About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is navigating a summer of change, struggling with an abrasive new friend, or beginning to ask questions about the complicated history of the adults in their lives. This story centers on Jimmy and his sister as they become unlikely caretakers for a runaway capuchin monkey belonging to an eccentric neighbor. Through this job, they encounter the neighbor's granddaughter, a girl whose prickly exterior hides a deep well of loneliness and family secrets. Theresa Nelson masterfully explores the themes of empathy and the discovery that adults are flawed, multi-dimensional people. While the presence of a monkey adds a layer of whimsy and adventure, the heart of the book is a grounded, realistic look at building bridges between generations and personalities. It is an excellent choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy mysteries rooted in human emotion and family legacy rather than high-stakes action.
