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.

Ariel

by Sylvia Plath

Publication year 1965

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Gender Identity, Death, Femininity, Perseverance, Love, Order & Chaos

Tags Free Verse, Animals, Race & Racism, Gender & Feminism, Confessional, Women`s Studies, American Literature, World History, Mental Illness, Classic Fiction

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As Brave As You

by Jason Reynolds

Publication year 2016

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Masculinity, Guilt, Siblings, Coming of Age, Family

Tags Race & Racism, Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age, Addiction & Substance Abuse, Animals, Anthropology, Children`s Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

As Brave as You is a middle grade novel written by American author Jason Reynolds and published in 2016. It won several awards, including the Kirkus Award, the NCAAP Image award for children’s literature, and the Schneider Family Book Award, which recognizes superior depictions of disability in children’s literature. It was also chosen as a Coretta Scott King Honor book, awarded to African-American writers and illustrators for excellence in conveying the African-American experience in children’s... Read As Brave As You Summary

A Walk in the Woods

by Bill Bryson

Publication year 1998

Genre Autobiography / Memoir, Nonfiction

Themes Place, Friendship, Animals, Plants, Environment, Appearance & Reality, Community

Tags Travel Literature, Humor, Science & Nature, Animals, Anthropology, US History, Relationships, Politics & Government, Sports, World History, Action & Adventure, Biography

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail is a 1998 travel book by American-British author Bill Bryson. The book was a New York Times bestseller, and a 2014 Cable News Network (CNN) poll named it the funniest travel book ever written. In addition, it inspired the 2015 film A Walk in the Woods starring Robert Redford as Bryson, Nick Nolte as Stephen Katz (his primary hiking companion), and Emma Thompson as... Read A Walk in the Woods Summary

Bear

by Julia Phillips

Publication year 2002

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Conflict, Perseverance, Fear, Grief, Guilt, Hope, Joy, Loneliness, Love, Memory, Nostalgia, Death, Animals, Appearance & Reality, Place, Family, Friendship, Mothers, Community, Economics, Beauty, Fate, Good & Evil, Justice, Safety & Danger, Trust & Doubt, Truth & Lies

Tags Modern Classic Fiction, Fantasy, Animals, Romance, Canadian Literature, Classic Fiction

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Because of Winn-Dixie

by Kate DiCamillo

Publication year 2000

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Family, Grief

Tags Realistic Fiction, Children`s Literature, Education, Education, Animals, Classic Fiction

Because of Winn-Dixie is a middle-grade novel by Kate DiCamillo published in 2000 by Candlewick Books. It follows main character Opal as she learns to love her new home in Naomi, Florida with the help of a stray dog named Winn-Dixie. Steeped in the traditions of Southern literature, the book won a Newbery Honor distinction and a Parents’ Choice Gold Award, among other awards. DiCamillo has been a beloved children's author since publication of Because of... Read Because of Winn-Dixie Summary

Belly Up

by Stuart Gibbs

Publication year 2010

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Power & Greed, Perseverance, Animals

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

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Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo

by Rajiv Joseph

Publication year 2009

Genre Play, Fiction

Tags Animals, Historical Drama

Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo is set in Baghdad in 2003 during the early days of the Iraq War. Written by Rajiv Joseph, the play was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2010 and made its Broadway debut in 2011. It explores themes of war, transcendence, religion and the afterlife, and sin and redemption. Plot Summary The play opens at a zoo in Baghdad, where two American soldiers, Kev and Tom, are standing guard by the Tiger’s... Read Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo Summary

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

by Aron Ralston

Publication year 2004

Genre Autobiography / Memoir, Nonfiction

Themes Fate, Safety & Danger, Self Discovery, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Perseverance, Hope, Death

Tags Inspirational, Action & Adventure, Travel Literature, Animals, Arts & Culture, Philosophy, Relationships, Religion & Spirituality, Science & Nature, Music, Sports, Biography

Between a Rock and a Hard Place is a 2004 adventure and survival memoir by American mountain climber Aron Ralston. The narrative focuses on Ralston’s near-death experience when his arm became stuck under a boulder in a canyon in Utah, where he remained trapped for five days until he amputated his arm. Dealing with profound existential themes, the book garnered critical acclaim and became a New York Times bestseller. A 2010 film adaptation titled 127... Read Between a Rock and a Hard Place Summary

Big Red

by Jim Kjelgaard

Publication year 1945

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Coming of Age, Perseverance, Animals, Place, Friendship

Tags Children`s Literature, Historical Fiction, Classic Fiction, Animals, Action & Adventure

Jim Kjelgaard’s novel Big Red (1945) traces the adventures of protagonist Danny Pickett after he befriends a unique Irish setter named Red. Danny has lived at the edge of the Wintapi wilderness with his father, Ross Pickett, for as long as he can remember. Although he loves his father, their life together, and the surrounding woods, Danny longs for a friend. Danny is thrilled when Mr. Haggin, the Pickett’s property owner and boss, hires Danny... Read Big Red Summary

Black Beauty

by Anna Sewell

Publication year 1877

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Religion & Spirituality, Social Class, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Perseverance, Animals

Tags Classic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Action & Adventure, Animals, Addiction & Substance Abuse, Social Class, European History, Poverty, Religion & Spirituality, Social Justice, Trauma & Abuse, Urban Development, Victorian Period, Coming of Age, Children`s Literature, World History

Black Beauty was written by English novelist Anna Sewell, and published in 1877. It quickly became extremely popular, and led to increased activism and public concern for the humane treatment of horses and other animals. It went on to become one of best-selling novels of all time, and has been adapted numerous times into films and theatre productions. Sewell used her novel to explore themes such as kindness and responsibility, and to critique social problems... Read Black Beauty Summary