Okay for Now, Gary Schmidt. It is the 1960s and Doug Switeck's abusive dad informs the family they are moving to Marysville, upstate New York, because Ernie Eco can get him a job at the Ballard Paper Mill. Upon exploring the new small town, Doug finds his way to the Marysville Free Public Library where he lifts a card of the Arctic Tern, drawn by John James Audubon. He meets Lil, who gives him a cold Coke when she finds him sitting on the library steps waiting for it to open, not realizing it only opens on Saturdays. Lil's dad owns Spicer's Deli, and he gets a job delivering groceries to local customers. Between meeting his weekly customers and getting to know them, including Mrs. Windemere, and spending time with Mr. Powell, one of the librarians who helps him draw the Audubon paintings, he copes with living in "stupid" Marysville, while avoiding his drunk father and spiteful brother. One of his teachers, Mr. Ferris, realizes he can't read and connects him with another teacher, Mrs. Cowper, to quickly learn. As Doug spends more time at the library, he realizes several of Audubon's paintings are missing, being sold to various buyers to get out of debt. His quest is to get them back. Mr. Ballard, of the Ballard Paper Mill hosts an annual picnic, and with the hope of winning the Babe Ruth contest, Doug's father takes the family. While wandering over to the horseshoe pit, unknowingly, Doug meets Mr. Ballard himself, who takes him under his wing.
There is so much more to this fabulous story. It needs to be read to be appreciated and probably reread over and over. It is a National Book Award Finalist and well worth the honor. Pick up this book soon.
