Animals in Literature

The selections in this Collection explore the common motif of animals in literature. From classic novels to contemporary poetry and nonfiction, these titles delve into the relationships between humans and animals, shedding light on the profound impact animals have on our lives and exploring humanity's relationship with the natural world.

Publication year 1926

Genre Short Story Collection, Fiction

Themes Friendship, Joy, Order & Chaos, Appearance & Reality, Place, Community

Tags Classic Fiction, Children`s Literature, Fantasy, Animals, Food, Relationships, Science & Nature

Publication year 1994

Genre Book, Nonfiction

Themes Animals, Teamwork, Beauty

Tags Science & Nature, Sports, Travel Literature, Biography, Action & Adventure, Animals

First published in 1994, Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod is a nonfiction young adult book by Gary Paulsen, who has won several awards for his outdoor adventure stories. The first-person narrative recounts Paulsen’s life as a novice dog-sled runner who takes on the challenge of Alaska’s iconic Iditarod race. The special cross-species relationship between Paulsen and his canine companions steers him through the perils of Alaska’s harsh terrain as he overcomes his... Read Winterdance Summary

Publication year 2016

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Family, Friendship, Community, Childhood & Youth, Disability

Tags Realistic Fiction, Animals, Bullying, Children`s Literature

Publication year 2017

Genre Novel, Fiction

Tags Children`s Literature, Animals, Science & Nature, Magical Realism, Fantasy

Wishtree (2017) is a work of young adult fiction by Katherine Applegate. Directly addressing the bigotry and Islamophobia of the Trump era, the novel tackles the polarized American political climate by praising the value of diversity, tolerance, and compassion. Plot SummaryThis book’s narrator is a 216-year-old northern oak tree named Red. Red is a dioecious tree who has both male and female characteristics, so refers to themself with the pronoun “they.” The story takes place... Read Wishtree Summary

Publication year 1990

Genre Autobiography / Memoir, Nonfiction

Themes Animals, Environment, Perseverance

Tags Action & Adventure, Children`s Literature, Life-Inspired Fiction, Sports, Animals, Realistic Fiction, Science & Nature

Published in 1991, the adventure biography Woodsong recounts novelist Gary Paulsen’s experiences as a dogsled driver, including his participation in the Iditarod race across Alaska. He describes the hard-won lessons he learns, the strange and wondrous things he witnesses, and the love and admiration he feels for the dogs he trains with. Three-time Newbury Honor winner Paulsen wrote more than 200 works, most of them for middle-grade and young adult readers. His books often tell... Read Woodsong Summary

Publication year 1996

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Fear, Guilt, Childhood & Youth

Tags Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age, Bullying, Animals, Relationships, Children`s Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

Jerry Spinelli’s 1997 Wringer is a middle-grade novel intended for a young adult (YA) audience.This study guide uses the 1997 HarperCollins edition.Plot SummaryPalmer LaRue is young boy living in the small town of Waymer, the home of Family Fest. Family Fest is a week of fun, games, and fried food, but the event culminates with the mass shooting of 5,000 pigeons. Shooters pay to kill the birds and the money pays for the town’s park... Read Wringer Summary

Publication year 2008

Genre Book, Nonfiction

Tags Science & Nature, Animals, World History, Anthropology, Anthropology

In his 2008 book Your Inner Fish: A Journey into the 3.5-Billion-Year History of the Human Body, paleontologist and biologist Neil Shubin explores the evolutionary history of various anatomical structures. As Shubin explores the histories of everything from our limbs to our eyes and ears, he shows how closely related humans are to all of Earth’s living creatures.The first two chapters of Your Inner Fish describe one of Shubin’s most important scientific contributions: the discovery... Read Your Inner Fish Summary

Publication year 2014

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Family, Religion & Spirituality, Friendship

Tags Realistic Fiction, Animals, Race & Racism, Children`s Literature, World History, Historical Fiction, Action & Adventure

Twelve-year old Zane Dupree and his beloved mutt Bandit are trapped in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in Rodman Philbrick’s realistic middle grade novel, Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina (2014). Rescued by an elderly musician and a young girl, Zane witnesses both the best and worst of humanity as the group travels by canoe in search of safety. During his harrowing adventure, Zane learns about the importance of family and how it... Read Zane and the Hurricane Summary

Publication year 1966

Genre Short Story, Fiction

Themes Trust & Doubt, Religion & Spirituality, Loyalty & Betrayal, Conflict, Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Fate, Good & Evil, Justice, Safety & Danger

Tags Jewish Literature, Fairy Tale & Folklore, Religion & Spirituality, Animals, Special Occasions, Relationships, Science & Nature, Children`s Literature, Fantasy, Classic Fiction

Publication year 2009

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Perseverance, Childhood & Youth, Animals, Environment, Power & Greed

Tags Mystery & Crime Fiction, Action & Adventure, Humor, Animals, Children`s Literature, Realistic Fiction