Plot Summary

The Monument

Gary Paulsen
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The Monument

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1990

Book Brief

Gary Paulsen

The Monument

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1990
Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

USA • 1990s

Publication Year

1990

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

890L

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Super Short Summary

In The Monument by Gary Paulsen, thirteen-year-old Rocky from the small town of Bolton gains a deeper understanding of herself, her community, and the power of art when an artist named Mick Strum arrives to create a war memorial. Through their interactions, Rocky learns to see beyond the surface, discovering her passion for art and a more profound connection to her town's history and people. Topics include war and abandonment.

Contemplative

Emotional

Heartwarming

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.1

544 ratings

61%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Monument by Gary Paulsen receives praise for its poignant exploration of small-town life and the power of art to transform communities. Readers appreciate the well-drawn characters and insightful narrative but some find the plot predictable and the pacing uneven. Overall, it’s a thoughtful and emotionally resonant read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Monument?

A reader who would enjoy The Monument by Gary Paulsen is interested in thought-provoking, character-driven stories with themes of self-discovery and the impact of history and art. Fans of Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson or Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli will find similar appeal in its emotional depth and exploration of social issues.

4.1

544 ratings

61%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

USA • 1990s

Publication Year

1990

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

890L

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