"Summer of the Monkeys" is a coming-of-age novel that follows the adventures of a young boy named Jay Berry Lee, who lives in the rural South during the early 1900s. Jay Berry is a fourteen-year-old dreamer, eager to earn money to buy a bicycle, so he can explore the world beyond his small town. His summer takes an unexpected turn when a troop of escaped monkeys from a traveling circus arrives in his area. Jay Berry becomes determined to capture the monkeys to claim the reward offered by the circus owner, setting the stage for a summer filled with excitement and mischief.
As Jay Berry embarks on his quest, he faces various challenges that test his character and resolve. He navigates the complexities of family relationships, particularly with his grandfather, and learns valuable life lessons about responsibility, empathy, and the importance of understanding others’ feelings. The interactions with the monkeys serve as a metaphor for Jay Berry's personal growth and desire for freedom, highlighting his journey from childhood innocence towards greater maturity.