National Book Award Finalist [A] stealthily powerful, unexpectedly affirming story of discovering and rescuing one’s best self. —Booklist, starred reviewIn this companion novel to The Wednesday Wars, Doug struggles to be more than the skinny thug that some people think him to be. He finds an unlikely ally in Lil Spicer, who gives him the strength to endure an abusive father, the suspicions of a town, and the return of his oldest brother, forever scarred, from Vietnam. Schmidt expertly weaves multiple themes of loss and recovery in a story teeming with distinctive, unusual characters and invaluable lessons about love, creativity, and survival.
Acclaimed author Gary D. Schmidt expertly blends comedy and tragedy in the story of Doug Swieteck, a "teenage thug" first introduced in the Wednesday Wars, who finds consolation and a brighter future in friendship and art.
This is Schmidt's best novel yet—darker thanThe Wednesday Warsand written with more restraint, but with the same expert attention to voice, character and big ideas. —Kirkus Reviews,starred review
Reproductions of Audubon plates introduce each chapter in this stealthily powerful, unexpectedly affirming story of discovering and rescuing one’s best self, despite family pressure to do otherwise. —Booklist, starred review
Readers will miss Doug and his world when they’re done, and will feel richer for having experienced his engaging, tough, and endearing story. —School Library Journal, starred review
The book is exceptionally well written. Schmidt creates characters that will remain with the reader long after the book is done. Doug’s voice is unforgettable as he tries to help and protect his mom. . . .While there is much stacked against him, he is a character filled with hope that the reader cannot help bulƒg
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