The Monument [Hardcover]

Gary Paulsen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1993 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

While following Mick Strum around town as he sketches people, animals, and the graveyard for a war memorial, Rocky learns to respect Mick's artistic talents. Book available.

--This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Rocky, an adopted, partly lame teenage girl, tells how a memorial to her small Kansas town's war dead came to be built and how her vision and those of the other residents were altered by the monument's artist. When Rocky first encounters Mick Strum, he is filthy and disheveled, sleeping off a drinking binge in his dilapidated car. But she is magnetically drawn to this unlikely seer and from him learns to observe freshly and to develop an artist's eye. In contrast to Paulsen's customary action-packed adventures, this novel is chiefly about ideas--featuring characters whose primary function seems to be expressing concepts about art and the artistic process. As such, the story has an over-intellectualized, sometimes pedantic air and may disappoint readers hoping for the gritty realism, veracity and raw power of Paulsen's best works. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9-- Figuring she'll never get adopted because of her caramel-colored skin and crippled leg, Rocky finds herself chosen by Emma and Fred, a kind, indulgent, alcoholic couple from Bolton, Kansas. It's in Bolton that she finds her devoted dog, Python, who leads her to Mick, the rumpled artist hired to design a monument to the town's war dead and the person who changes Rocky's view of life, art, and the world. Through the drawings he makes in order to get a feel for the town's people and history, the citizens of Bolton see themselves and their surroundings in a new light, although they're not sure they like it. As Mick does with his sketches, Paulsen tells the story in quick, deft strokes. The gossip at the grain elevator on a summer day, Rocky's insecurities and toughness, and the varied characters are vividly yet succinctly conveyed. In just three days, Mick breezes into town, turns Rocky on to the power of art, and convinces the people of Bolton that a grove of trees will be an appropriate monument as well as an artistic statement. Avoiding a lot of artistic jargon, Paulsen carries readers along with his (and Mick's) strong images and enthusiasm. A powerful, affecting story with its comments on art and homage. --Susan Knorr, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 149 pages
• Publisher: Perfection Learning (July 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0780721020
• ISBN-13: 978-0780721029
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,268,278 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Gary Paulsen is one of the most honored writers of contemporary literature for young readers. He has written more than one hundred book for adults and young readers, and is the author of three Newberry Honor titles: Dogsong, Hatchet, and The Winter Room. He divides his time among Alaska, New Mexico, Minnesota, and the Pacific.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Monument, May 29, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Monument (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (School & Library Binding)

Gary Paulsen's The Monument is a very eccentric story of a young African American girl with a leg brace in an orphanage. Rocky (the young girl) feels as if no one will ever adopt her and one day a couple walked in and said that they wanted to adopt her and she fills with a magical feeling inside herself. Rocky lives the life she never thought she would have.In this magnificent book you go on with her through everything that is as new to her as it is to you. By Mackenzie

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A book to remember, October 25, 2002

By 

Stefanie A. Anderson (Richfield, Utah USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Monument (Paperback)

Although it is a simple story, it is probably my favorite Gary Paulsen book so far. It talks a lot about art, but the real point of the book is a minority, handicapped girl who learns how to see life in a new way and discovers that she has a talent of her own. Along with that is a town that comes together to make one decision that will help it heal and then grow together. This book is short and easy to read, but makes a lasting impression.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Monument, February 27, 2001

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Monument (Paperback)

Gary Paulsen's book "The Monument", is about a small town in Kansas that wants to build a monument to honor the soliders who died in all of the wars. The artist they hire for the job, Mick, makes a special effort to get to know the towns people and he draws everything he sees about the town. Rocky, a young teen takes an interest in art and Mick. As she gets to know Mick, as well as art, she also discovers herself. This book presents an interesting view of art from the artist's point of view and gives the reader insight into human nature.