Summer of the Monkeys

Multiple Choice and Long Answer questions create ideal opportunities for whole-text review, unit exam, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. What can the reader infer about monkeys based on the novel’s plot?

A) They like to make fun of Jay Berry.

B) They are motivated by food.

C) They are unaware of the dangers of the river bottom.

D) They are intelligent and communicative.

2. What is the most accurate description of Jay Berry’s character?

A) Stubborn

B) Selfish

C) Persistent

D) Kind

3. What is Grandpa’s purpose in the novel?

A) He serves to facilitate Jay Berry’s ideas and plans.

B) He is a sounding board for Jay Berry’s concerns.

C) He becomes the voice of Jay Berry’s conscience.

D) He does not play a significant role in the novel.

4. Who is the leader of the monkey group?

A) The trainer

B) The chimpanzee

C) Jay Berry

D) Rowdy

5. What is the mood of the event when Jay Berry awakens to find his britches had been stolen?

A) Humorous

B) Angry

C) Spooky

D) Humbling

6. Which of the following scenarios helps mark Summer of the Monkeys as a coming-of-age novel?

A) Jay Berry persists in attempting to capture the monkeys.

B) Jay Berry learns to control Rowdy in town.

C) Jay Berry is allowed to take the reins and steer over the river.

D) Jay Berry becomes impatient with the monkeys.

7. What event solidifies the alliance between Jay Berry and Grandpa in catching the monkeys?

A) When Jay Berry fails many times to capture the monkeys

B) When Papa isn’t finished with planting and Grandpa has to help

C) When the monkeys take Jay Berry’s britches

D) When the monkeys steal coconuts from their cart

8. What do Jay Berry’s dreams following the storm symbolize in the novel?

A) His foreboding of the supposed blessing the Old Man gives.

B) His confidence in his wish made in the fairy circle.

C) His wariness and discomfort with his choices.

D) His assurance that he will soon capture the monkeys.

9. What is an example of the novel’s use of dramatic irony?

A) Jay Berry is able to capture the monkeys using the trap he built.

B) Jay Berry feels conflicted about which pony to buy when Daisy needs the money.

C)  The keeper of the monkeys is glad to see them when he arrives.

D) The monkeys learn to accept Jay Berry as one of their own.

10. Which scenario helps illustrate Jay Berry’s initial immaturity in the novel?

A) He feels uncomfortable when the shop girl tries to take his hand.

B) Grandpa has to help Jay Berry develop a plan.

C) Jay Berry takes Rowdy to town knowing he will misbehave.

D) Jay Berry becomes obsessed with capturing the monkeys.

11. What is the setting of the novel?

A) Oklahoma

B) Missouri

C) Arkansas

D) Illinois

12. How is Jay Berry’s conflict with the monkeys resolved?

A) He traps them using information from the library.

B) The monkeys willingly follow him.

C) He uses apples to lure them.

D) He befriends Jimbo.

Long Answer

Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating text details to support your response.

1. What is the moral of the novel Summer of the Monkeys?

2. How does the novel’s conclusion change Jay Berry’s perspective of his surroundings?