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Ronnie Gonzalez was an average boy until he turned 13, and then the darnedest thing happened. Suddenly Ronnie was a chimp, just like his best friend, Joey, who also experienced the metamorphosis when he hit that magic number. Now burdened with gangly arms and hairy bodies, voracious appetites and an uncanny urge to climb, scratch, and beat their chests, the boys have to learn to cope with the world while adjusting to their new primate status.
Naturally problems arise – a lot! When Joey meets a girl he really, really likes, he goes ape. Without even thinking about it, Joey scrambles up into the rafters of a gym to retrieve the girl’s wayward balloon. As if that weren’t enough embarrassment, Coach Bear chews him out in front of everyone – including the love of his life. Thoroughly humiliated, Joey moves into a tree in his backyard and vows never to come down.
Good-hearted Ronnie takes it upon himself to set things right. What else can he do? As he explains, “Joey and I had been friends since we were in Pampers, and we would be friends when we were old men and once again in Pampers.” The trouble is, it’s not so easy being a chimp hero.
Warthog-ish bullies, lovelorn coaches, and oblivious family members are obstacles scattered all along Ronnie’s path as he tries to rescue Joey’s future. It’s just one of the facts of this new life that the boys are learning to navigate – the journey is seldom straight and easy, but it’s a journey that must be made. Young Ronnie handles it all with the patience and wisdom of an old soul; he’s the sort of brave and resourceful protagonist we all want to emulate.
Author Gary Soto uses his skills as a poet to produce a lyrical, allegorical tale that is both humorous and touching. Mercy on These Teenage Chimps is the best book I’ve seen for this age group. This one is highly recommended for all boys approaching the big One-Three, and for all people who might make the mistake of judging those boys by appearance only.
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Mercy on These Teenage Chimps