About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler feels like their reputation precedes them or when they are struggling with a sense of worthlessness due to family circumstances. Doug Swieteck is a fourteen year old who has been labeled a loser and a delinquent before he even walks through the door of his new school in 1968. As he navigates a volatile home life, a learning disability, and the shadow of his brothers, he finds an unexpected lifeline in the local library through the art of John James Audubon. This is a powerful story about the way art, mentorship, and quiet kindness can rewrite a child's internal narrative. Through Doug's journey, Gary D. Schmidt explores the complexities of the Vietnam War era, the weight of family expectations, and the resilience of the human spirit. While the book deals with heavy themes including an abusive father and the physical and emotional scars of war, it is balanced by humor and a profound sense of hope. It is an ideal choice for parents looking to discuss integrity, the importance of seeing others as individuals, and the ways in which we can overcome even the most difficult beginnings.
