Detailed view for the Book: Monument, The

Title:

Monument, The
 

Authors:

Genres:

Coming of Age
Adventure

Editions:

# Date Publisher Binding Cover
1 1991-08-00 Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group  

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Blurb: 
Figuring she"ll never get adopted because of her caramel-colored skin and crippled leg, Rocky finds herself chosen by Emma and Fred, a kind, indulgent, alcoholic couple from Bolton, Kansas. It"s in Bolton that she finds her devoted dog, Python, who leads her to Mick, the rumpled artist hired to design a monument to the town"s war dead and the person who changes Rocky"s view of life, art, and the world. Through the drawings he makes in order to get a feel for the town"s people and history, the citizens of Bolton see themselves and their surroundings in a new light, although they"re not sure they like it. As Mick does with his sketches, Paulsen tells the story in quick, deft strokes. The gossip at the grain elevator on a summer day, Rocky"s insecurities and toughness, and the varied characters are vividly yet succinctly conveyed. In just three days, Mick breezes into town, turns Rocky on to the power of art, and convinces the people of Bolton that a grove of trees will be an appropriate monument as well as an artistic statement. Avoiding a lot of artistic jargon, Paulsen carries readers along with his (and Mick"s) strong images and enthusiasm. A powerful, affecting story with its comments on art and homage. --Susan Knorr, Milwaukee Public Library cc