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.

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.

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.

Adventurous / Humorous / Heartwarming / Inspirational

- One interesting fact about Summer of the Monkeys is that it was written by Wilson Rawls after the success of his first book, Where the Red Fern Grows, and was inspired by his childhood in the Ozark Mountains.
- The book received the William Allen White Children's Book Award in 1976, rewarding its contributions to children's literature and its popularity among young readers.
- Summer of the Monkeys was published posthumously in 1976, after Rawls revised his original story to include the same heartfelt storytelling for which he is known.

**Jay Berry Lee**  
A fourteen-year-old boy who lives on a farm in the Oklahoma Ozarks with his family and bluetick hound, Rowdy, and embarks on a quest involving wild monkeys.

**Daisy Lee**  
Jay Berry’s twin sister, who has a physical disability and shares a profound connection with nature, influencing Jay Berry's journey.

**Grandpa**  
Jay Berry's grandfather, who runs a general store and provides wisdom, support, and guidance to Jay Berry throughout his adventure.

**Mama**  
Jay Berry's mother, who is concerned for her son's safety and offers him warnings and reminders. 

**Papa**  
Jay Berry's father, who provides calm and good-natured advice, helping to balance the family's dynamics. 

**Grandma**  
A nurturing figure who provides food and sustenance, contributing to the family’s well-being and supporting Daisy's medical needs.

**Jimbo**  
A clever chimpanzee, considered the leader of the escaped monkeys, who challenges Jay Berry with his intelligence.

**Rowdy**  
Jay Berry's loyal bluetick hound who accompanies him on his adventures, providing comic relief and support.

Wilson Rawls

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

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Before You Read

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Overview

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Summer of the Monkeys Summary and Study Guide

Background

Summer of the Monkeys Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

Summer of the Monkeys Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-8

Summer of the Monkeys Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-12

Summer of the Monkeys Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-16

Summer of the Monkeys Chapters 13-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-19

Summer of the Monkeys Chapters 17-19 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Summer of the Monkeys Character Analysis

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Themes

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Important Quotes

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Introduction

Summer of the Monkeys Teacher Introduction

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Reading Context

Summer of the Monkeys Reading Context

During Reading

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Summer of the Monkeys

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