Okay for Now

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What is the influence of art on individuals in society? How can art be a helpful form of therapy?

Teaching Suggestion: Doug, the novel’s protagonist, moves to Marysville, New York, after his abusive father loses his job. Doug learns to cope with his new surroundings when Mr. Powell, the librarian, suggests that Doug attempt to draw copies of pictures from Audubon’s drawings in the library. Consider using these or similar resources to help students explore the benefits of art in healing emotional trauma:

• This article explores how art is used therapeutically for emotional trauma.
• This 4-minute video describes the benefits of art therapy.

Short Activity

Audubon’s drawings parallel Doug’s feelings in the novel. Look at the pictures and consider the emotions Doug may feel when looking at these images.

Teaching Suggestion: Doug is distressed when he learns Audubon’s drawings are being sold off to buyers one-by-one. Doug often sees his own feelings reflected in the drawings of Audubon’s birds. Consider exploring the Audubon renderings referenced in the novel and predicting what emotions Doug feels when he sees the drawings. One way to complete this activity is to hang pictures of the birds and complete a gallery walk where students can take turns looking at the photos in small groups and record their personal thoughts of the drawings on a large chart or paper near the drawing. Consider keeping the Audubon pictures hung to refer to as Doug encounters them in the novel.

• Arctic Tern
• The Red-Throated Diver
• The Large-Billed Puffin
• The Black-Backed Gull
• The Yellow Shank
• The Snowy Heron
• The Fork-Tailed Petrel
• The Brown Pelican
• The Esquimaux Curlew

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the novel.

Consider a time when you were unjustly judged or mistreated for the actions of others or for factors beyond your control. How did you respond to the situation? Why might individuals make snap judgments about people based on their clothing, family, or other factors? What would you advise someone to do in a situation where they felt misjudged?

Teaching Suggestion: Doug is often ostracized and judged based on his family’s socioeconomic status, his clothing, his family’s actions, and his demeanor. Consider discussing judgments, why people make snap judgments, and how those judgments can unjustly isolate individuals.

Differentiation Suggestion: Alternatively, students who struggle to respond to this prompt, students who demonstrate interpersonal intelligence, and/or students who may prefer a task with an increased level of complexity may find it beneficial to research stereotypes, why the brain develops stereotypes, and how society can address stereotypes to make changes. Consider asking students to create a slideshow presentation to share with peers when they have finished their research.