Summer of the Monkeys: A Tale of Adventure and Discovery

Summer of the Monkeys is a heartwarming coming-of-age story written by Wilson Rawls. Set in the rural backdrop of Oklahoma in the 1960s, this novel takes readers on an incredible adventure filled with laughter, tears, and self-discovery. Rawls beautifully captures the essence of childhood and the significance of family bonds through the eyes of his young protagonist, Jay Berry.

Plot Summary

The story revolves around Jay Berry, a fourteen-year-old boy who dreams of owning a pony. However, his dreams take an unexpected turn when he discovers a family of monkeys, escaped from a traveling circus, in the nearby woods. Jay Berry sees this as an opportunity to capture the monkeys and earn a reward, which he hopes will help him achieve his dream.

Summer of the Monkeys

by Wilson Rawls (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3092 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	290 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

As Jay Berry embarks on his summer mission of catching the monkeys, he encounters numerous challenges and mishaps. From his mischievous younger sister Daisy to his loyal and resourceful dog Rowdy, Jay Berry's escapades are both amusing and full of heart. Along the way, he experiences moments of triumph and disappointment, ultimately learning valuable lessons about perseverance, compassion, and the true meaning of family.

Themes Explored

Rawls masterfully weaves several themes throughout Summer of the Monkeys, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read for readers of all ages. One central theme is the power of determination and never giving up on one's dreams, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Jay Berry's unwavering commitment to capturing the monkeys serves as a reminder that determination and resilience can lead to unexpected rewards.

The novel also explores the importance of family and the bonds that tie us together. Through Jay Berry's interactions with his siblings, parents, and grandparents, Rawls highlights the significance of familial love, support, and understanding. Jay Berry's journey of self-discovery is interwoven with the rediscovery of the true worth of his family.

Impact and Legacy

Summer of the Monkeys has left a lasting impact on readers around the world since its publication in 1976. The novel continues to be celebrated for its heartfelt storytelling and its ability to transport readers to a simpler time filled with both childhood innocence and wisdom. Rawls' descriptive prose and vivid imagery paint a vivid picture of the Oklahoma countryside, immersing readers into Jay Berry's world.

The book's universal themes and relatable characters have made it a beloved addition to school curricula, encouraging discussions on perseverance, family dynamics, and the pursuit of dreams. Summer of the Monkeys remains a timeless tale that reminds readers of the power of imagination, friendship, and the magic that can be found in unexpected places.

Summer of the Monkeys is a captivating and heartwarming novel that continues to captivate readers of all ages. Wilson Rawls' portrayal of a young boy's adventure and self-discovery in the summer of 1960s Oklahoma is filled with laughter, tears, and valuable life lessons. Through the story of Jay Berry and his encounters with a family of monkeys, Rawls reminds us of the importance of perseverance, family bonds, and the beauty of the natural world.

So, grab a copy of Summer of the Monkeys and join Jay Berry on his unforgettable journey that will leave you with a renewed sense of wonder and a smile on your face.

Summer of the Monkeys

by Wilson Rawls (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3092 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	290 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

From the author of the beloved classic Where the Red Fern Grows comes a timeless adventure about a boy who discovers a tree full of monkeys.

   The last thing fourteen-year-old Jay Berry Lee expects to find while trekking through the Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma is a tree full of monkeys. But then Jay learns from his grandpa that the monkeys have escaped from a traveling circus, and there’s a big reward for the person who finds and returns them.
   His family could really use the money, so Jay sets off, determined to catch them. But by the end of the summer, Jay will have learned a lot more than he bargained for—and not just about monkeys.
   From the beloved author of Where the Red Fern Grows comes another memorable adventure novel filled with heart, humor, and excitement.

Honors and Praise for Wilson Rawls’ Where the Red Fern Grows:
 
A School Library Journal Top 100 Children’s Novel
An NPR Must-Read for Kids Ages 9 to 14
Winner of 4 State Awards
Over 7 million copies in print!
 
“A rewarding book . . . [with] careful, precise observation, all of it rightly phrased.” —The New York Times Book Review
 
“One of the great classics of children’s literature . . . Any child who doesn’t get to read this beloved and powerfully emotional book has missed out on an important piece of childhood for the last 40-plus years.” —Common Sense Media
 
“An exciting tale of love and adventure you’ll never forget.” —School Library Journal