Monkey Boy
Young Hippo Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
Professor Frederick J. Dodd from the institute of Monkeyology thinks George O'Tang looks amazingly like a monkey. George is perfect to help the professor save the rare Congo Stripy Monkeys from a gang of evil gorillas. Meanwhile, a religious and serious young man discovers that he is the result of artificial insemination, where the sperm donor was an ape. Struggling with his identity and religious beliefs, he must face the challenges of acceptance and survival as religious leaders seek to hide the truth.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about Monkey Boy's adventures? Which one was your favorite and why?
Monkey Boy meets many different characters. Who would you like to meet and what would you ask them?
How do you think Monkey Boy felt when he faced challenges? Have you ever felt the same way?
What is the most important lesson Monkey Boy learned in the story? How can you apply this lesson in your own life?
If you could add another adventure to Monkey Boy’s story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Monkey Boy’s world, asking them how they would react in similar situations. Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, making the experience more immersive and engaging for your child. Discuss the moral lessons in the story, relating them to real-life scenarios to help your child connect the dots. Let your child lead parts of the conversation to boost their confidence and understanding of the story themes. Lastly, praise their insights and thoughts to reinforce their interest in reading and discussing books.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: In 'Monkey Boy,' the protagonist navigates challenges stemming from his unique identity and heritage. This narrative fosters acceptance and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the diversity among their peers, recognizing that everyone has something valuable to offer regardless of their background.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: The main character faces adversities bravely and uses his wits to overcome obstacles. The story illustrates the power of courage and resilience in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their fears and challenges head-on, knowing that perseverance can lead to overcoming barriers and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: Throughout the story, familial relationships are highlighted as a source of strength and guidance for the protagonist.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to value and lean on their family for support during tough times, and cherish the relationships they have at home.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The protagonist learns to understand and empathize with others who are different or in difficult situations, leading to acts of kindness.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to put themselves in others’ shoes, fostering a more empathetic and supportive community.