Summer of the Monkeys
by Wilson Rawls
Tandem Library 1986
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family
- responsibility
- perseverance
- compassion
- dreams and sacrifice
- humor
- coming of age
- rural life
About this book
Set in the late 1800s, a farm boy named Jay Berry discovers a band of escaped circus monkeys living in the Oklahoma river bottoms. Determined to catch them for a reward, he hatches one plan after another—usually with hilarious results. Along the way, Jay Berry learns about responsibility, family, and what truly matters. This warm, humorous adventure appeals to animal lovers and fans of heartfelt historical tales.
Setting: rural Oklahoma (Ozark foothills), late 1800s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Summer of the Monkeys right for my child?
Yes — Summer of the Monkeys is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.8, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include family, responsibility, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Summer of the Monkeys?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Summer of the Monkeys takes around 9.2h to finish. The book has 83,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Summer of the Monkeys have an AR quiz?
Yes — Summer of the Monkeys has an AR quiz available, worth 13 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Summer of the Monkeys?
Summer of the Monkeys has an AR reading level of 4.8, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.