I really liked this book even though there were some fair fetched plot elements (especially the apparent reformation of the bully father at the end). It has that great combination of humor and sweetness that seems to characterize Schmidt's writing. I would recommend Okay for Now for grades 6-9. To introduce it I would read aloud a section so students can hear Doug’s distinctive, rhythmic voice, that includes inventive euphemisms such as his description of his father's violence as "He has quick hands."
An aside: This is the third book that I have blogged about this quarter that includes a "bird" theme. A special woodpecker played an important role in this year's Printz winner Where Things Come Back. And then of course, my nonfiction blog was the story of the extinction of the Ivory-bill Woodpecker (Race to Save the Lord God Bird). I didn't plan it but it is true that one of my goals in retirement is to "read more poetry and watch more birds"!
5 comments:
Hey I just noted that I haven't yet blogged on this year's Printz winner, Where Things Come Back. Next week...
I wonder how many books *are* influenced by birds. It seems like characters dream of them or see them and remember it when they think of certain memories.
This book makes me think of a John Green novel. I personally still like a good coming of age novel even with all the sci fi dystopian novels out there.s
This sounds like a great book that students may relate to. I also like how it is the librarian who helps him see his artistic potentials.
Sounds like a good book to give to a child that may be dealing with an abusive parent. Especially so they can see sometimes "there is a light at the end of the tunnel." Since the dad reformation at the end.
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