Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt

Doug Swieteck is the youngest son in a family of three boys. His older brother Lucas is serving in Vietnam. Chris is two years older than Doug and is merciless in his torment of Doug. Doug’s father is verbally and emotionally abusive- a very selfish, emotionally needy father. Luckily, Doug’s mother is loving and supportive.
When Doug’s family is forced to move out of New York City to a small town, Marysville, when Doug’s dad loses his job, Doug detests everything about his new circumstances. Everybody knows everyone else’s business in Marysville!

Doug meets Lil Spicer. Her dad owns the local grocery and is in need of a delivery boy on Saturday mornings.

Will Doug be able to adjust to his new school? Can he survive the treatment by his physical education teacher recently back from Vietnam? Will Doug find other adults who can help him navigate school and life in Marysville?

Despite the treatment of Doug by his father, this is a heartwarming story which both girls and boys should enjoy.