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Liked It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “I absolutely adored this story and I hung on every word of the audiobook. Doug’s demeanor might seem rough around the edges at first, but following Doug through his trials in this book is quite a dynamic endeavor. I feel like there is something for everyone in this story. Doug loves NY Yankees...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
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“Doug is an 8th grader moving from New York city to a small town north of the city. His father is abusive, his oldest brother in Viet Nam and another brother is a real jerk. But in spite of this, Doug manages to discover a talent for art and to remain true to who he wants to be.
Lynda wrote this review 2 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
This is an engrossing story with laughter and tears on almost every page and gave me anew appreciation for Audubon's artwork. The characters are believable and mostly stay in character although the end could be considered a little sappy. On the other hand, I like the way everything is "wrapped up" for a satisfactory ending. It could have gone a whole other way. ”“I recommend this book. It is good because it teaches you that you may change. It also teaches you not to judge people. By Nick”
Grade Six wrote this review 2 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Juvenile fiction, but well-crafted and insightful enough into the trauma of being a teen that adults can enjoy the book as well. Poignant humor and interesting characters too!”
Judy F wrote this review 3 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“What is it like to have a brother in the service that finally comes home changed? Now add moving to a small town to the mix. ”
Mrs. Biggs wrote this review 8 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I would probably give it more like 4.5 stars. I liked this book for a completely different reason that I liked Wednesday Wars. It was a completely different feel. Much more serious content vs. Wednesday Wars. Though I was a little annoyed by Doug at the beginning of the book, I wanted to hug him and bring him home by the end of the book. What a great sequel.”
Sara W wrote this review 11 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This is a beautiful young adult novel. I am impressed with Gary Schmidt's writing style and the poetry behind his words. His characters are full of real emotion. Although they are written quite subtly, some parts are hard to read but that is a good thing, a sign of a brilliant author. I would highly recommend this book. It was our latest book club book and it was a winner. Doug is a special young man and although he was around some adults that were not worthy of him, there were many who saw who he truly was and helped him along his journey. ”
Mrs. Guthrie wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Doug Swieteck makes his second appearance in Gary D. Schmidt’s novels. We first met Doug when he played a friend of Holling Hoodhood in the Wednesday Wars. This time around Doug will be leaving Camillo Jr. High School in Long Island, New York to head to a small town in the Catskills. When Doug’s dad loses his job, the family is forced to move to a small and boring town in upstate New York. No one is happy when they arrive at the “dump”. The town is small, there is nothing to do and most importantly for Doug the library only opens on Saturdays. Doug’s attitude doesn’t let up, but he starts to find himself being “okay”. He gets a job as a delivery boy at the local general store and befriends Mr. Powell at the local library. Doug becomes fascinated with Audubon’s Book of Birds and finds himself sketching and enjoying the company of these birds. This book takes place during the Vietnam War and we witness the raw feelings that the Swieteck family has when they pick up Doug’s older brother at Port Authority. Another classic that should be a part of any teenagers collection.
Karen Prespa wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Age Group: HIgh School
Teacher Connections:
History: Vietnam War
Art: Audubon's Book of Birds
Literacy: symbolism, character development”“I absolutely loved this book! It is filled with incredible heart and humor. ”
Ko's Booklist wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“starts off difficult but enjoyment grows as Doug grows”
Jennifer M wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Doug Switeck is 14, starting 8th grade, and new to "stupid Marysville." His father is neglectful and occasionally abusive. Of his two brothers, one is in trouble with the law, and the other is a soldier in Vietnam. He moves to Marysville with a chip on his shoulder and anger in his heart, but slowly, with the help of a librarian and a few dedicated teachers, and the community of Marysville that he comes to know and love he turns his life around so that everything is "okay for now."
NPMS Librarian wrote this review Thursday, April 25, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
When Doug discovers that a beloved book of Audubon bird prints is being dismantled to raise money, he sets off on a mission to return the prints to the book. The paintings of the birds and Doug's mission to restore wholeness becomes a metaphor for the entire story, which is reflected in how Doug describes what's going on around him and the chapters of the book which are named after the different prints.
What makes this book stand out is the way that the characters come together. Although Doug gets help from supportive adults, it is up to him to change his life and he is the impetus for change.
Although the reading level is 5th or 6th grade, the way the story comes together makes it suitable for 6-8th. I highly recommend it. ”
