If you enjoy reading books by Jim Kjelgaard then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoyed Jim Kjelgaard's stories about adventure and animals, Jack London is a perfect next read. London's tales often explore survival, courage, and the relationship between animals and humans amid harsh wilderness.
His classic novel, The Call of the Wild, follows Buck, a dog taken from his comfortable home and forced to adapt and survive in the rugged Yukon during the Klondike gold rush.
Albert Payson Terhune writes warm, accessible stories that center on dog-human relationships. Like Kjelgaard, Terhune focuses on themes of loyalty, courage, and companionship.
His best-known work, Lad: A Dog, features the adventures and loyalty of a brave and loving collie, capturing the hearts of dog lovers everywhere.
Farley Mowat shares a love of animals and wilderness environments similar to Jim Kjelgaard, while also bringing a strong conservationist viewpoint. His writing highlights the importance of wildlife protection and empathy toward nature.
His memorable book, Never Cry Wolf, recounts his experiences observing wolves in the Canadian wilderness, challenging myths and misconceptions about these misunderstood animals.
Readers who appreciate emotional bonds between people and animals will also enjoy Wilson Rawls. Rawls's heartfelt storytelling captures themes of loyalty, friendship, and the pains and joys of coming-of-age.
In Where the Red Fern Grows, Rawls tells the touching story of a boy and his two devoted coonhound dogs, emphasizing friendship, adventure, and the enduring lessons of growing up.
Gary Paulsen offers exciting adventures and survival stories similar to those by Jim Kjelgaard. Paulsen writes clearly and engagingly, often set against rugged wilderness backdrops.
His award-winning book, Hatchet, follows young Brian Robeson as he survives alone after a plane crash, relying on determination, ingenuity, and inner strength.
Jean Craighead George writes vivid stories about animals, nature, and survival. She invites readers to appreciate wilderness through the eyes of young protagonists who must rely on courage and ingenuity.
In the book My Side of the Mountain, she tells the story of Sam Gribley, a resourceful boy who sets off alone into the Catskill Mountains to build a home in the wilderness.
Marguerite Henry creates heartfelt stories that explore profound bonds between humans and animals, especially horses. Her careful attention to historical detail and emotional depth draw readers into her stories.
One of her most loved books, Misty of Chincoteague, follows two children determined to raise a wild mare and celebrates the deep connections that animals and humans can share.
Fred Gipson offers warm, straightforward stories set in rural America, often centering on friendship, loyalty, and hard choices young people face.
His classic story, Old Yeller, follows Travis, a boy in 1860s Texas whose difficult life changes when a fiercely loyal stray dog appears at his doorstep. Gipson explores themes of bravery, responsibility, and the heartfelt bond between a boy and his dog.
Scott O'Dell's stories explore survival, resilience, and adventure within vivid historical settings. His writing draws readers into unfamiliar worlds and confronts his young heroes with meaningful challenges.
One memorable tale, Island of the Blue Dolphins, is about Karana, a girl stranded alone on an island and forced to survive through determination, courage, and a deep, respectful connection with nature.
Armstrong Sperry writes adventurous, character-driven stories about young people overcoming adversity and discovering their courage. His style is direct, thoughtful, and emphasizes personal growth through challenging experiences.
In Call It Courage, Sperry's story follows Mafatu, a boy afraid of the sea who must venture out alone to face dangers and prove his bravery, capturing readers with authenticity and emotional depth.
If you like Jim Kjelgaard's adventurous tales set outdoors, you'll enjoy Willard Price. His stories are action-packed, exciting, and often set in wild and exotic places. He also emphasizes environmental and wildlife themes.
One great example is Amazon Adventure, where two brothers travel down the Amazon River, encountering exciting dangers and learning about animals along the way.
Walt Morey writes about wilderness and animals with warmth and authenticity, making his stories perfect for those who appreciate Jim Kjelgaard. He blends exciting adventure with strong, relatable characters, both human and animal.
One notable book is Gentle Ben, about an unlikely friendship between a boy and a bear in the Alaskan wilderness.
Sterling North's storytelling is friendly, gentle, and focused on relationships between young people and animals. Fans of Kjelgaard's heartfelt animal adventures should try North's classic memoir, Rascal.
It’s a charming account of North’s childhood experiences raising a spirited pet raccoon, filled with warmth, humor, and a deep love for nature.
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings captures rural life and nature beautifully, much like Jim Kjelgaard does. Her narratives are vivid, authentic, and deeply rooted in their settings.
Readers who appreciate Kjelgaard's sincere and emotional representation of human-animal bonds should try The Yearling, a moving story about a boy and his pet deer in rural Florida.
Sheila Burnford writes about animals with empathy and realism, making her appealing if you're a fan of Jim Kjelgaard. Her storytelling is straightforward, rich in emotion and adventure.
Her most famous book, The Incredible Journey, follows two dogs and a cat across the Canadian wilderness as they attempt to reunite with their owners.