85 pages 2 hours read

Wilson Rawls

Summer of the Monkeys

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1976

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls is a middle grade historical novel set in the Ozark Mountains in the late 1800s, where 14-year-old Jay Berry Lee tries to capture escaped circus monkeys for a reward, hopeful of buying a pony and a rifle. However, the clever monkeys, led by a chimpanzee, prove difficult to catch, leading Jay Berry on a summer-long adventure. The text includes the use of a term that may be considered offensive to describe a child with a physical disability.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Wilson Rawls' Summer of the Monkeys is lauded for its engaging plot and vivid depiction of rural life, appealing particularly to young readers. Critics praise its heartwarming story and strong moral lessons. Some find the narrative pacing slow and the dialect challenging. Overall, it remains a charming and memorable piece of children's literature.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Summer of the Monkeys?

Readers who would enjoy Wilson Rawls' Summer of the Monkeys are typically young adults and middle-grade readers who appreciate heartfelt coming-of-age stories, adventure, and themes of family and perseverance. Fans of Where the Red Fern Grows by Rawls or Old Yeller by Fred Gipson may find this book especially captivating.

RecommendedReading Age

8-12years

Lexile Level

810L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Action / Adventure

Topics

Animals

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Relationships: Friendship