- set in NE Oklahoma during the late 1800s
- a 14-year-old boy spends his summer trying to capture monkeys
- convo: tobacco mentioned, superstitions*, an accidental drunkenness, brief flirting
- language: darn x2, heck x2, by golly x5, doggone it x1
Type: chapter book
Ages: 8-12
Author: Wilson Rawls
*Regarding the superstitions, the children often refer to “the Old Man of the Mountains,” who is said to take care of nature and cause bad luck to those who aren’t good stewards of it. However, God is also mentioned when they give Him the credit for making the hills that the Old Man protects. There’s a very blurry line between the two entities within the children’s conversations and actions. For example, toward the end, the boy prays to the Old Man and later thanks him for answered prayer. Later, the boy and father discuss how the Old Man might be the spirit of Jesus Christ.
*Furthermore, there is the superstitious folklore of fairy rings. These would magically give someone his or her wish and plays a part in the book’s storyline.
With all of the above as caveats, I still think it’s a decent book to dive into. The family unit is strong and loving, he has a sweet and constant companion in his dog, and there’s a lot of comedy and adventure in all the boy’s attempts at catching the monkeys. For animal lovers (of monkeys to small forest critters to horses) or kids who love books set almost completely outdoors, it might just be what sets your child on the adventure of pleasure reading.
In addition to the above “superstition” notes, I will say that the family does give respect to the Bible. Three nights a week, they read it and have a Q&A session afterwards. It makes the Bible sound like a reliable book, but beyond these things, the story is secular.
Have you read this one? As you can see, I’m conflicted on it and am curious what you think!