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TL;DR: In 1968, Doug Swieteck moves with his family to Marysville, New York, and feels like a loser, with a violent father and a troubled brother back from Vietnam. He finds a friend in Lil Spicer and discovers Audubon's bird prints in the library. Through art, he finds a way to heal.
Table of Contents
Okay for Now at a Glance
| Author | Gary D. Schmidt |
| First published | 2011 |
| Type | Middle-grade historical fiction |
| Best for | children ages 11 to 14 who like warm, funny coming-of-age stories |
Okay for Now is a novel by Gary D. Schmidt, first published in 2011. The novel is a companion to The Wednesday Wars. It was a National Book Award finalist. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
Content note: Contains domestic abuse and a war injury.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
A new town
Doug moves.
The library
He discovers Audubon prints.
Lil
He befriends a girl.
Family
His father is violent.
Art
He learns to draw.
Change
The book ends with hope.
The Summary at a Glance
| Part | In one line |
|---|---|
| A new town | Doug moves. |
| The library | He discovers Audubon prints. |
| Lil | He befriends a girl. |
| Family | His father is violent. |
| Art | He learns to draw. |
| Change | The book ends with hope. |
5 Key Takeaways
- Art can heal.
- Friends help.
- A new place can be a new start.
- Kindness matters.
- Growing up is hard.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Doug's voice is funny.
- The Audubon prints are real.
- The war is in the background.
Who Should Read Okay for Now?
Read it with ages 11 to 14. It is warm.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Okay for Now:
- Which character did you understand best, and what did the author do to make you feel that way?
- Which scene would you change, and what would that do to the ending?
- What does the book say about its main theme that you agree or disagree with?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt (2011)
- Type: Middle-grade historical fiction
- Best for: children ages 11 to 14 who like warm, funny coming-of-age stories
- Main idea in one line: Art can heal.
Reading Time and Format
Novels differ a lot in length and pace, so check the page count of your edition before you start. If you prefer to listen, many public libraries lend audiobooks through free apps, and a narrated edition can suit a long novel well. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Okay for Now is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A simple way to get the most from it: first read the TL;DR and the takeaways to decide if the book fits your interests, then read the part-by-part section for the structure, and finally write down one idea you want to remember or one question you want answered by the full text.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Okay for Now, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
If you plan to read it, set aside a few evenings and read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a novel work or not. If you are still unsure, read a free sample or the first chapter, because the opening pages usually show whether the voice and subject suit you. Reviews from readers with tastes like yours can help too, but your own reaction to a few pages is the best test.
Check price of Okay for Now on Amazon
What to Read Next
- The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt: the companion
- Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt: another Schmidt novel
- Wonder by R. J. Palacio: a boy with a facial difference
Related: 15 Books Like Okay for Now You’ll Love · Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt: Summary and Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to read The Wednesday Wars first?
No.
Who is Doug Swieteck?
The narrator.
What age is it for?
Roughly 11 to 14.
Is Okay for Now worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for children ages 11 to 14 who like warm, funny coming-of-age stories. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading Okay for Now?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.
What are the main themes of Okay for Now?
Okay for Now returns again and again to a few big ideas. Art can heal. Friends help. A new place can be a new start. Kindness matters. Growing up is hard. The part-by-part summary above shows where each of these ideas appears in the story.