Doug Swietek, the bully from The Wednesday Wars, is back in his own book. In 1968, the Swieteks move from Long Island to Marysville, in upstate New York, where his abusive, unemployed dad finds work. The small town is a different world from the suburbs he is used to. Doug, who we previously have seen through the eyes of Holling Hoodhood, turns out to be a lot deeper, talented, and kinder than we initially would think. His oldest brother is returning from Vietnam, and his middle brother is a blossoming juvenile delinquent making himself quickly known to the police. Doug is offered a job delivering groceries around town for Spicer’s Deli, and he soon meets people, including a sassy girl his age, named Lil Spicer, who just happens to be his boss’s daughter. Doug begins visiting the library, where he is mesmerized by the intricate lifelike prints in Audubon’s Birds of America. The kindly librarian, Mr. Powell helps Doug to explore his artistic abilities, by allowing him to sketch copies of the prints. Each chapter in the book starts with a copy of a print from the book. When the kids learn that the town is selling off the valuable Audubon prints one by one to raise money, they set out to recover them. In between, they audition for a Broadway show, win a contest, welcome home Doug’s brother, and build a lasting friendship. This book offers a great snapshot of small town American life in the late 1960s. It also is a wonderful story of friendship and family. The Newbery Honor winning companion book The Wednesday Wars is one of my favorites, and I am so glad the story continues here, with Doug. ~Alexa Newman, Youth Services Librarian

Schmidt's novel is an intriguing insight into Doug's life in a family that is the definition of dysfunctional against the background of the late 1960s. Doug's voice is extremely distinctive and images from Audubon's book are interwoven with the narrative to great effect. The exploration of Doug's character is a fascinating one. My only complaint is that some of plot elements that came out towards the end of the novel were a little to easy. Overall, however, the book was a great journey to watch Doug grow up.

This book was just wonderful. I found myself engrossed from the beginning. Schmidt's style is one that speaks to me; rather than just reading the story, you feel it. From start to finish, I loved the writing and the plot. One of the best books I've read recently.

To my mind Gary Schmidt presents worlds that are full of decent people and not so decent people who have reasons for their weirdnesses. Worlds that you either wish you lived in or believe you already live in. There’s nothing easy about this particular Schmidt story. At the same time, it’s incredibly readable and fun. I credit Doug’s voice. There’s much to be said about a hero who can be a complete and total “Lucas” at times and yet still appeal to you. This is historical fiction that surpasses the usual trappings of the genre to become universal. Definitely one of the best books of its year. Catch it and catch it quick.

I really enjoyed this book and found myself identifying so easily with the characters. Doug Swietek moves with his family to a small town after his louse of a Father loses his job. Many themes from the 60's here, the Vietnam war, Space race. Through it all, Doug develops friendships and support system in the town both in and outside of school that help to shape him as a person.

I listened to this on playaway, and was enthralled from the first chapter. The narrator perfectly captured the voice and attitude of a 13 year old boy struggling with teen-boy issues during late 1960's upstate New York. Throw in fascinating details about James Audubon, the first moon landing, and the New York Yankies - I would highly recommend this one!

Schmidt does a beautiful job with the crafting of this story, weaving in Audubon's prints within the literal and metaphorical pieces. Language he uses to describe what life is like and what characters, especially Doug, think is wonderful. Change occurs in many characters over the course of the book and most of it is believable. Difficult issues are dealt with and there is humor--a nice balance. I think this book would appeal to many different readers for a variety of reasons. You don't have to like baseball to appreciate this book!

What would you do if you were 14 and had to move to a new town because your abusive father lost his job? For Doug Swieteck, this is exactly what happens. He has no friends and a trouble-making older brother who never misses a chance to make his life miserable. To make matters worse (you wouldn’t think that would be possible!) his brother steals the only thing Doug has ever owned that wasn’t owned by another Swieteck before him; a baseball cap given to him by Yankee’s great Joe Pepitone! With the help of his new friend, Lil, and the staff of the local library, Doug begins the journey of discovering who he is and what possibilities await him.

NYTimes Notable Children's book for 2011

I'm not usually a disappointed reader. It's hard, though, to be introduced to a great writer and nearly simultaneously experience his failure. What wonderfully realized characters! What a complex, multi-dimensional disfuntional family! What brave writing! and then...why does the major nemesis have an unexplained change of heart? Why do so many troubled people find healing at the same time? And why does the ingenue have to come down with a UTD (Ultimate Tragic Disease)? Does the author have too many editors breathing down his neck, or what?