The Monkey Tree

By Janet S. Anderson

Susanna's great-uncle hasn't left his bedroom for twenty years. Her mother says that he was one of those children born without skin, so sensitive that everything hurt him. With her artist's eyes and feelings, Susanna can understand the appeal of the beautiful little sanctuary to Uncle Louis. It's a treasure room'a place for hoarding and holing up against the world. Susanna would like to hide there with him.In this powerful new novel, Janet S. Anderson, acclaimed author of Going Through the Gate, shares the observations and stinging emotions of a fourteen-year-old girl in retreat from the world. The brutal betrayal of a friend and the scathing comments of a teacher send Susanna deep within herself, searching fearfully for a way to safely connect again. Uncle Louis, with his silences and shared artist's skills, seems to offer that.But a fiercely determined, funny neighbor and the demands of her own curiosity pull Susanna back into experience. And when tragedy comes, she learns that what she has to give can be enough.Ms. Anderson's previous novel, Going Through the Gate, received a starred review from School Library Journal and a pointer from Kirkus. And Publishers Weekly noted that it ?brilliantly evokes the fear and exhilaration of growing up.'

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525460322
• ISBN13: 9780525460329
• Release Date: November 1998
• Publisher: Dutton Books
• Length: 152 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.8" x 8.6"
• Age Range: 12 to 15 years
• Grade Range: Grades 7 to 10

Customer Reviews

"Great book for those who seek inspiration!"

Like Susanna, I am also a devoted teenage artist. The problems she experiences in the story are very different from everyday life, considering her so-called "crazy" uncle has been in his room for at least 20 years. I really enjoyed this book and the author did an excellent job portraying what Susanna was going through. Although your problems may be nowhere close to what Susanna is experiencing, it shows you what you need to do to find your true self and inspiration in life. When reading the book it seemed as though it was glued to my hands because I couldn't bring myself to put it aside. This book would be wonderful for any teen who is faced with difficult challenges. Especially those problems that seem unbearable; but after reading this book, you will realize that your issues can be solved.