Here are a few possibilities, depending on your interpretation of "Wild Child":
Classic "Wild Child" stories:
* "The Jungle Book" by Rudyard Kipling: This classic story follows Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves in the jungle, and his adventures as he navigates both the animal world and human society.
* "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London: This novel features Buck, a domesticated dog who is taken to the Alaskan wilderness and learns to survive in the wild, ultimately choosing his primal instincts over his former life.
* "Tarzan of the Apes" by Edgar Rice Burroughs: This story follows Tarzan, a young boy raised by apes in the African jungle, who eventually interacts with the human world but ultimately remains connected to his wild origins.
Books about children raised in isolation or unconventional environments:
* "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls: A memoir about a family that lives in poverty and unconventional circumstances, with the children struggling to adapt to the "normal" world.
* "Room" by Emma Donoghue: A novel about a young boy who has spent his entire life in a shed with his mother, and their eventual escape to the outside world.
* "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith: A coming-of-age story about a young girl growing up in poverty in Brooklyn, dealing with hardship and finding strength through her imagination and love for her family.
Books about rebellious teenagers:
* "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger: A coming-of-age story about a teenage boy who rebels against conformity and hypocrisy, seeking authenticity in a world he finds superficial.
* "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding: A novel about a group of British schoolboys stranded on a deserted island, who descend into savagery and violence in the absence of adult authority.
* "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton: A novel about a group of "greasers" who are outsiders in their community and struggle to find acceptance and belonging.
Books with a "Wild Child" character:
* "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett: This classic story features Mary Lennox, a spoiled and neglected girl who discovers a hidden garden and transforms into a happier and more resilient child.
* "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott: While not exclusively about a "Wild Child," this book features Jo March, a tomboyish and independent girl who defies societal expectations.
* "Anne of Green Gables" by L.M. Montgomery: This charming novel follows Anne Shirley, a spirited and imaginative orphan who brings joy and chaos to her new home.
Ultimately, the best book for you will depend on what aspects of the "Wild Child" trope you are interested in. I hope this list provides a good starting point!