Helpful Score: 1
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
It's 1968, and Doug has just moved. He's not exactly crazy about making new friends and starting school somewhere new in the fall, but of course, he doesn't have any choice.
As usual, Doug's brother gets out of all the work of unpacking and settling-in chores. Their rental house leaves much to be desired, and Doug quickly nicknames it THE DUMP. His mother tries her best to make it comfortable, as everyone listens to his father complain about his new job and how no one appreciates his hard work.
Doug discovers the local library. But rather than the books, he is attracted to a collection of valuable Audubon prints. The birds amaze him. When one librarian sees his fascination, he challenges Doug to attempt his own drawings. Doug is surprised to find a hidden artistic talent.
In addition to his weekly trips to the library, Doug passes time during his first summer in town delivering groceries for the little neighborhood store. He learns his way around town and meets many of the locals as he pulls his delivery wagon from one street to the next. All of his customers seem welcoming, until his brother is suspected in several recent criminal activities. His brother usually manages to mess things up where Doug is concerned.
Author Gary D. Schmidt continues the story he started in THE WEDNESDAY WARS here in OKAY FOR NOW, and multiple plot lines will keep readers interested. Doug struggles to steer clear of his abusive father, avoid his brother, stay out of trouble in school, and keep the secret of why he isn't successful in his classes. When Doug finds there are people who care and are willing to help him discover his potential, he finally begins to lose his cocky attitude and starts to blossom.
It's 1968, and Doug has just moved. He's not exactly crazy about making new friends and starting school somewhere new in the fall, but of course, he doesn't have any choice.
As usual, Doug's brother gets out of all the work of unpacking and settling-in chores. Their rental house leaves much to be desired, and Doug quickly nicknames it THE DUMP. His mother tries her best to make it comfortable, as everyone listens to his father complain about his new job and how no one appreciates his hard work.
Doug discovers the local library. But rather than the books, he is attracted to a collection of valuable Audubon prints. The birds amaze him. When one librarian sees his fascination, he challenges Doug to attempt his own drawings. Doug is surprised to find a hidden artistic talent.
In addition to his weekly trips to the library, Doug passes time during his first summer in town delivering groceries for the little neighborhood store. He learns his way around town and meets many of the locals as he pulls his delivery wagon from one street to the next. All of his customers seem welcoming, until his brother is suspected in several recent criminal activities. His brother usually manages to mess things up where Doug is concerned.
Author Gary D. Schmidt continues the story he started in THE WEDNESDAY WARS here in OKAY FOR NOW, and multiple plot lines will keep readers interested. Doug struggles to steer clear of his abusive father, avoid his brother, stay out of trouble in school, and keep the secret of why he isn't successful in his classes. When Doug finds there are people who care and are willing to help him discover his potential, he finally begins to lose his cocky attitude and starts to blossom.
Helpful Score: 1
What a great YA read. A wonderful little novel told from the perspective of a young man who is caught in a very interesting family. Although, I don't usually read YA, I like the break from my normal reads to take me out of my comfort zone and this took me out a little more because it was from the thoughts of a young boy on the verge of high school. I am definitely a typical female lead in a book reader.
Ok back to the review - I loved this read. The range of emotions from laughing, crying to utter shock, this book was deep yet not unrealistic. I could picture this family and everything that this young boy went through, I could see it happening. The writing was something to get used to, but I felt as though Doug was really speaking - not someone speaking for him.
I would only pass this book onto those who already read YA books, as this may be a little out of reach for readers who don't already read this genre.
Ok back to the review - I loved this read. The range of emotions from laughing, crying to utter shock, this book was deep yet not unrealistic. I could picture this family and everything that this young boy went through, I could see it happening. The writing was something to get used to, but I felt as though Doug was really speaking - not someone speaking for him.
I would only pass this book onto those who already read YA books, as this may be a little out of reach for readers who don't already read this genre.
