Monday, March 31, 2014

Mercy on These Teenage Chimps by Gary Soto

Soto, G. (2007). Mercy on these teenage chimps. Orlando, FL: Harcourt. ISBN 0152062157

The Plot

With their overly long arms and big ears, best friends Ronnie and Joey have hit that awkward stage of development when they seem more chimpanzee than human. It's small wonder they feel like climbing the rafters (and sometimes do). When a gym teacher berates Joey for his ape-like antics in front of Joey's crush, he takes to the trees and refuses to come down. It's up to Ronnie to convince his friend that life isn't over and that this, too, shall pass. 

The Review

The characterizations are rather one-dimensional and the story is low on suspense, but boys who feel similarly simian may enjoy the themes of friendship and growing up. There is absolutely nothing objectionable about the book - no swearing, no sexual references of any kind, and no violence. It's probably the most innocuous book on growing up you could hope to find. It's a perfect choice for parents who support maintaining tween innocence.

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