Okay for Now facts for kids
 |
|
| Author | Gary D. Schmidt |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Published | April 5, 2011 (Clarion Books) |
| Pages | 368 |
| ISBN | 978-0-547-15260-8 |
| Preceded by | The Wednesday Wars |
| Followed by | Just Like That |
Okay for Now is an enjoyable novel for young people written by Gary D. Schmidt. It was published in 2011. This story is a companion to Schmidt's earlier book, The Wednesday Wars. It features one of its supporting characters, Doug Swieteck. The book tells a powerful story about growing up and finding your way.
Contents
Discovering Doug's Journey
Douglas "Doug" Swieteck is a fourteen-year-old boy. The story takes place in 1968 on Long Island. This was during the Vietnam War. After Doug's dad loses his job, the Swieteck family moves. They go to a small town called Marysville, New York. Doug feels very out of place and unwelcome there.
A Special Book and New Skills
In Marysville, Doug finds something amazing at the local library. It's a huge book called The Birds of America. This book has incredible pictures drawn by John James Audubon. Doug is completely fascinated by one picture of a bird. He describes it as both terrifying and beautiful.
Doug starts to learn how to draw. He begins by copying Audubon's Arctic Tern. Mr. Powell, a librarian, helps him learn. Doug also meets a girl named Lillian "Lil" Spicer. He soon develops a crush on her. Lil's father owns a deli. He hires Doug as a delivery boy. This job helps Doug meet other people in Marysville.
Facing Challenges and Growing Stronger
Around Christmas, Doug's oldest brother, Lucas, comes home. He has permanent injuries from the Vietnam War. Doug helps him get used to life back home. As the story continues, Doug faces many challenges. These include a difficult home life, problems at school, and a friend's illness.
Doug learns to handle these issues with more maturity. He gains confidence through his drawing. His interactions with the people of Marysville also help him grow. The book shows how art and friendship can help someone through tough times.
Chapters Named After Birds
Each chapter in Okay for Now is named after a different picture. These pictures are from The Birds of America. They are called "plates." Here are some of the birds that give their names to the chapters:
-
The Arctic Tern, plate #250
-
The Red-Throated Diver, #202
-
The HornedLarge-Billed Puffin, #293
-
The Black-Backed Gull, #241
-
The Yellow Shank, #288
-
The Snowy Heron, #242
-
The Forked-Tailed Petrel, #260
-
The Brown Pelican, #251
-
The Great Esquimaux Curlew, #237
