A young adult book that doesn't have to be. In fact, it's too bad fewer people will probably read this at my library simply because it got classified as YA. So, READ THIS BOOK! Then give it to a teen boy in your life. I'm not a teen boy, so I can't guarantee they'll like it, but it's worth a shot. 
 The story's about an eighth grader, Doug, in 1969. His father's a drinker and abusive. His mother's a saint (or so it would seem from Doug's perspective). His oldest brother comes home from Vietnam. His next older brother is considered a hoodlum in the new town where they move after their father loses his job. Doug has a hard time fitting in because of his attitude and his family's ups and downs. For everything, though, Doug's loyal to his family. And he slowly finds his way in this new place. 
 Schmidt uses plates from Audubon's Birds of America as a touchstone for Doug's experiences and understanding. Very well done.