This children’s abridged version of the original The Call of the Wild remains true enough to the story line without being too intense for the young reader.  Since some of the violent scenes remain, albeit toned down, I would recommend it for more mature 3rd grade readers through 5th grade.  The illustrations are realistic and detailed, serving to bring the story alive and demonstrate the setting.  It is my hope that younger readers will become engaged with this version and graduate to the original classic as they mature.