a backdrop similar to 'The Call of the Wild.'

Similarities between the books:

• Both tales unfold in the Yukon, echoing the vast, untamed wilderness of Alaska while highlighting sled dogs.

• Each story explores primal instincts and the raw struggle for survival.

• Jack London's vivid storytelling shines in his novels and acclaimed short stories, making both works rich with descriptions of nature.

• Both narratives center on themes of resilience and transformation.

2. 'Black Beauty' by Anna Sewell

'Black Beauty' by Anna Sewell is a touching story set in 19th-century England, narrated from the perspective of a horse. Black Beauty's journey takes him through various hardships, moving from one cruel owner to another until he finally discovers a loving home.

This tale sheds light on the transportation methods of the time and the harsh realities working animals face.

Similarities between the books:

• Both stories are narrated in the first person from the animal's point of view, allowing readers to understand the animals' thoughts and instincts.  

• Both stories are about survival and endurance. These two stories are about the important connection of humans with their animal companions.

• Both stories hinge on the notion of change and adaptability of the main character.

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3. 'My Side of the Mountain' by Jean Craighead George

In 'My Side of the Mountain,' Sam Gribley, a young man seeking independence, leaves his family behind to embrace life in the wilderness, where he learns to fend for himself.

The story delves into themes of survival, independence, and adventure, reminiscent of 'The Call of the Wild.' Sam's path to self-discovery and his encounters with nature are inspiring and thought-provoking.

Similarities between the books:

• Both stories center on the theme of survival in the wild.

• They highlight the protagonist's journey toward independence and self-discovery.

• Both narratives showcase the beauty and challenges of the natural world, notably the unforgiving Arctic landscapes.

• The themes of resilience and adaptability are key elements in both books.

4. 'The Plague Dogs' by Richard Adams

In 'The Plague Dogs,' two dogs break out of an animal testing facility. Richard Adams addresses themes of concern for animal welfare, human perceptions of animals, and the continuing struggle to survive with entertaining storytelling and engrossing dialogue.

Similarities between the books:

• Dogs' struggle to survive.

• The relationship between humans and animals.

• Perseverance and overcoming challenges.

5. 'The Art of Racing in the Rain' by Garth Stein

In 'The Art of Racing in the Rain,' Garth Stein tells an unconventional story through the view of a dog, while providing thought-provoking experiences for humans. Filled with themes of love, loyalty, and struggles with life, it is uplifting and compelling at the same time.

Similarities between the books:

• Each story is told from a dog's perspective.

• The themes of loyalty and survival are evident in both stories.

• A sincere bond between human and dog.

6. 'Into the Wild' by Jon Krakauer

'Into the Wild' by Jon Krakauer is a compelling true story that explores themes of self-discovery and adventure through the captivating pull of nature. Krakauer weaves together interviews, personal journal entries, and detailed accounts throughout the work to create a truly thought-provoking experience.

His well-researched and engaging writing style takes readers on a deep journey through the harsh wilderness with the protagonist.

Similarities between the books:

• The themes of survival and self-discovery.

• Both highlight the allure and challenges of nature.

• The narratives are based on true stories set in unforgiving landscapes.

• Themes of resilience and adaptation are central to both books.

7. 'Hollow Kingdom' by Kira Jane Buxton

This book is about a crow named S.T. He lives in a world where all the humans are gone. S.T. must learn how to survive on his own. Along the way, he discovers who he really is. The story is exciting and told from a crow's point of view, which makes it really interesting.

Similarities between the books:

• Both are about surviving in the wild.

• Animals from different species connect with each other.

• The main characters learn to survive in new places.

8. 'The Sea Wolf' by Jack London

This story is about two men: Wolf Larsen and Humphrey Van Weyden. Wolf Larsen is a powerful ship captain. The two men go through big changes in their lives. The book questions ideas about survival and who has power. It also asks what makes someone strong and what is right or wrong.

Similarities between the books:

• Jack London wrote both books.

• Both look at survival and power.

• The main characters change a lot during the story.

• Both books question society's rules and beliefs.

9. 'Island of the Blue Dolphins' by Scott O'Dell

Based on a true story, 'Island of the Blue Dolphins' follows Karana, a young girl who survives alone on an island after her tribe departs. It delves into themes of survival, loneliness, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Karana's journey of self-discovery and her struggles against wild dogs and other obstacles make this a captivating narrative.

Similarities between the books:

• Both narratives are inspired by real-life events and explore survival themes.

• Both emphasize the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and resilience.

• The difficulties of the natural world are central to both stories, contributing to their tragic elements.

• Themes of loneliness and the longing for connection are evident in both works.

10. 'To Build a Fire' by Jack London

In 'To Build a Fire,' Jack London narrates the tale of a man confronting the brutal elements of the Yukon wilderness, illustrating humanity's vulnerability in the face of nature.

The themes of survival, mortality, and nature's supremacy are pivotal to this gripping story. The vivid imagery and intense narrative make it essential reading for fans of 'The Call of the Wild.'

Similarities between the books:

• Both tales are set in the Yukon wilderness and examine survival themes.

• Both highlight human vulnerability and nature's overpowering force.

• Narratives, such as 'The Call of the Wild' and other stories by Jack London, portray the harsh truths of the natural environment.

• Jack London's rich storytelling style is evident in both works.

11. 'Old Yeller' by Fred Gipson

Set in 19th-century Texas, the book tells the story of a boy and a stray dog. Travis's father leaves home to work on a cattle drive.

Now, the boy has to deal with his feelings and learn what it means to be strong and grown-up. The story shows the special connection between people and their pets.

Similarities between the books:

• The connection between humans and their canine friends.

• Both narratives highlight themes of survival and resilience.

• The human-animal bond is central to both stories, emphasizing loyalty and love.

12. 'The Incredible Journey' by Sheila Burnford

'The Incredible Journey' is a heartwarming tale of three pets — a Labrador retriever, a Siamese cat, and a bull terrier — who embark on a perilous journey across the Canadian wilderness to reunite with their owners.

The story explores themes of loyalty, determination, and the unbreakable bond between animals and their human family, spanning landscapes from the Canadian wilderness to urban centers like New York.

Similarities between the books:

• Both stories center around the struggles of animals surviving in the wild.

• Themes of loyalty, resilience, and perseverance are evident in both narratives.

• The natural world plays a significant role in shaping the protagonists' journeys.

• There is a key theme of an intense emotional connection between humans and animals.

13. 'A Dog's Purpose' by W. Bruce Cameron

'A Dog's Purpose' follows the journey of a dog who is reincarnated multiple times, seeking to understand his purpose in life. This touching and introspective narrative explores themes of loyalty, love, and dogs' profound impact on human lives.

Similarities between the books:

• Both stories tell their stories from the perspective of animals.

• Themes of loyalty, survival, and the human-animal bond are central to both books.

• Each narrative explores the emotional growth of the animal protagonists.

• The stories emphasize the enduring connection between humans and their animal companions.

What is'The Call of the Wild' about?

'The Call of the Wild' is a timeless story set during the Klondike Gold Rush. It follows Buck, a St. Bernard-Scottish Collie mix, who suddenly finds himself thrown from his comfortable life into the harsh wilderness.

Throughout his journey, Buck evolves from a domesticated dog into a creature of the wild, rediscovering his primal instincts and embracing his true nature. Alongside fellow sled dogs like the curly-coated Spitz, Buck's transformation symbolizes a profound life change from a domesticated dog to a powerful wild leader.

The narrative explores themes of loyalty, survival, and the ongoing struggle between civilization and the wild. By contrasting the stark Yukon landscape with the vast American wilderness and distant echoes of California's frontier spirit, it has earned its place as a masterpiece of English literature.

Buck's story encompasses both physical trials and emotional growth as he navigates the harsh realities of the Yukon with other sled dogs, discovering essential truths about loyalty, the pack's strength, and the call of the wild. His transformation continues to resonate with readers across generations.

Go on your next reading adventure with Headway book summaries

From Buck's thrilling adventure story to the touching human-animal connection in 'Old Yeller,' these books like 'The Call of the Wild' weave together a rich array of narratives that delve into the harsh realities of nature and the strength of the human spirit.

If you want more captivating nonfiction stories, the Headway app is just what you need. With its concise summaries, Headway helps readers quickly understand the core of bestselling titles and survival narratives. The app boosts your reading efficiency, allowing you to explore a variety of books wherever you go.

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Download the Headway app today and immerse yourself in the exciting world of adventure and classic literature!