• Bulk Order Discounts: Order 5 or more books (same title) and save 15%.
• Order Online: Order online with MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, or PayPal.
• Order By Mail: Send your order with a school/district check. No personal checks accepted.

About the Book Into the Wild

Into the Wild tells the true story of the life of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandons his material possessions and societal norms to venture into the wild. After graduating from college, McCandless donates his savings to charity, changes his name to Alexander Supertramp, and hitchhikes across America with no clear destination. His ultimate goal is to live in the wilderness of Alaska, away from the constraints of modern society.

McCandless eventually reaches Alaska and sets up camp in an abandoned bus, which he dubs the "Magic Bus." He lives off the land, documenting his experiences in a journal. However, despite his initial success in surviving, McCandless faces increasing challenges. The harsh realities of the wild, coupled with his lack of preparation, lead to his tragic demise from starvation and possibly toxic plants.

Krakauer meticulously retraces McCandless’s steps, piecing together his motivations and the events leading up to his tragic end. Through interviews with people McCandless met, excerpts from his journal, and Krakauer’s own reflections, the book paints a complex portrait of a young man seeking meaning and authenticity in life.

Themes in the book Into the Wild

The Search for Identity: One of the central themes in Into the Wild is the search for identity. McCandless’s journey can be seen as an attempt to discover who he truly is, away from societal expectations and material wealth. His quest resonates with many young people who grapple with similar questions about their own identities and the kind of lives they want to lead.

Man vs. Nature: The book also explores the theme of man versus nature. McCandless’s adventure highlights both the beauty and brutality of the natural world. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of respecting nature and understanding its dangers. It can spark discussions about the balance between complete freedom and taking reasonable precautions and being prepared in nature.

Isolation and Connection: Isolation is another significant theme. McCandless seeks solitude in the wilderness, believing it will bring him clarity and peace. However, his isolation also leads to loneliness and ultimately, his demise. This theme prompts readers to reflect on the human need for connection and community, even when seeking personal freedom.

Family: Christopher's family also plays a prominent role in the story, both prior to his adventure and afterwards. Examining the role his relationship with his family plays in his desire to live in nature makes for an interesting discussion.

Activity Ideas   for the book Into the Wild

Classroom Discussions: Kick off your unit with a classroom discussion about the allure of adventure and the wilderness. Ask students why they think someone would chose to abandon his life and venture into the wild. Encourage them to share their own thoughts on the idea of living off the grid.

Debates and Socratic Seminars: Organize debates or Socratic seminars on controversial aspects of the book. For instance, debate whether McCandless was brave or reckless. These activities promote critical thinking and allow students to articulate and defend their viewpoints while considering others’ perspectives.

Field Trips and Guest Speakers: If possible, organize field trips to local natural parks or invite guest speakers who have experience with wilderness adventures. These real-world connections can make the themes of the book more tangible and engaging for students.

Multimedia Resources: Incorporate multimedia resources to enhance the learning experience. Use documentaries, interviews with Jon Krakauer, or clips from the film adaptation of Into the Wild to provide additional context and perspectives. Visual and auditory elements can help bring the story to life.

Group Projects: Assign group projects where students can collaborate to explore different aspects of the book. For instance, one group could focus on McCandless’s travels, mapping out his route and researching the places he visited. Another group could investigate the psychological aspects of his character and motivations. A third group could discuss survival skills McCandless used as well as others he could/should have used.