OKAY FOR NOW by Gary D. Schmidt

Prezi presentation:
http://prezi.com/zm2icstuzlha/present/?auth_key=qwrvq16&follow=rwhfdb7s0fvt&kw=present-zm2icstuzlha&rc=ref-4295430

Bibliography: 

Schmidt, Gary D.  2011. OKAY FOR NOW. Indianapolis, IN: Clarion Books.  ISBN 9780547534176

Plot Summary: 

Doug is a fourteen year old boy who is struggling in his new town as he tries to make new friends, deals with difficulties at home, and people’s prejudgments of him and his family.   He finds a loyal friend in Lil, whom he meets at the local library.  It is at this same library that he is introduced to Audubon’s art.  The art drives the direction of each chapter as each new piece symbolizes different aspects of Doug’s life.  He learns about art which in turn teaching him about himself and life – all the ups and downs. 

During this historical fiction story, readers will get a glimpse of life in the late 60’s as such topics as the Vietnam War, the moon landing, popularity of John Wayne westerns, and the outrageous thought of an actor becoming president.  In the end, lessons are learned and many things are made right.  For those things in life that cannot be put back just how and where they belong, Doug finds a way to make them perfect in a new way and move on from there as a better person, no matter how flawed. 

Critical Analysis: 

Many research topics can come from this historical fiction story before, during, or after reading to help young readers learn more about the facts behind the story.  The author has each historical detail weaved in naturally so that the reader is drawn in without overwhelming them with details.  Readers will identify with Doug, the story’s main character, and root him on as this young boy struggles with the flaws surrounding him in his life.  They will also identify with the importance of standing up for what someone believes in as Doug gets to know himself, and makes choices based on the kind of person he wants to be.  The style of writing is interesting as the main character welcomes readers into his world and shares his story with them – talking directly to them most of the time.  Doug chooses to keep some things from the reader.  This is usually at times when he is choosing to be a better person than the role models he has around him.  These gaps in the story leave readers on the edge of their seat as they want to know what is really going on.  Masterfully written!

Weakness: 

Some young adult readers might not fully understand connects to the book and the art as each new art piece guides the chapters.  Their confusions could turn them off of this lengthy book.    

Reviews:  

·        2011 National Book Award Finalist

·        ALA-ALSC Children’s Notable Book

·        School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

·        YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults

·        School Library Journal: “Readers will miss Doug and his world when they’re done, and will feel richer for having experienced his engaging, tough, and endearing story.”

·        Booklist: “Reproductions of Audubon plates introduce each chapter in this stealthily powerful, unexpectedly affirming story of discovery and rescuing one’s best self, despite family pressure to do otherwise.”

·        Kirkus: “This is Schmidt’s best novel yet.” 

Connections:

Age Level:  10 and up
Reading Level:  6.0
Pages:  360
Genre:  Historical Fiction / Realistic Fiction 

·        Read Gary D. Schmidt’s previously written book, Wednesday Wars”

·        Watch YouTube video – Interview with Gary D. Schmidt discussing Okay For Now.

o   http://youtu.be/mtv3UOi9HNg

·        Study John James Audubon’s art as it is introduced in the book.