Monday, September 9, 2019

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - Monkey Island


Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

  Monkey Island
by Paula Fox

Goodreads Blurb:
Eleven-year-old Clay Garrity is on his own. His father lost his job and left the family. Now Clay's mother is gone from their welfare hotel.

Clay is homeless and out on the streets of New York. In the park he meets two homeless men. Buddy and Calvin become Clay's new family during those harsh winter weeks. But the streets are filled with danger and despair.

If Clay leaves the streets he may never find his parents again. But if he stays on the streets he may not survive at all.

I have always loved this story. It's a quick, easy read, but it packs a powerful punch to the heart. My students LOVE it. It's sad, but it says so much about the human spirit and hope and second chances. It also opens our eyes to an issue that is too often overlooked. This is VERY worth the read.


 Happy Monday!
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24 comments:

  1. Carolyn VOctober 17, 2011 at 8:32 AM

    Awesome!

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  2. PattiOctober 17, 2011 at 8:59 AM

    I love your Monday posts - they're a great reference when I'm looking for MG books.

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  3. Tales of WhimsyOctober 17, 2011 at 9:20 AM

    O sounds good. Happy Monday!

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  4. Michael Offutt, Phantom ReaderOctober 17, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    I don't read much middle grade fiction. I see you're reading Shatter Me and are recommending it. I'd like to know more when you are finished (aside from a "it's good and go read it.")

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  5. Sarah TokeleyOctober 17, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    This sounds like a great book for a younger reader.

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  6. HeatherOctober 17, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    Sounds like one I'll have to read. I'm a sucker for a good story that tugs at the heart!

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  7. Barbara WatsonOctober 17, 2011 at 10:20 AM

    When a group of diverse kids loves the same book, that speaks to the books' universality. I adore that in a book and hadn't heard of this one, so thank you.

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  8. DianeOctober 17, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    My daughter would probably love this one. It looked odd at first but you sold it to me. :O)

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  9. Old KittyOctober 17, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    Awww poor Clay!! It's such a sad sounding story!! Thanks for the review and intro to the book! Take care
    x

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  10. Jennie BennettOctober 17, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    oohhh! This is a good highlight. I can't wait to come back next week!

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  11. Lenny LeeOctober 17, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    hi miss shannon! wow im thinking this book could be way sad for sure. it sounds like a real good story. i like stuff where you could get another chance.
    ...hugs from lenny

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  12. Natalie AguirreOctober 17, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    This sounds like a really sad story but good. And sadly one some kids can relate to or to at least being homeless.

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  13. Catherine DentonOctober 17, 2011 at 1:19 PM

    Oh wow, it does sound sad. But I like sad when it's inspiring.

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  14. Myrna FosterOctober 17, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    Thanks for this recommendation, Shannon!

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  15. StinaOctober 17, 2011 at 5:08 PM

    Wow, that does sound like an awesome book. A seriously awesome book. :D

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  16. Jemi FraserOctober 17, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    I think I have a couple of her books in the class, but I haven't read any of them yet. Gotta get to it!

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  17. Michael G-GOctober 17, 2011 at 5:24 PM

    I hadn't heard of this, Shannon. And high school students love it? That speaks volumes, pardon the pun.

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  18. Brenda McKennaOctober 17, 2011 at 6:34 PM

    I will read that book posthaste. Thanks for the suggestion!

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  19. UnknownOctober 17, 2011 at 9:58 PM

    That's a new one for me. I'll definitely have to check it out! Great review, Shannon!

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  20. AnonymousOctober 17, 2011 at 11:31 PM

    Another new title to me. Thanks. Sounds like a good rec for kids who prefer more realistic rather than speculative fiction.

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  21. AnonymousOctober 18, 2011 at 6:32 AM

    Oh my gosh...it has been too long since I have read a Paula Fox and far too long for this one. Will be sure to get it and share with my book club kids. Thanks for this!!

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  22. Susan FieldsOctober 18, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    Wow - that sounds like a pretty amazing book! Thanks for the recommendation.

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  23. Hilary Melton-ButcherOctober 18, 2011 at 2:13 PM

    Hi Shannon .. a good book to read at this time - sadly .. but there's always hope and there's always some light at the end of the tunnel .. I'm sure many will benefit from the read for the understanding of life out there - cheers Hilary

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