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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
Sweet, innocent, yet compelling; this book is a great coming of age story set during the tumultuous years of the Vietnam War.
This was a sweet utterly charming, if slightly forgettable, coming of age story which felt like a cross between [b:Spud|701937|Spud (Spud, #1)|John van de Ruit|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1346079654s/701937.jpg|1600810] and Boy meets World.
The story is set in the late 60’s following Holling Hoodhood as he experiences the trials and tribulations of junior high, the Vietnam war and his dysfunctional functional family.
The writing was light, humorous even if some elements were repeated too much (anyone that mention the words “cream puffs” to me is going to earn a slap) with an ending that’s a little to perfectly wrapped up but other than that it was an enjoyable use of my reading time.
The story is set in the late 60’s following Holling Hoodhood as he experiences the trials and tribulations of junior high, the Vietnam war and his dysfunctional functional family.
The writing was light, humorous even if some elements were repeated too much (anyone that mention the words “cream puffs” to me is going to earn a slap) with an ending that’s a little to perfectly wrapped up but other than that it was an enjoyable use of my reading time.
I read this to see if it might work for our 7th graders to help introduce them to Shakespeare. I loved it!
Second time through. My 12 year old daughter finally got into and loved it. The Wednesday Wars always inspires me to revisit Shakespeare.
Gary d. Schmidt is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!
Holling Hoodhood has a problem - he has to spend his Wednesday afternoons at school alone with his teacher Mrs. Baker while the rest of is class has religious instruction. And he thinks that Mrs. Baker hates him.
We learn about the life of a 7th grader in the school year 1967/68, who has to read Shakespeare every Wednesday. But it's not only about the time he is forced to spend with his teacher, it's about family, friendship, finding yourself.
A well written book that gave you a lot of insight in the life of a boy at that time, in how the Vietnam war might have affected people. And it is about Shakespeare, it actually makes me want to read more Shakespeare the way the plays are introduced and talked about. Each play teaches Holling something, helps him to grow into who he is, but it's done in such an entertaining way that it makes me want to pick up the plays and read them myself.
Definitely a book worth reading
We learn about the life of a 7th grader in the school year 1967/68, who has to read Shakespeare every Wednesday. But it's not only about the time he is forced to spend with his teacher, it's about family, friendship, finding yourself.
A well written book that gave you a lot of insight in the life of a boy at that time, in how the Vietnam war might have affected people. And it is about Shakespeare, it actually makes me want to read more Shakespeare the way the plays are introduced and talked about. Each play teaches Holling something, helps him to grow into who he is, but it's done in such an entertaining way that it makes me want to pick up the plays and read them myself.
Definitely a book worth reading
Loved this book! Even got John to listen to it on CD. A little high for grade schoolers, but definitely a great read for middle school and older.
This book kept surprising me, not in a mystery-book kind of way, but in quiet, subtle movements. It begins as a story about a boy in junior high and Schmidt does such a wonderful job of expanding the story slowly here, slowly there. A truly beautiful book worthy of the Newbery Honor Medal.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Another absolutely delightful children’s novel. I feel like I just smiled my way through this whole book. Our young protagonist is struggling with the highs and lows of middle school, family issues, and navigating life. He works his way through a lot of difficulty and finds himself a little bit more confident and stronger on the other side. It’s a beautiful story and I highly recommend for kids 5-6 grade on up.