The Monument - by Gary Paulsen (Paperback)

About the Book

The Newbery Honor author of Hatchet and Dogsong delivers the moving story of an artist hired to design a war monument who forces a small Kansas town to confront issues they would rather ignore. An American Bookseller Pick-of-the-Lists and an ALA Best Book for Young Adults.

Book Synopsis

It all begins when Rocky follows Mick Strum around town while he sketches its people, animals and graveyard. Mick has been commissioned by Rocky's Kansas town to create a memorial to their war dead.

As Rocky learns to respect Mick and his talents, he helps her to develop her own artistic sensibilities.

But the townspeople see things in Mick's drawings that they don't want to know or accept about themselves. Can Mick help them accept one monument that will be meaningful to everyone?

Review Quotes

"A powerful, affecting story with its comments on art and homage."
--School Library Journal, Starred

"An intriguing, ironic tale, written vividly and with memorable humor."
--Kirkus Reviews

"In sparse, sensitive, moving prose, Paulsen illuminates a small town and its inhabitants' beautiful and ugly sides to create a tribute to art...a wonderful book that will make you feel special."
--Voice of Youth Advocates

About the Author

GARY PAULSEN is the distinguished author of many critically acclaimed books for young people, His most recent books are Masters of Disaster, Lawn Boy Returns, Woods Runner, Notes from the Dog, Mudshark, Lawn Boy, Molly McGinty Has a Really Good Day, The Time Hackers, and The Amazing Life of Birds (The Twenty Day Puberty Journal of Duane Homer Leech).