It’s been a long time since a book made me laugh out loud. How surprising that humor should come from a miserable eighth grader with a dysfunctional family.
Doug Swieteck has moved to a small town with his abusive father, bullying brother, and weak-willed mother. His only valuable possession is his Joe Pepitone baseball cap, which his brother swipes and ruins. Doug hates Marysville until two important events occur: a girl his age gets him a job in her father’s grocery store, and a kindly librarian introduces him to a set of James Audubon paintings.
His travails in Marysville lead Doug to understand why his gym teacher is so mean; why his brother is so cruel; why the lady on his grocery route is eccentric. It’s a world of mysteries in which Doug is constantly opening doors to pain or hilarity. One of the best moments, the one that made me laugh aloud, comes when Doug must substitute for his girlfriend in a theatre play whose audience includes the one person he idolizes.
Author Gary D. Schmidt writes with authority about the plight of children in a world of hurtful events. Doug rises above his circumstances by believing in himself and proving to doubters that he is a good person with something to contribute to the town’s culture.
Okay for Now is my second Gary Schmidt book. It won’t be my last, because he writes not just for kids, but for adults who may have forgotten what it’s like to be young, inexperienced, and confused. If you have kids, introduce them to this extraordinary writer—especially if they think that reading is a waste of time.
Featured by Chevron Ross
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Weapons of Remorse The Seven-Day Resurrection The Samaritan’s Patient
