Wild Life
on Goodreads (1,948)
What’s inside...
Erik is preparing for his first-ever hunting trip when he learns that his parents are being deployed to Iraq. A few days later, Erik is shipped off to North Dakota to live with Big Darrell and Oma, grandparents he barely knows. When Erik rescues a dog that's been stuck by a porcupine, Big Darrell says Erik can't keep him. But Erik has already named her Quill and can't bear to give her up. He decides to run away, taking the dog and a shotgun, certain that they can make it on their own out on the prairie. Wild Life by Cynthia DeFelice is a story of adventure and survival, in which Erik learns about the challenges and satisfactions of living off the land, the power of family secrets, and the pain of losing what you love.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Erik feels when he's living in the wilderness compared to being at home? Why?
What do you think the geese symbolize in Erik's adventure?
How do Erik's skills and confidence change throughout the story?
If you were in Erik's place, would you make the same decisions he did? Why or why not?
What does the story teach us about the importance of nature and connecting with the environment?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set the scene before reading by briefly discussing what life in the wilderness might be like. This can help your child put themselves in Erik's shoes from the start.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves as the protagonist, Erik, and ask them what they would feel, see, and do differently.
Discuss the significance of each character’s actions and their motivations. This helps deepen understanding of the narrative and character development.
Use the discussion as an opportunity to teach about wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts.
After finishing the book, engage in an activity related to the story, such as a short hike or nature walk, to reinforce themes and make the reading experience more tangible.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Wild Life', the protagonist, Erik, fosters an orphaned duckling which teaches him to understand and care for something vulnerable and dependent.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to notice when others are in need and explore ways they can help, promoting a compassionate society.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, Erik learns to be responsible for the duckling's well-being, balancing his own needs with those of his new charge.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of commitments and being dependable in caring for pets, or even in their roles in the family and school.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Erik faces several challenges in his quest to care for the duckling, adjusting his plans as circumstances change.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being flexible and adapting to changing situations, essential skills in everyday problem-solving and dealing with unexpected events.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery
Explanation: As Erik navigates through his adventure, he discovers his own strengths and weaknesses, which contributes to his personal growth.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to explore their own capabilities and boundaries, fostering a sense of self-awareness and personal development.
Example Lesson: Connection with nature
Explanation: The detailed description of Erik's interaction with the natural world highlights the importance of preserving and engaging with our environment.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage with and appreciate nature, fostering a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.